Jake sensed someone’s gaze and looked up to see Kai Fisher standing near the corner of the lodge. He waved; she raised a ski pole in acknowledgement, then disappeared around the edge of the building where the locker room was located. He assumed she would rack her skis and join him.
While waiting Jake saw a skier go airborne off a rock on the left side of the lift, dropping the ten or so feet into steep powder snow, then ski away in perfect form.
“Hi, Jake,” said Kai in greeting. “I’m glad you let me know you were coming up.”
“I ski whenever I can, Kai.”
He rose and they shared a robust hug before he pulled out a chair next to him.
“It’s been a while,” she said, then took a sip of whatever lidded hot drink she brought with her.
“Sure has.”
“Bill is doing well?”
“Right on schedule.”
“That is wonderful news! Please tell me all about Glendale and your training camp,” she requested with a smile. “It won’t be long now before I can start traveling and then I’m heading south. I plan to take in a few Dodger games. I’ll be cheering for the other team!”
Jake cracked up laughing.
“Yeah right!”
Megan ordered pizza while Bill drove. She wanted heavy veggies on one half, and he asked for Canadian bacon and pineapple for the other side.
“Well? Do you get to pitch?”
Bill gave her a big smile. “My new contract says they can give me two weeks’ notice of waiver if I can’t do my job. That is good enough for now!”
“Bill, that is great news. Do you have any idea when you will be pitching?”
“I pitch an exhibition game, in ten days.”
She looked over to find him grinning.
“I’m happy for you, Bill! Which reminds me. Eric Hall made it as a pitcher for his Little League team. His Mom said he has really improved. You know he wants to be just like you.”
“Kids got great taste.”
“Yeah, but let’s hope he doesn’t get your ego.”
Bill laughed. “Very funny, Megan. Please tell them hi for me, you shrimp!”
“Call me that one more time and you won’t get pizza tonight, or anything else for that matter.” Megan gave him a scrunched nose face before she laughed. “I’ll let them know you’re pitching. Eric will be pleased. Do you know if it will be televised?”
Bill laughed. All Dodger games were televised. “It will be on ESPN. I’ll text you the information and time if you want to pass it on to Eric.”
“I will. How is Natalie doing?”
“She’s good! Says the homework’s not too hard. And she went shopping with her mom and now she wants a new iPad and a new phone.”
“Sounds like a teen,” remarked Megan with a smile.
At the house they pulled out plates and beer bottles and then checked out the online movies while waiting on the delivery guy.
“What do you think? It’s Complicated or Love Actually.”
“Really? Those are my choices?” asked Bill.
“I could go for Titanic or The Notebook.”
Bill rolled his eyes.
They looked at trailers for the movies and when the pizza arrived Megan choose “It’s Complicated”.
“Fine, but there has to be a Sports Illustrated around here somewhere.”
“Grab a blanket. I’ll make you forget all about your stupid magazines.”
They ate and Bill found the movie funny and the company even better.
When the credits started Bill reached over and clicked off the television set.
“That was a great movie,” said Megan.
“It was okay.” His comment earned an elbow in the ribs.
“Thanks for visiting the kids today. That was so awesome!”
“It was my pleasure. Maybe when the season is over, I can do more, maybe raise some money or volunteer. I don’t know. Something. I know I can raise money.
“What would you like to do now?” he asked.
She took his hand in hers and looked him in the eyes. “Are you seeing anyone in LA?”
“No, I’m not dating anyone except you, Megan.”
“Then would you mind if I stay here tonight?”