Page 68

Leaning back against the padded booth backrest, I smile. “Well, usually there is some kind of introduction section. The last few I’ve attended have me fill out a nametag so people know who I am.”

“Always a good idea,” Dani says, nodding.

“Then whoever is conducting will share what the needs are of whatever charity they’re trying to fund, or just let us mingle to get to know others.”

Dani leans forward, her eyes locking onto mine. “How often have you actually met someone at a mixer that you interacted with after the event?”

“Quite a few, actually. It helps to go in with a purpose of why I’m there and I usually connect with someone who can help me, or I can help them.”

She sits back and nods. “That gives me hope. I was beginning to question whether all of this is worth it.”

“You’re doing a great job. Hopefully the turnout of people shows it.”

Our meal goes by faster than I want it to, but at least she’s letting me take her home. As we get closer to the house, I glance down at the ring on her finger, surprised she’s still wearing it.

But why wouldn’t she? This is the arrangement after all.

“We really need to come up with a story about our proposal, don’t we?”

Dani nods, giving me a surprised look. “That would be for the best. We’ve been able to skirt around it for the past few dinners with general ideas, but going to your mom’s event would probably be easier to convince people with an elaborate story. Or at least something on the same page.”

Instead of turning down the road that leads to her house, I pull to the side of the road for a moment, opening a new text message to an old friend. Once that’s sent, I veer to the left and head toward the river.

“Where are we going?” Dani asks and I have to smile, coming up with the plan as I drive.

“We’re almost there.”

The night is dark, but with the lights of the city, we can see something. And with it being past midnight, there aren’t as many cars out. I park and walk around to open her door.

Her eyes show the confusion and I take her hand in mine, liking how we fit together so well.

I lead her around the corner as Fenway Park opens up.

“What are we doing here?” she asks.

“We’re getting that story.” I lead her around to where the players come into the field and knock. It takes a few seconds before the door opens but a man I’ve known for several years stands there with a smile on his face.

“Mr. Clark. It’s good to see you.”

“You too, Ralph. Do you mind if we go on the field for a couple minutes?”

The man glances at his watch. “We just finished cleaning up for the night. I can give you five minutes max. I need to get home to the wife.”

I turn to Dani, who looks like she’s just been turned into a Greek statue. With a tug on her hand, we follow Ralph through the tunnel to get to the Red Sox dugout.

“How do you know Ralph?” Dani asks in a whisper.

“Mr. Clark here,” Ralph says, pointing to me, “Helped my kid get a kidney a couple years ago. And saved my job here after taking all the time off for treatments.”

“That’s really cool,” she says, something different in her voice.

We step out onto the neatly trimmed grass and Ralph disappears into the shadows. A moment later, the lights that illuminate the seats behind the plate turn on.

“May I have the ring, m’lady.”

Dani gives me a small smile before slipping the ring off her finger. Her posture is rigid and there’s something in her eyes I can’t read. As soon as she hands me the ring, she turns around, walking around home plate.

That’s not how my proposal plan had worked out in my mind on the drive over here.