A Brighter Flame: A Novel by Christine Nolfi

Author:Christine Nolfi [Nolfi, Christine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2022-09-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

The stadium teemed with fans.

From their bird’s-eye view in the upper deck, they cheered as the Phillies picked up an early lead on the Milwaukee Brewers. Booker was a marvel to watch, throwing fastballs that made the fans roar. Each time he strode to the pitcher’s mound, Blythe’s loving gaze clung to him.

The display of emotion was both touching and pitiful. Touching, because the affection Blythe made no effort to hide sent hope surging through Vale. Such deep and tangible affection held the promise of new beginnings. Surely it was easier to convince a woman still in love with her husband to save their marriage.

Yet the display of emotion was also pitiful. Why consider leaving a man you adored? Only a woman burdened with guilt would do so.

Finishing her hot dog, Vale cast her sister a quick glance. “What’s he like in real life?”

“Booker? He’s quiet, mostly. He loves camping and backpacking, although we don’t get much chance. Only during the off-season. Booker is levelheaded. Focused. Like most pro athletes, he keeps a rigorous schedule. When to eat, sleep, exercise.”

“Sounds like more self-control than the average mortal can handle.”

“He enjoys every minute of it.”

“What about the celebrity? Has it gone to his head?”

“Oh, Booker loves the fans. Being the center of attention and doing interviews . . . not so much. He does enjoy the charity work, knowing his fame benefits worthy causes. Especially the charities for childhood literacy and cancer research.”

“Do you like his family?” Vale knew little about his private life.

“They’re great—down-to-earth. For six generations, his family has farmed a large tract of land outside Des Moines. Booker calls his parents nearly every day. His brother too. Short phone calls, but he likes to stay in touch. They’re all very close.”

“How did you meet?”

Blythe placed her untouched hot dog on her lap. “Literally by accident, on Forbidden Drive. I’d just taken up jogging. Hauling my butt out of bed at dawn every day. Which is laudable, I suppose.”

“Every day? Talk about going overboard. Aren’t you supposed to ease into a new workout routine?”

Blythe shrugged. “When you need to peel off ten pounds, you want quick results. Except that by the end of the third week, I was hitting the trail on fumes. Half-asleep, totally in the zone. Totally not paying attention. I came around a bend too fast and ran smack into Booker.”

Charmed by the tale, Vale laughed. “Talk about a memorable first meeting.” With effort, she pulled her attention off her sister’s forgotten hot dog. Her stomach rumbled in protest. “Then what happened?”

“After he scraped me up off the pavement?” Catching Vale’s hungry appraisal, Blythe handed over the hot dog. “I was stumbling through an apology when Booker asked me out.”

On the pitcher’s mound, Booker went into his windup. He launched a curveball. The batter swung hard, missed. Striking out, he flung the bat aside. Vale and Blythe surged to their feet. They joined the crowd in raucous cheering.

They sat back down, and Blythe resumed the story.

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