Stealing Second

Cecilia

Fresh out of college, I stumbled into the opportunity of a lifetime. My favorite professor had a friend who was looking to retire and sell his animal clinic. With a lot of help and a giant push from my sister and her husband, I made an offer. I’m now the proud owner of Wags Veterinary Clinic in Trenton, New Jersey.

Life is good. I have a home with a beautifully landscaped lawn, a business that I love, and an amazing tribe of friends who encourage me to put myself out there. Truth be told, I prefer animals over most people. I’m happy with the occasional girls’ night in and catching a glimpse of the hot neighbor, who I undeniably fantasize about—often.

Those fantasies, however, come to a dramatic end when I see him walking his new puppy on my property and not cleaning up its mess—twice. There’s nothing hot about a man who doesn’t take care of his shhh—or his dog’s. Nothing.

Fantasy ruined.

Roman

Who gets a second chance at playing professional baseball after turning it down once before? This guy. I thought it was too good to be true, but my family encouraged me to take the opportunity and see what would happen. That’s exactly what I did, with zero expectations.

When I got the call that I was being pulled up from the minors to the majors, it was no longer an opportunity; it was a reality. Adjustments had to be made. I was going to be calling Trenton, New Jersey, home for a while; therefore, my minor-league lifestyle had to change. No more cleat chasers or hookups. I had to focus.

The problem with this is, my focus is on the hot redhead next door, and she … well, she can’t stand me.

If I’ve learned anything in the past couple of years, it’s that baseball is magic. It’s not in the game itself; it’s in the lessons about endless opportunities.

Right now, I’m on first, just waiting for the opportunity to steal second.