An Icy Reception

By KT Bishop

The generation gap between parents and their children is often complicated. 

An Icy Reception shares the details of three families at odds.

-Adam Sanchez grows impatient being a heir in Mexico and dreams of owning a National Hockey League team in Royal Icing.

-Baseball superstar Julian Ivy is forced to grow up quickly, but finds unlikely allies in Icy Diamonds.

-Alex Santos is torn between pursuing an acting career and taking care of his ailing mother in A Stormy Inheritance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: kt bishop
• Release date: Jan 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386725015

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Humiliation ran through the veins of Julian Ivy. He passed up several Division I baseball scholarships for a shot at professional baseball. To his surprise, he went undrafted in the forty-round, fourteen hundred player draft.

His parents, Charles and Pamela Ivy, didn't hide their disappointment. They ripped into his soul and kicked him out of their home. Since you didn’t listen to us, you can find another place to live, Pamela said.

Julian swallowed a lump in his throat, stood stunned and froze. Just like that, I'm out of here.

We're giving until the end of next month to leave, Charles said.

So that's it, then, Julian said somberly. He was unable to change their minds, left the living room and walked straight to his bedroom. Hurt raced through his spine.

He sat at the desk and stared the gold trophies earned from his senior year at Tuscaloosa County High School. His gamble backfired. So much for the American dream.

Julian wiped the tears from his red eyes and searched the internet for an apartment. He stumbled onto a baseball tryout in San Juan Puerto Rico. His brain locked on the opportunity, which required one hundred dollar registration fee, plane ticket and passport to report in two days. This may be the break I needed.

Excited, Julian bounced out of the chair and went straight to the closet to pack suitcase with his clothes, baseball glove and shoes. Puerto Rico, here I come.

Before Julian left the room, he sat at his desk and wrote a note to his parents.

Mom and dad:

The time has come for me to leave, as requested by your deadline. I’m heading off to a baseball camp at a location which I’m not disclosing (I’m sure you don’t care).

Here’s your phone, car and laptop back. Thank you for the use of such items. It was a great eighteen years. Too bad one night ruined it.

I’m out. Take care of yourselves/Julian

With a twinge of sadness, Julian taped the letter to his bedroom door and strode down the hallway. He paused for several seconds and stared at the tan colored walls in the living room and the photos next to the wide screen TV. It's been real.

* * *

Full of pride, Julian fought off a muggy, moonlit evening to walk to the Tuscaloosa Municipal Airport. He breathed loudly after the five-mile trek as he entered the bus station’s ticket office. I need a one-way ticket to San Juan

That will be two hundred dollars, the clerk said.

He dropped a pair of hundred bills onto the table and received his ticket. He stopped at the vending machine to get a Mountain Dew and pack of chocolate donuts.

Julian boarded the Jumbo jet, sat down and laid his head back as the plane soared to the night skies.

* * *

Julian arrived at the Roberto Clemente Stadium in a cab. At the gate, he was greeted by two slender men.

Thanks for coming out, Mister, the man said. I'm Esteban Lopez, owner of the San Juan Storm.

I'm Julian Ivy, Julian said.

The other man introduced himself. I'm Hector Gomez, manager of the San Juan Storm. You're here to tryout."

Yes sirs I am, Julian said proudly.

After a series of handshakes, the men talked business. If you pass the physical, it’s yours, Lopez said.

I can't wait to be a part of this, Julian said excitedly.

Gomez humbled Julian. I’ll get to see if you can hang with the big boys.

Words of confidence fell from Julian’s lips. You’ll be so impressed that I’ll be handed a starting job.

As the men headed toward the Storm clubhouse, a beautiful long-haired woman walked through in a short purple dress with a diamond tiera on her head.

Julian's heartbeat pounded as he stared. Who the hell is that?

That's Edeline Bareit, Miss Puerto Rico, Lopez said.

I want her to be part of the package, Julian said.

Gomez pat him on the back. The last thing you need to worry about is a woman. Baseball will keep you busy.

A smitten Julian raced toward the beauty queen. He took several deep breaths and introduced himself. I’m Julian Ivy, future star with San Juan Storm.

Am I supposed to be impressed, Edeline said snidely.

Edeline's rejection only fueled Julian's determination to meet her. His eyes stared after she walked away. Lust swallowed him up. She’ll be mine someday.

Gomez shook Julian and brought him back to reality. What position you play?

I’m an outfielder, particularly centerfield, Julian said.

It’s your chance to show me and Edeline what you’ve got, Gomez said.

He offered a proposal to Gomez. Get me her home address and I’ll play the game of my life.

Most guys want to make the team, you’re mostly into a strange woman, Gomez said amazingly.

I want both, but she’s a nice prize too, Julian admitted.

* * *

Julian entered the spacious San Juan Storm Clubhouse. Inside the white colored brick building was the player’s room with lockers for each of the twenty players. The therapy room contained a whirlpool and large board for players to get treatment. The players had their own batting cage, surrounded in net. Pitchers had their own mound. Behind the workout facility was an entertainment room, with a large screen TV and a few laptops. His eyes stretched. This place is so awesome.

Gomez handed Julian a number three practice uniform, decked in light blue pinstripes. Here's your chance...

I’ll make you and Edeline both fall in love with me, Julian boasted.

Julian stopped at the locker, and tried to exchange pleasantries with other Storm players. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

The three players only stared. I guess you guys don’t speak English. Julian rolled his eyes. The language barrier was another obstacle he needed to overcome in Puerto Rico to make the Storm roster.

* * *

Confidence pierced Julian's soul as he raced onto the artificial turf at Roberto Clemente Stadium. He blew a kiss to Edeline in the press box, back flipped and walked into centerfield. The crowd roared loudly.

The scrimmage began when Julian snagged a fly ball deep centerfield after a batter tripled. He hummed a throw that hurled over the second baseman’s head and landed at home plate to get the runner out. That should impress them.

The crowd erupted a second time.

Holy shit, Gomez said.

After the three inning scrimmage, Gomez chatted with Julian. If you don't watch it, you're going to make this team.

You hadn't seen nothing yet, Julian boasted. He gulped down a large bottle of ice-cold water and poured the rest over his perspired body.

Out of nowhere, Edeline appeared at the dugout and approached Julian. You were pretty good out there.

Thank you, Julian said under a blush. His heart thumped into his chest over her beautiful image.

Edeline unexpectedly asked him out. Are you doing anything tomorrow night?

His mouth fell open, but nothing came out. He only gazed at her beautiful green eyes and long black hair.

You're one of those guys, Edeline said.

What do you mean? Julian said.

Guys are supposed to do the asking, Edeline said.

Julian's cheeks were flagged with anger. I've been through a lot to get here. I'd love to be with you, but no head games. I'm trying to make a baseball team here.

I'm so sorry to get you hot and bothered, Edeline said. Do you still want to go out with me?

He poured another bottle of water and accepted her invitation. I’m staying here at the training facility. Reach me here and I’ll be ready at seven."

I’ll be seeing you then, Edeline said.

* * *

Julian entered the clubhouse and immediately was summoned to the training room. We need to see you, Gomez said.

I guess I’m here for the physical, Julian suspected.

We need to see what kind of shape you’re in, Lopez confirmed, and then exited the room.

The Doctor introduced himself. I’m Luis Ponola, the team’s physician. I’m here to give you a complete examination.

Full of nervous energy, Julian bounced up and down on his heels. Let’s get this bitch over with. He peeled off his dirt-stained practice uniform and stood on the scale above the measuring stick.

Five feet, eleven inches and one hundred eighty pounds, Dr. Ponola revealed Julian’s physical measurements.

Dr. Ponola put the end of his stethoscope to Julian’s heart. Your heart’s beating kind of fast.

There’s a reason for that—I just got a date with a woman, Julian revealed.

He released a loud cough when Dr. Ponola hit his cock. Watch it, I want to save them for my woman friend.

The examination was complete and Dr. Ponola passed Julian. I deem you fit to play. You’re in great physical condition.

Julian left the training facility in his underwear, but Gomez called for him. Get in my office, Ivy.

He strode down the hall to Gomez’s office with a gut full of curiosity. I wonder what he wants with me?

Gomez sat behind a mahogany desk and Lopez sat across from him. We brought you to discuss numbers.

What kind of numbers? Julian asked.

The Storm manager handed him an offer sheet for a one-year deal worth $70,000. We think it’s a fair deal.

Julian’s eyes locked into the page contract. He stared a hole through the paper.

Is there something wrong, Lopez said.

I can’t believe this is happening, Julian admitted. It seems like a dream.

Gomez smirked. It’s true; just sign the damn thing.

With pleasure, Julian said. He joyously scribbled his name on the sheet of paper, to officially start his pro career.

CHAPTER TWO

I can’t wait to see him.

Edeline worked herself into an excited tizzy for a date with Julian. She spent the entire afternoon in preparation. After she ate a delectable breakfast spread of cinnamon Danish and fruit combination of strawberries, pineapples and plums, she left the table and headed into the bathroom.

She filled the bathtub full of hot water to take a steamy bath, removed her gown and climbed right in. The time in the tub allowed her to loosen her tensed muscles and soothe her skin. I don’t know the last time I’ve been so relaxed. She squirted liquid soap all over her slender body, rubbing up and down several strokes with a sponge.

That felt great, Edeline said as she stepped out of the tub. She grabbed the long white towel off the rack on the wall and wrapped it around her slender body.

The next order of business was her long black locks. She stared at her image in the mirror and ran her hands through it. She filled the sink with hot water, put shampoo all over her hair and dipped her head in the water. The hot water momentarily stung her scalp. Oooh, that hurts. She emerged from the water to wash every strand of her long locks.

Edeline removed the towel from her body and wrapped it around her head to dry her hair. She grabbed a toothbrush, filled it with toothpaste and gently brushed her teeth three times, and dropped a small amount of mouthwash in her mouth. She rinsed her mouth with the minty stuff and spit the contents in the sink. At least my mouth will be fresh. She moved onto the next phrase and into the bedroom.

Edeline grabbed her suitcase and pulled out her makeup kit. She dabbed sweet-smelling perfume at her pulse points – behind her ears, on her wrists, and behind her knees and between her breasts before donning a thong, bra and short black dress to show off her long legs and chest. She finished up her lips with ruby red lipstick that had a strawberry flavor and added dark eyeliner to her eyes.

I’ll smell so good that he won’t resist me, she said confidently.

She glanced at the alarm clock, which read six nineteen. Damn I spent three hours getting ready. I hope he’s worth it.

With a trembling left hand, Edeline quickly dialed the phone to the Storm clubhouse. I hope he’s there.

Welcome to home of the San Juan Storm, can I help you, the switchboard operator said.

I need Julian Ivy, Edeline said nervously.

Hold on, I’ll send you to his room, the operator said.

The phone rang loud and a deep baritone voice answered on the other end. Uh, hello.

Can I speak to Julian Ivy? Edeline said.

This is him speaking, Julian said matter of fact.

She talked slowly. It’s Edeline, do you remember we had a date.

No, but I’m not ready, Julian said honestly.

Edeline teased him. Damn, I beat you getting ready.

We just finished practice, I’ll be ready when you get here, Julian said.

I’ll be waiting in the lounge, Edeline said in a sensual tone.

Julian cut their chat short. Let me get ready and I’ll see you later. They hung up at the same time.

She grabbed her purse and scurried down through the front door en-route to the Storm clubhouse across the street. A mixture of horniness and ecstasy soared through her veins with each step she made.

* * *

Julian took a quick shower and sprayed cologne all over his body. I need to smell good for her. He slid his ass into a pair of silky underwear and black slacks, followed with a black shirt.

The phone rang and he knew who was on the other end. He put the receiver to his right ear.

Are you ready yet? Edeline asked.

I’ll be right there, Julian sighed. He dropped the phone onto the receiver and walked out of the room to meet her. Julian grabbed a condom off the maple oak dresser in case he got lucky.

Julian walked briskly down the hall to meet Edeline. His pulse raced when she saw her sitting in on the sofa with her legs crossed in a tiny blue dress. She’s so fine

Edeline unexpectedly jumped into his arms for a skin-tight embrace. It’s so great to see you again.

Me too, but where are we going out to? Julian wondered.

She unveiled her plans for them.