The Hitting Zone

By the time we got to Jeremy's house, it was late. Super late. Near midnight. That didn't stop us from exploring though. His new home couldn't compare to his condo from before. I already felt like I lived in a big house now, but his was bigger with less people.

"We're still decorating and whatnot." He explained while showing us around. "So if it looks a little bare and empty, don't judge me."

Grampa had taken the first guest room he saw and got ready for bed immediately. He probably didn't even notice that the room only had a bed. I guess all that matters is that it had sheets and pillows.

Jeremy let the three of us take a room each.

"I'm just surprised by how many guest bedrooms you have!" Noah said as we finished looking upstairs. "Who does all the cleaning and the laundry? Washing the bedding after guests come and go sounds like such a hassle."

Jeremy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I do have a housekeeper. She doesn't live here or anything, but comes twice a week and is always on call."

Dave let out a low whistle. "Money is a huge convenience." He eyed Jeremy. "You've got a professional handling your new money, right?"

Jeremy coughed once, looking uncomfortable. "Yes." He glanced at me, hesitating. I thought he wanted to bring up his Uncle Jack, but in the end he gestured for us to follow him downstairs. "Come on. Let me show you guys the highlights of my home."

The living room was probably the most decorated; it had couches and matching chairs around a glass coffee table. There were a few lamps in the corners, paintings and pictures hung on the walls, and personal items filled the space indicating that Rose lived here too. She was in half the pictures either with Jeremy, her friends, and what looked to be her family. Jeremy also had a mix. I recognized some with his current teammates, there was a couple with me, one with all of us boys, and then some with...his family.

I've only seen them in person once during Jeremy's celebration, but I could recognize them. Uncle Jack, Aunt Ilene, their three kids: Carson, Gabby, and Makenna. I quickly looked away from the photos and moved on to the kitchen.

The kitchen itself was the biggest I've ever seen. Long counter tops surrounded by stools really threw me off since I've never seen it styled like that before. We moved from kitchen to a dining room that had the biggest table ever.

"Are you planning on throwing dinner parties?" Noah was also amazed by the size of the table. "This seats fourteen! That's crazy!"

Jeremy smiled. "Well, you never know."

"Do you and Rose eat in here? Or just at the counter in the kitchen?"

"Usually at the counter." Jeremy confirmed.

"Don't you think you have too much space for just the two of you?" Noah asked.

Jeremy nodded slowly. "It feels that way sometimes. But we expect to have our families over like you guys are doing right now. And maybe in the future...there'll be kids."

Jeremy showed us a few more features of the house like a media room which was like his own little private theater. He had to promise Noah that we could use it tomorrow night to watch a movie. Then he also converted one-third of his garage into a weight room which drew some more interest and attention from Noah and Dave. I quickly moved on in order to not get dragged into a surprise workout in the morning. Jeremy also had a pool and jacuzzi in his backyard similar to Alisha's.

After a good night's sleep, I woke up and got cleaned up. I was the last one to get downstairs. I found Jeremy, Noah, Dave, and even Gramps at the kitchen counter, eating croissant sandwiches.

"Jake! You made it down!" Noah patted the empty stool beside him. "Sit and eat while it's still fresh. Jeremy ordered these from a bakery nearby. They're so good!"

Jeremy pushed a plate and wrapped food in front of me. "Just keeping it light. I figured we'll eat lunch near the school's stadium."

"Did you invite Zeke?" Noah asked.

Jeremy nodded. "Yea, I tried, but he said he would eat lunch with Rhys and his teammates. So I didn't mention you guys to keep the surprise until it's time for the scrimmage. We can kidnap him for dinner."

"Rhys too?" I asked.

"If he wants to join, he's more than welcomed." Jeremy smiled at me.

After breakfast and another look around the mansion, we got into Jeremy's suv and headed for Zeke's college, Stanford University. Jeremy was a very effective tour guide considering he was a local in his teen years. He showed us some landmarks as he casually drove us towards the campus, taking the long way. Grampa was the most interested, starting a conversation with Jeremy about Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. We had a nice early lunch just a few blocks away from the school, making sure our tummies were full for the game.

At the university, Jeremy parked as close as he could to the stadium. We had to take it slow with Grampa with us. He wanted us to leave him behind but none of us were down for that. We just moved slowly as a group.

As it was a scrimmage, we didn't have to pay for admission, but Jeremy had spoken with someone to get a more isolated seating just behind home plate. I didn't understand why until he was approached and asked for an autograph by two teen boys near my age. He let us go sit as he signed a few random scraps of paper and took some selfies.

"Zeke!" Noah called out as loud as he could. "Zeke! Over here!" He jumped and waved his hands excitedly.

Zeke, who was just by his own dugout talking to a teammate, would have to be deaf and blind to miss Noah's call. He jogged over and stood just feet away from us. I couldn't tell if he looked surprised, but he sure sounded like it when he said, "Grampa?!"

Grampa was settled down in a seat and nodded at Zeke. "Good luck out there."

Zeke glanced at Dave. "What's going on?"

Dave gave him a brief overview of last night.

Zeke cracked a smile. "You guys would be better off practicing than watching me play in a game that is insignificant." Then he looked at Grampa. "Thanks for coming, old man."

"Yea, yea, yea." Grampa waved him off. "Don't worry about us. Focus on your game."

Zeke could only give a small shake of his head and walk back to his dugout.

Just before the game got started, I heard Jeremy speak to the small crowd that had lined up to see him. "Thanks for the support everyone, but I'm actually here to watch the game with my family. Tell you what, I'll stick around after for a few more if you want. But for now, I'm going to ask for some privacy."

Nearby security stepped up and sent everyone away to go sit down; finally giving Jeremy some space. He joined us and the game soon began. Noah and Dave were completely into the scrimmage, looking up both rosters on their phones and talking about the players. Jeremy was more objective, talking about plays made and gave ideas how he would have done things differently. I think...it was more for my benefit. So I did my best to listen and to learn.

Zeke had a good game, going 2-3 at the plate; one double and one single. No RBIs or runs scored, yet his team still won. Seeing a college game for the first time, I spotted some differences between both high school and professionally. It really opened my eyes to the different levels and what should be expected. For the first time, I had a thought for the future.

After the game, Zeke had a meeting with his team and went to shower before meeting back up with us. Not like we were in a hurry. Thanks to Jeremy's early meet-and-greet, it seemed to attract even more people after the game. He patiently signed his autograph and took pictures.

With Zeke back, we headed back to the car, talking about the game, his teammates, and what it might be like in the future. We found out from Zeke that Rhys was making a short trip home himself so he wouldn't be joining us. He didn't play in the game today so he left right after without needing to shower.

"Probably want to spend some time with his dad before the season starts." Noah said. "I couldn't imagine what it's like having a parent gone all spring and summer."

"Ha." Dave let out a small laugh. "Be real. We can't even imagine a parent having a normal 9 to 5 job. Mom and Dad may be busy sometimes but they still have flexible schedules." He looked at Zeke. "I think they'll plan some trips to watch your home games. Even at the cost of not going to ours. Flashback to little league days."

Noah laughed. "There were only a few clashes. Besides, I rather them go see his when they can. Kyle's not going to college. You're thinking of going to a school across the country. I certainly am not thinking about going to college. And Jake is a wild card. Zeke's their best bet."

Dave gave me a small nudge. "What do you think, Jake? You could join me at Vandy and we can play together."

Noah pulled me away. "Jake would never go that far from home."

"He'll leave no matter what if he goes to the minors. At least he won't be alone if he goes to college with me." Dave had a point.

It's not like I could get drafted by the same team as Noah and ensure that I could follow him throughout the minors. If I was still...dependent...going to a college with Dave for a couple years wouldn't be so bad.