MLB Imagines

[...Jeremy Peña...] - A Striking Encounter

Jeremy Peña - "A Striking Encounter"

Y/N's POV

I've always had a soft spot for baseball, and my admiration for Jeremy Peña had turned into a full-blown obsession. He was everything I loved about the game: talent, charisma, and a drive that set him apart. But working as a hostess at Main Event meant my world revolved around birthday parties and corporate events, not home runs and stolen bases.

That day started like any other. The usual crowd of kids, parents, and office workers filled the lobby, while I stood by the podium, checking names and guiding guests to their tables. It was a bit quieter than usual, so I spent some time daydreaming about my favorite shortstop.

"Y/N, can you come here for a moment?" My manager's voice broke through my reverie.

I turned to find him by the entrance, looking slightly flustered. "Sure, what's up?"

"Look who just walked in," he said, nodding toward the entrance.

I turned around, and my heart nearly stopped. Jeremy Peña was standing there, casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, his presence somehow larger than life. He was with a few teammates, all laughing and chatting. I blinked, trying to process that this wasn't some elaborate dream.

"Are you okay?" my manager asked, noticing my wide eyes.

"Uh, yeah, just—um, I'll handle it," I stammered, walking over to them with an enthusiasm I could barely contain.

"Welcome to Main Event! Do you have a reservation?" I managed to ask, trying to sound professional despite my racing heartbeat.

Jeremy looked at me with a warm smile. "Hey, yeah, we're just here for some fun. No reservation, though."

I nodded quickly, trying to steady my nerves. "No problem! I can find you a table. How many are in your party?"

"Five," Jeremy replied, still smiling. "And thanks for fitting us in."

I led them to a table in a quieter corner, my mind buzzing with excitement. The other guests didn't seem to recognize them, which gave me a rare opportunity to interact without a crowd of autograph-seekers.

"So, you're a baseball fan, huh?" Jeremy asked as we sat down.

My heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I've followed your career since college. I'm Y/N, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Y/N," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Jeremy, and these are my teammates: Alex, Luis, and Javier."

I shook his hand, trying not to let my nerves get the better of me. "It's great to meet you all. Can I get you anything to start with? Drinks, appetizers?"

"Sure, a round of drinks would be great," Alex said. "And maybe some nachos?"

I jotted down their order and headed to the bar. My co-workers were buzzing with curiosity, but I kept my focus on the task at hand, trying to stay calm.

When I returned, Jeremy was chatting animatedly about his recent games, and the atmosphere around their table was relaxed. I couldn't help but overhear snippets of their conversation about the season and their upcoming games.

I set down the drinks and the nachos, my heart racing with every second I spent in their company. "I hope everything's okay. If you need anything else, just let me know."

"Actually," Jeremy said, glancing up at me with a playful grin, "you seem to know a lot about baseball. Do you follow the minor leagues, too?"

"Definitely," I said, my excitement making me forget my usual reserved nature. "I've been keeping track of player stats and game highlights for years."

"That's impressive!" Javier said. "Most people just watch the games."

"Well," I said, feeling more confident, "baseball's more than just a game to me. It's a part of who I am."

Jeremy looked at me thoughtfully. "That's really cool. It's always nice to meet a fan who's genuinely passionate about the sport."

The conversation flowed easily after that. I found myself laughing and sharing stories about my favorite games and players. It was surreal talking about baseball with someone who played at the highest level.

As they were finishing up their meal, Jeremy caught my eye and smiled. "Hey, Y/N. I'm heading out for a bit. Do you want to join us for a quick game of bowling? It's on us, of course."

I was stunned. "Really? That would be amazing, but I'm not sure..."

"You've done such a great job tonight," Jeremy said, his eyes twinkling. "Come on, it'll be fun."

My manager, who had been observing from a distance, gave me a nod of approval. "Go ahead, Y/N. Just make sure you're back in time for the evening shift."

I thanked him and turned back to Jeremy and his friends. "Okay, let's go!"

The bowling alley was just as lively as the main event floor, but the company made it special. We played several rounds, and the atmosphere was relaxed and full of laughter. Jeremy had a surprising talent for bowling, and I found myself enjoying every moment, from the strikes to the friendly banter.

By the end of the evening, I was reluctant to leave but grateful for the unexpected experience. As we said our goodbyes, Jeremy pulled me aside.

"Y/N, it was really great talking with you. Maybe we could catch a game sometime?" he asked, his smile sincere.

I was still in awe. "I'd love that, Jeremy. Thanks for everything tonight."

With a final wave, they headed out, and I watched them go, feeling like I'd just lived out a dream. The night was far from ordinary, and the memory of it would stay with me for a long time. I couldn't wait to tell my friends about it—after all, it's not every day you get to hang out with your baseball hero.

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