Double Play
Dear Rex on First,
My boyfriend is a minor-league baseball player. Right now at the Single A level, still a few years from the majors.
I recently found out he has a lover in every city in the Carolina league. He barely tried to hide it! Some women, some men, all of it cheating.
The other players’ girlfriends, they say this is just the way it is. And as long as he (and his signing bonus) come home to me, I should keep my mouth shut.
My BF was a 3rd-round draft pick, that means he’s pretty good. Has a decent shot at a good career. Millions of dollars, living the high life. I’d never have to work again.
My dream was a fairy tale romance. Maybe it’s time to grow up and be happy with what I’ve got? I’d love him even without the money.
Signed,
Stadium Life Is Disappointing, Envisioning Regrets
Dear SLIDER,
You are free to choose any relationship you like. Monogamous, committed but open, independent, long-distance.
A relationship can even be transactional in nature. Who am I to judge?
The only person you need to answer to is yourself.
I’m guessing you are both young. High school sweethearts? And now the real world has thrown things into a different light.
I see new performers make their way to the circus tent. Starry-eyed but untested. The circus is a magical place, yes, but to some it’s also tedious, and repetitive, and lonely. Not every situation meets expectations.
As I said, it is up to you to determine the type of life you desire.
But staying for the money is often the wrong choice.
Focus on yourself. Perhaps further your education? At the least, figure out who YOU are, and what you want out of a relationship.
The game of your life is still in its early innings. Make sure to cover all your bases.
When you finally step up to the plate, keep your eye on the ball, and believe, deep down, that you’re a heavy hitter.
Counterpoint commentary by …
Lindi Dee DuVerne, Fire Breather
You’re wonderin’ if you should stay with a double-dealin’, two-timin’ cheater?
Girl that’s as dumb as eatin’ a soup sandwich in a leaky boat. And then expectin’ you’ll stay dry.
What do you think’s gonna happen?
Some people just can’t be true. Believe me, I know! No names mentioned, of course. (Lookin’ at you Casey Wilson of Charlesburg, Texas.)
Casey was somethin’ else, let me tell ya. Fine as a man could be. Whoo-ee! Wearin’ pants so tight you could just about see his religion.
But he had a wife, and I was just a sidepiece. That was a fate I couldn’t abide.
Them other gals, they say this is the way life is? To get used to it?
You just hangin’ in there like a loose tooth. While every other cutie in the Carolina League is drilled and filled.
Are you for real?
That’s a Queen playin’ poker in an outhouse and thinkin’ she’s got a Royal Flush.
Let me ask you one question: if you were to take lovers in all them cities? Would your man be stickin’ around?
We both know the answer to that particular idea.
Right now you got about as much chance of happiness as a bullfighter in a tight red dress.
Best to jump out of the way and let that steer go mount all the trouble he so deserves.
