After a trade from Boston to Los Angeles, Frank Adler would seem to have it all. Money, women, An amazing Niece, yes Frank should have it all,
Except for one thing.
One thing that left after a mistake five years ago.
Los Angeles should be the cha...
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The bus ride from Camden Yards to the hotel is a quiet one. Frank sat next to Johnny, who was almost deathly still. He never said a word as he walked off, the Boston players running onto the field. The locker room was quiet, showers and dressing done without a word to each other. They gathered their belongings, made sure the uniforms were placed in the bins for the support staff to clean and walked onto the bus.
The Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, walked to the front after the team had pulled into the hotel. "Men, we'll have a debrief in the morning. This is just how the game goes. I don't blame anyone, and you shouldn't either. They just had magic tonight. Get some sleep. We'll meet at 9 AM and the flight is at noon."
Dave patted each player as they exited. Their families were waiting for them, lined in their gear, solemn and quiet. Frank sees Abby and Katie standing together, Mary in Scott's arms, Marco wrapped around Susie. Frank blocks Johnny's exit, allowing the rest of the team to exit. "You know it wasn't your fault."
"I know."
"Do you? Torch, Turner is a beast at bat. There was a 50/50 chance he was going to connect. It could have been anyone."
"But it was me. I let the team down, the city down, fuck, even my girlfriend and family."
"Johnny, no one is going to see it that way."
Johnny leaned back against his seat. "I knew going for my heater was a bad idea. But he missed it the first time. "
"You can't beat yourself up with what ifs. Let's get you to your girl and she can give you sympathy sex. It's better than victory sex sometimes." Frank got up and got off the bus.
"Hey Frank," he turned back to Johnny. "Thanks."
"It's what best friends are for." Frank climbed down and Mary immediately ran into his arms. He held her tight as he felt her cry a little bit. "You ok Nugget?"
Mary leaned back. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
Frank shrugged. "Probably but I think he needs this hug more than me." He looked back at Johnny who was just now getting off the bus. Mary ran to him and jumped up for a hug. Johnny's reaction time was quick as he dropped his bag in time to catch her. Frank walked over to Abby and Katie.
"Is he ok?" Katie's lower lip trembled.
"He'll be ok. Just needs some time and a few hugs." Frank kissed her cheek. "Take care of him."
She nodded and walked over to Johnny and Mary. Frank turned back to his wife. "I'm sorry I couldn't bring the trophy home like i promised."
Abby shrugged. "Guess you'll have to make it up to me another way." She reached up on her tiptoes. "I am so unbelievably proud of you Frank Adler. You played your best and that's all that matters." She kissed him softly as he wrapped his arms around her.
