Let’s go, Buck!

“Next Batter!” the umpire yells out. This man takes his job way too seriously for a rec softball league. Unless he makes the wrong call, then we will give him hell for not knowing where the strike zone lies. 

Dust fills the air before me and my feet tower over piles of cracked sunflower seeds, while cleats click their way through the dugout. The sun beats down on our already bronzed skin, while sweat drips from every inch of my body and I feel all my 25 years. 

My parents died my senior year of high school. My two older sisters were married and on their own, so I moved in with Bob, my best friend. His parents, Bam and Bamp, became my caregivers and were family to me. 

“Hey Buck,” Bob joins me at the fence while we wait for our turn to hit, “When you gonna get a lady of your own to cheer for you from the stands?”

Bob waves and nods his ball cap at his wife, Sue. She sits in the stands with a sundress and large sunglasses like the other wives and girlfriends.

“I don’t know. I just want to enjoy my summer right now. Work picks up in a month again anyway.”

“Yeah, always teaching other people’s kids. Don’t you want one of your own, one day?”

“He’s right,” a voice interjects behind us, “Bill, you need a wife. You’re not gettin’ any younger. Give Bam and I some grandchildren so I can watch their ball games. I love to watch you pitch and you’re the best, but it would be fun to see little ones play again.”

Bamp and Bob start going back and forth. Teasing me about how all I do is work, and I’m afraid of women. Bob reminds me of the time I totally struck out with a fine lady at his wedding. I grab my bat and head out for practice swings, I’m up next and while they joke about women, I’m going to hone in on my skills. 

“Let’s go Buck!” Sue yells out from the crowd. Bob did find a good one, Sue takes good care of the both of us. I turn around to give Sue a gentle nod when I see a woman walking up to join her. The sun shines right behind her, and complements her light yellow blouse. She’s radiating, but unfamiliar.

She’s gotta be new to town. A woman like that doesn’t walk around without turning heads. 

“Buck, step up to the plate, let’s go. I want to make it home for dinner tonight!” Bob yells from the dugout. 

I nod at Sue and the woman sitting next to her. Don’t mess this one up, Buck, get a hit and close this game out. The pitcher agrees on a pitch with the catcher, I grip my bat tighter and narrow my eyes.

The ball goes flying in the air faster than the pitch given and I’m off tapping every base. I look back to the stands and see all the women standing, cheering. Feels good to rile up a crowd. But more importantly, she is standing and cheering, with a smile on her face so bright I can see it from here. 

Who is she?

As I round third, my body launches into the group of men at the home plate. My RBI ends the tie and we can finally head home. Another win. Another blistering hot summer day.

*****

“Hey Bill!” Bamp yells out as I put my bag in the trunk of my car. The parking lot is empty as we’re the last ones here to clean up the field. I wish I could skip out early like the other guys, but Bamp always says we will get out of the community what we put into it, including the quality of the softball fields.

“Bamp, what’s up? I forget something at the field?”

“Bill, I’m going to fire up the grill tomorrow.”

“Great, I’ll bring beer.”

“No, I want you to bring a date.”

“A date? Who?”

“The fine lady who’s new to town. I met her today with Sue and Bob. Call her up and invite her over. Everyone is coming.”

“I don’t even know her name? She doesn’t know me.”

“Alice,” he says as he starts walking away toward his car, “She’s a good one, trust me. Bob has her number. See you tomorrow.”

He pats my bat and is off to his car before I can object. That woman is so out of my league, why are they setting me up for failure?

*****

I make myself comfortable on my corduroy couch after dinner. Upon returning home, I had 2 messages from Bob and Sue; one with Alice’s number and the other was Bob heckling me to not chicken out and he would see me at the BBQ tomorrow. This is too much pressure. What if she says no and I show up alone? That’s even worse. 

The cool breeze from the fridge gives me a chill down my back as I reach for a beer. Nothing a little liquid courage couldn’t help as I pace my tiny kitchen practicing what I’m going to say. 

*Ring ring*

My body jumps at the sudden ring that snaps me out of my rehearsal. 

“This is Bill”

“Buck!” Bob is yelling, “Did you call already?”

“No, Bob, I’ve had to get things done around the apartment first.”

“Buck, do it already. This is not a woman you want to miss out on. I’m calling back in 10 minutes and if you don’t have an answer, I’m coming over and making you do it myself.”

We end our call and I grab the ripped corner of the newspaper that holds Alice’s number. Here goes nothing. 

The phone rings about six times and I think I might luck out and she won’t answer, when my hope is interrupted with the sweetest voice. 

“Hello!” It's cheerful, warm, and bubbly. Sends me right back to seeing her in the stands with that bright big smile of hers today, “Hello? Anyone there?”

Shoot. Snap into it Buck.

“Hi, uh, is this, is this Alice?”

“Yes, who’s this?”

“Bill. Bill Buckley. I’m a friend of Bob and Sue’s.”

“Oh, yes. I know who you are.”

“You do?”

She does? What does she know?  This is why I don’t do this. Women terrify me, and my god this woman is confident.

“Bill, I may be new to town, but I know how to find my way around,” her voice is coy, mysterious. She knows what she’s doing here. 

“Oh, well, I wanted to call and ask if you would like to join my family and friends for a BBQ tomorrow?”

There is a pause. It’s too long. Oh brother, I shouldn’t have done this. 

“Sure. What time will you pick me up?”

“What?” shocked that she’s agreed. 

“You’re going to pick me up, right?”

“Oh yes, YES!” My voice spikes, and I tell myself to cool it. “I’ll pick you up at 3.”

“Great, see you tomorrow, Bill Buckley.”

“Bye Alice.”

I look down and see a hint of moisture on the newspaper article, and run my thumb across my sweaty palms. Dang Buck, I didn’t realize this woman made you so nervous. 

*****

This is my fifth time circling the neighborhood next to Alice’s. I’ve arrived far too early out of fear of being late. My watch is moving slow, but my heart is pacing fast. 

As 2:55 hits, I pull into her driveway and make sure I have a good song lined up to play. Growing up I watched the way my dad would look at my mom as they drove us around town playing music. Her hair in the wind, belting out songs at the top of their lungs. 

I wipe my hands on my shorts and smooth out my shirt. With a few deep breaths I finally start making my way to the door. When I look up I see the curtains on the front window quickly close. Someone was watching me. Great. 

Knock knock.

The seconds feel like hours, waiting for Alice to open the door, but the wait was worth it. 

“Hey!” Her warm voice is accompanied by a cheerful smile and paired with a soft blue sundress. She tilts her head just slightly as she looks me up and down, “Well, should we go?”

“Yes, yes! Let’s go.”

After opening the door for her, I’m left with a whiff of her perfume. I never thought someone could smell so nice. It’s clean, but feminine. Strong, yet longing to be loved. How has any man let this woman pass them by?

It’s only a five minute drive to Bamp’s, but All Shook Up and Burning Love gets us to the house and fills any awkward silence as I wrestle with ideas of what to talk about. She looks beautiful. The sun hits her face, as her hand taps her knee to the beat of Elvis. The driveway is stacked with cars. Bamp really went all out with this BBQ. 

Dear God, please make sure everyone plays it cool. 

“Hey Alice,” words fumble out of my mouth as we walk up to the door together, “Before we go in, I wanted to say, you look really nice. Thanks for coming today. I’m sure this is wild to join a stranger to a family BBQ and--”

“Bill, I will never say no to a party. And certainly couldn’t say no to you. C’mon, let’s go in.”

She reaches for my hand and I open the door for us.

“BUCK!” Bob yells out and then looks down at us holding hands, “Well that happened fast.”

My face says shut up and he gets the hint fast. We are the people of the hour, and I didn’t know it was possible for a woman to work a crowd like Alice does. Conversation comes easy to her. Eager to learn about others, finding commonalities, effortless laughing and the kindest heart. I standby and observe her. Listen. There are so many layers to this woman. She has traveled, she’s smart, she knows her stuff. People love her. 

“You can thank me later,” Bamp walks up behind me and speaks into my ear. 

“Hey Bamp,” I reach out and shake his hand, he is constantly making sure my handshake stays firm and strong, “Bamp, this is Alice.”

“Pleasure to meet you, again, Alice,” he nods at her.

“Same to you. This BBQ is fabulous. What a wonderful group of people.”

“Yeah, they’re pretty great,” he looks around, surveying the guests, “And thanks for joining on a whim, hopefully Buck is taking good care of you.”

“He is. His palms are a bit sweaty, but I could never say no to a party invite. Life is too short.”

Bamp laughs while my face turns red. 

“Oh Bill, keep her. She’s going to keep you honest and sharp. Enjoy the party, Alice.”

The rest of the afternoon is filled with badminton games, far too many beers, and ends with dancing. I didn’t need affirmation that Alice was the real deal, but every person here has made a point to let me know that they love her. I stand next to the radio and watch her sway to Sinatra while chatting with Sue. 

I’m going to marry that woman. 

*****

Summer, the cruelest season of all. An absolute tease. You can’t resist it, and the more you try, the hotter it gets. And the more you lean in, the sweeter it tastes. The hardest goodbye, every damn year. It’s hot and miserable, yet filled with memories of long days, rest, and easy living. 

Three months ago, if I was granted the power to wave a magic wand and create the best summer, I wouldn’t even come close to what this summer delivered.  

Alice and I have been inseparable since the BBQ. She came to every softball game. My pitching has never been so good. Record breaking strikeouts in the league. We hit the drive-in every Wednesday, cruised down Main Street on Friday’s, church on Sundays followed by brunch at Bam and Bamp’s.

I walk into my classroom for the first time in two months. The longest break I’ve had between teaching or jobs. Alice was offered a teaching job up in Hollister, and she couldn’t refuse it. We promised we would write every week and visit each other every other weekend. She’s been gone for almost a week now, but her scent still lingers on my shirts. I never want to wash my clothes, especially now that she is gone. 

Alice is everywhere. A hair clip sits in the center console of my car, sweet notes posted to my fridge, her lucky Cubs pennant pinned to my ball bag for every game, and her smile permanently ingrained in my mind. 

I set a framed photo of us on my desk, grab a piece of chalk and write “countdown to Alice” on the chalkboard. 

Let’s get the new school year started.

*****

“C’mon ladies, we’re going to be late!” Bob yells out to Sue and Alice.

“Oh would you shut it, Bob. Take a note from Bill for once and learn to keep quiet.” Sue yells back from the bathroom. The smell of hairspray fills the house. Sue is right, I learned quickly to never rush Alice. I tried once, and it resulted in a grumpy Sunday morning at church and her realizing she had mismatched shoes on. Her humiliation put me in the dog house for a few days. Never again.

“How do we look?” Alice waltzes out of the bathroom. Even after five months you would think the rush in my body would go away, but this woman takes my breath away. Her red dress fits her perfectly in all the right places and those red lips are begging to be kissed. 

“This homecoming dance has no idea what’s coming their way,” I give her a wink and reach for her hand, ushering us to the door, “Ready when you are.”

Alice came home to join me for the homecoming dance. Everyone comes together in the town. The high school bands perform together on the football field, the city brightens up with decor and the energy is unmatched. People from high school return for the weekend to catch up on life and reminisce on the good ol’ days.

Too bad for them. I don’t have good ol’ days. I’m living my good days.

The gym is vibrant. We’re greeted with colors circling the room from the disco ball spinning and Rockin Robin being performed by a local band. Alice’s arm is wrapped tight around mine. I can see everyone looking at her, admiring her, and shocked at how I landed her. 

She was the talk of the town when she got in from Chicago. Untouchable, out of reach. But I got her. 

“Shall we dance?” 

“I thought you’d never ask,” Alice nudges me back. 

We join the hustle and bustle on the dance floor. Swinging, laughing, and feeling like we’re on top of the world. 

“Alright, we’re going to slow things down now,” the singer announces into the microphone.

The singles clear the floor, but Alice and I stay put. 

You Make Me Feel So Young by Sinatra starts playing. Alice rests her head on my shoulder. Never thought it would be possible to hold the whole world in your arms, but when you meet the love of your life, it’s an experience like no other.

“Alice,” I whisper in her ear and she looks up with the most beautiful blue eyes that listen and say everything all at once, “I love you.”

Her eyes stay put, but her smile widens. 

“Oh Bill.” 

“What? Do you not love me back?” panic fires up my back. 

“Of course I do. Just wondered when you would finally say it.”

“Distance is hard.”

“It is.”

“But it’s worth it. I hope you know that I refuse to lose you.”

“I sure hope you don’t; I don’t plan on leaving.”

Her head returns to my shoulder and I swear it feels like I’m walking on air. Bob catches my eye and gives a wink. I guess I do owe him, Sue and Bamp a thank you. 

*****

Twenty-four. That’s the number of letters Alice and I have sent to each other since homecoming weekend. Work got busy, life picked up per usual and we decided it was best to hold off on visits until the holiday break. But in my pocket holds letter number twenty-five, and it’s my favorite one so far. 

The train tracks start shaking and the sound of the train gets louder. She’s seconds away. I can hardly stand still. My girl is almost here, and we get three weeks together for Christmas break. 

Screeeeech. The train comes to a stop and Alice smiles out the window with a gentle, yet eager wave. 

People jump off the train. Have mercy, I know Alice is patient and selfless, but I wish she stormed through the crowd a bit faster. I stand on my tip toes and look over all the couples and families embracing their people, trying to see when Alice walks off. Just as I am ready to jump on the train myself, she walks down. 

Wearing a cream sweater, jeans and a red scarf. Festive, adorable and beautiful as ever. My feet start running before I can think otherwise.

“Biiiiillllll!” she laughs as I swing her around in my arms. 

“Never again,” I say as I cup her face in my hands.

“What?” she looks puzzled.

“We are never going that long without seeing each other. Promise me?”

“Too bad you didn’t miss me, huh?”

“I’m serious, Alice,” her smile softens and those blue eyes look directly into mine. 

“You have my word, you always do,” she gently says, “but first, I need you to feed me. I’m starving!”

We kiss once more and head for the car. I hold her suitcase in one hand and her soft hand in the other. Refusing to let her go. The whole drive home she’s talking non-stop. Sparing no details, just like her letters. Alice speaks of others with such tenderness, and talks about her job with such intention. Her passion for teaching, leading students, helping them grow and learn is so admirable. 

“What’s this?” she pulls out the letter in my center console that has “#25” written on the cover of the envelope. 

“Letter twenty-five.”

“You’ve been counting? Gosh, that is so like you, Bill. What do you not have organized?”

“Open it,” I laugh and nudge her, giving her permission.

My head can hardly focus on the road ahead, I want to watch her read my words. A smile appears on her face, a few laughs, coupled with several “aww’s.” This probably isn’t the best timing, and I envisioned this moment going down a bit differently, but I cannot wait one more minute.

“Bill, this is so sweet. Thank you,” she squeezes my hand tighter.

“Alice, you know I’m not the best with my words, so here it goes, marry me.”

She looks over at me like a deer in headlights. 

“Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

“Yes,” she beams and kisses my hand.

“Really?” my voice heightens. 

“Yes. Bill, YES!”

We’re minutes away from Bob & Sue’s home, and I wish I could steal her away to myself. I don’t even have a ring yet, but that doesn’t matter. Alice wants to marry me. She’s going to be mine forever.

*****

Glasses clink together over Bob and Sue’s dinner table. Poinsettias fill the space between home cooked dishes, smells of a holiday roast, and Alice’s hand steady on my leg. Conversations are firing from all angles, but her and I can’t help but steal glances with one another. Moments of looking into each other’s eyes and knowing forever together starts today. 

“Alice, aren’t you happy you joined me at the softball game this summer?” Sue interrupts our moment.

“You said their team was good at softball, but I wasn’t expecting a fine gentleman,” she tries to hide her smile, but it’s impossible. For the both of us. “Well, all of them except Bob.”

“Hey now!” Bob yells out.

“You know I’m teasing,” Alice returns, and Sue soothes Bob with a quick kiss to the cheek.

“If only Buck would pull the trigger and ask you to marry him,” Bamp fires out, “It’ll probably take him ages.”

My body stiffens. I was hoping for a more formal way to tell everyone. At least get through dinner first.

“He did,” Alice says matter of factly before taking a bite.

Silence hits the room for the first time this evening. Eyes widen, jaws drop, and smiles grow. All eyes on me.

“Wait, are you serious? You proposed Buck?” Bamp clarifies. 

Alice tightens her lips shut and looks over at me, with a look that says she realizes she may have spoken too soon. It’s adorable. I let go of my fork and put my arm around her.

“I did. Earlier today. And she said, yes,” my eyes fixed on her and away from the attention of others. More sure of my decision than ever.

“Atta boy, Buck!” Bob cheers and walks over to hug Alice.

Celebration ensues and the holiday season has begun. Our first Christmas together, and many to go. The next week flys by. Christmas looks good on Alice. We spend the days leading up to New Years shopping for the right ring. An empire solitaire diamond. Quarter of a carat. Going to cost me working summer school next year, but for Alice, it’s worth it. 

New Year's night is quiet. We pass on the party with the neighborhood and decide to get some time alone. Sitting next to the fireplace, I decide it’s time to pull out a liquor we both tried at a party a few months back. Far too expensive for me to buy, but this is a special occasion. 

“I’d like to offer a toast,” I get up to grab the bottle of Drambuie out of the cabinet in the kitchen.

“Bill. Drambuie? That’s too much!” Alice says as I return back to join her on the couch.

“For you? It’s never too much. Here’s to ringing in the first of many new years together!”

*Clink*

*****

The Couple’s “Sip”: Drambuie

My grandma shared that this liquor was special to them. It was introduced at a party once and since then they decided it would be enjoyed over special occasions, specifically New Year’s.

Author’s Note:

My oh my was writing this story special.  I’ve always admired and loved listening to my Grandma’s stories. She is well-traveled, loved by many, and knows how to make every person feel seen. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet my Grandad as he passed away a few years before I was born. The more my grandmother and I chatted, the more she shared, and I wish I could have included all the sweet dates they went on.

When I decided to start this blog I knew I had to start with my Grandma Alice. It was an absolute joy to hear her reminisce on the story of her and my Grandad. I’ve heard bits and pieces about who he was from my parents as well as my aunts and uncles, but nothing compares to the love story that started it all. 

Growing up in a small town, and the town where they met, it’s no secret that my grandad, Bill Buckley, was a fine gentleman. He and my Grandma are well-respected and cared for by many. To say it’s a privilege to grow up in this family they started is an understatement. 

I owe it to them both, and every friend who encouraged my Grandad to chase after my Grandma. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. 

Cheers to love, homeruns, and stepping out of your comfort zone!