Chapter Fifteen: Mr. Maddox Comes to Town
Maddie started her workday by visiting the field. She did that most mornings. The sun rising over the stadium, the misty mountains, the smell of cut grass, and the in-jokes with the grounds crew all helped her feel invigorated and ready for the day. Theo, the head groundsman, was almost speaking to her again after last week’s multiple disasters. Dogs Gone Wild and The Great Cotton Candy Meltdown couldn’t compare with The Colossal Cannoli Mobile Catastrophe from last Sunday. Maddie had forbidden anyone she knew to speak of it again. She was starting to worry that she was a disaster magnet in baseball, and she’d have to resign in disgrace on the Manders Matter podcast come September. Unless Rory fired her first. That could still happen. She didn’t want to feel discouraged, but it was hard to fight. Lately everything she did, no matter how hard she worked, went wrong and turned into a failure.
When she approached her own pathetic office, she stopped dead in her tracks. The door was wide open, and a handsome, middle-aged man sat precariously on a lawn chair next to her card-table desk, studying his iPad. He had on a baseball cap, glasses with thick, black rims and facial hair that looked like a cross between a beard and five-day stubble. She recognized him immediately. What in the world was Nick Maddox, current manager of the Chicago Cubs and one of her biggest baseball idols, doing at the Pickle Jar?
“Holy shit!” she said aloud.
Nick looked up and waved.
Maddie ran to meet him, and her heart was just about crashing through her rib cage with excitement and some fear.
“You’re Nick Maddox! Oh my God! What are you doing here? I had no idea—”
Nick gave her a bemused grin. “Are you Maddie Fields by any chance?”
“Yes, sir, I am, Mr. Maddox.” She put out her hand, and Nick grasped it warmly with both of his hands. She was in heaven. She had goosebumps. She was flying!
“Wow! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to meet you. I’ve been a huge Cubs fan my whole life. Actually, generations of my family are Cubs fans. But I’ve followed your entire career. I just can’t believe you’re here right now! At a farm team for the Gray Sox no less.”
“Just call me Nick. No need to stand on formality.” He stowed his iPad in a satchel that was slung over the lawn chair.
“Excuse me for asking, but what brings you to Sweetgum? Why aren't you at Wrigley for the big series with the Cardinals this week?”
“Extended bereavement leave. Services for my aunt in Asheville. She was a very special person in my life. I’m taking care of some things for the family.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I know all about special aunts. I have one, too. Well, I’m here for anything you need while you’re in the area. But are you … lost? Or here to meet Rory? I mean, Rory Lampkin, our general manager?” Maddie could not imagine that could possibly be true, but Rory was the highest authority around, and there was no way Nick Maddox had come to see her.
“Yeah, sorry. I didn’t give anyone much notice. It’s a bit of a whim. I tried to find the GM first and make sure it was cool that I was hanging out and taking a look around.” Nick gave the ridiculous, cramped office a speculative glance. “When I got to the stadium, a tall blonde woman told me Lampkin couldn’t make it in today. He was too busy test-driving Maseratis—because he’s expecting a big inheritance soon?”
“That would be my intern, Tillie Pinkney. She has a unique sense of humor.”
“Well, she sent me down here to meet you. I believe she referred to you as ‘the brains of the operation.’” Nick leaned back against Maddie’s desk, and it almost toppled over. She reached out and steadied him, and he gripped her shoulder. “Thanks, Maddie. I’m always happy to meet a smart baseball executive.”
Maddie laughed, but part of her wanted to cry, too. She didn’t feel anything like Nick’s generous description. “Executive? Hardly! I hope you’re enjoying my executive suite.”
Nick winced comically. “It’s a tad warm. No money in the budget for a fan?”
“Sure! I could buy one with my giant bonus check, but groceries take precedence.”
“Ah, the minor leagues. I remember them well.”
“I’m sure! You were a manager for the Tuskaloosa Tigers for eight years before you got called up to The Show.”
“I’m impressed. You really have followed my career.”
“That’s just dinner conversation at my parents’ house. You better know your Cubs facts if you’re going to be included in any conversations.”
“Morning, Boss! I see you’ve met our surprise visitor.” Tillie had just arrived on the scene, and she didn’t even bother trying to squeeze into the miniscule office. She stood in the blazing sun wearing a J. Crew pink-striped shirtdress, looking sharp and crisp as always.
“Yes, I have. I was just asking him how we could help, but—”
Tillie turned briskly to Nick. “Sir, I think Maddie has completely forgotten her manners. Instead of talking in this hot little slice of hell, why don’t you two head to our satellite office at the Grand Lunch Cafe? The Sliding Salamanders will pay for all the sweet tea you can drink. If you want food, I’m afraid you’ll have to foot the bill yourself. I’m pretty sure our VIP entertaining account has about five dollars in it.”
“No worries. I’ll pick up the tab. If that’s OK?” Nick offered.
“You want to talk to me?” Maddie asked, incredulous. “Why?”
“First, the Grand Lunch sounds great. I live for local diners! But I'm only going if I can talk to both of you. Never ignore a clever intern. Something tells me that Ms. Pinkney is a woman to watch.”
Tillie raised one slender eyebrow. “Fine with me, Mr. Maddox. I know some people think you hung the moon, but I really don’t get what the big deal is about you.”
Maddie nearly jumped out of her skin. “Um, Tillie, we talked about this!”
But Nick only grinned. “I can tell this is going to be an enlightening visit. I’m already glad I came to Sweetgum.”
***
As the trio walked into the cafe, Maddie kept getting stopped by people who wanted to talk. Elliot Jasper, Sr. wanted the stadium to add more handicapped parking. Mrs. Ernst complained about the unisex bathroom and vowed that the Salamanders would burn for corrupting the town’s youth. Her son Sam rolled his eyes behind his mother so Maddie could see.
Martean Brown handed Maddie a baggie full of sparkly, jangly bracelets. “I’ve been doing some cleaning over at my house. Thought you could use these for the jewelry toss. Folks around here liked that a lot. I hear you might get a decent crowd next Tuesday.”
Maddie took the bracelets and hugged Martean. “Thanks! You really think people liked the jewelry?”
“It’s all over town. And that Hot Dog Gun, too! My granddaughter Aurora nearly split a gut when you brought that thing out last Friday. She’s dying to catch a flying dog now.”
Madddie’s spirits lifted a little. In the midst of her Disaster Week, there were some modest victories. Flying Dog Fridays had a growing following, and Jewelry Toss Tuesdays showed promise.
Maddie, Tillie, and Nick sat down at the table that everyone called “Maddie’s office” now.
“Is it always like that when you come in here?” Nick asked. “People just start talking to you about the team and stadium?”
“You haven’t been here long, Nick,” Tillie said. “Everyone loves Maddie. Stray kittens come out of hiding to bow down when she passes. I think she knows every person and animal in town now.”
“You’re exaggerating, Tillie. Except about the kittens. But they don’t bow. They know I’m a sucker. It’s all about getting treats.”
Nick settled in and the three of them ordered brunch which Edna brought out, steaming hot and in record time.
“I’m sorry, I can’t wrap my head around the idea that we can tell you anything of importance.” Maddie said to Nick after a few bites of banana-blueberry pancakes. They were delicious. Not too chewy or soggy. Pancake perfection.
Nick looked her right in the eye. “I don’t want to lose touch with my baseball roots and forget where I came from. This is where our future MLB players are living and struggling right now. I know how hard it is. How tight money is. Whenever I have time, I like to go out and visit a minor league ballpark. Meet the people. See the town. Talk to the players and staff. Find out what’s going on firsthand. I know more about you than you might think,” he added cryptically. “I might be here because I think you can teach me something.”
Maddie drizzled more maple syrup on her pancakes. “I find that hard to believe.”
“You’d be surprised.” Nick sampled his hash brown casserole. “Damn that’s good!”
“Things haven’t been going so well lately. Last week was—” Maddie tried to push the horribly disturbing Cannoli Mobile memories out of her mind.
Edna buzzed over to freshen the ice in everyone’s drinks. “Hush, Maddie! Everyone has a few flops. I never thought I’d say this, but you and Little Miss Fashion Plate over there have done some fine things.”
“I’d love to hear more,” Nick said. “By the way, this food is fabulous!”
Edna leaned over and gave Maddie a pat on the shoulder. “I vowed I’d never go back to the Pickle Jar after their ‘Stand Up 2 Cancer Night’ a few years back. They were gonna let cancer survivors take the field in the seventh inning stretch. My son Jeremy was so excited. He’d beat myeloma and we wanted to celebrate. Then he found out he had to fill out an application, and they’d get back to him if he got selected. Well, that’s bull hockey! Now Maddie let any survivor who signed up go out on the field. No resume required. So, Jermey and I went back to the ballpark again, and we had the best time. Maddie includes everyone. She listens to everyone.”
Maddie wanted to kiss Edna. For a few blessed seconds, she didn’t care if she ever clawed her way back to baseball’s corporate ladder. This morning she had been entirely focused on PR success and attendance figures. But Edna had just reminded her that the people of Sweetgum mattered more than anything else. She realized that she was falling in love with them. The image of Carlton with blue cotton candy hair flitted through her mind, and she couldn’t stop a big grin from spreading across her face. She held the thought lightly for a second and then let it go. Like a firefly she couldn’t keep captive.
“Thank you, Edna,” she said. “How’s Jeremy doing?”
Edna raised a fist. “Still cancer-free!”
Maddie fist-bumped with her. “Excellent!” She noticed Nick had gotten quiet and lowered his eyes. He looked deep in thought. But then he took a sip of tea, perked up, and started asking questions about the Manders’ operations and her promotions. He was particularly interested in the jewelry toss. How it had started and how it worked.
“I should take you to meet Esme,” Maddie said. “She’s my special aunt. She handles all the details. Look, Tillie and I have a meeting with the team this afternoon. How about if I drop you off at Esme’s store? She’ll tell you everything, and I know she’d love to meet you. Will that work?”
“I’d like that,” Nick said. “I love meeting creative thinkers.”
“Ha! That’s putting it mildly with Esme!” Tillie said.
***
“Spectacular place! Your aunt created all this?” asked Nick.
“Welcome to the Not-So-Grand Emporium! Yes, she did. I know she’s around here somewhere.” Maddie searched the store for her aunt. “Esme, where are you? I’ve got a big surprise for you!” she shouted in a playful singsong.
“Maddie? What are you going on about?’ Esme shouted from the back of the store. “Ed and I are busy working back here!”
“This is gonna be so great,” Maddie whispered to Nick and giggled. “She’s a total fangirl. Come on, Esme! Hurry up!”
“I’m coming! Hold your horses!” Esme appeared wearing capri tights and an oversized, men’s button-down shirt. A bright purple scarf was tied around her head to keep her long hair out of her face. She let out an audible gasp when she saw the man standing beside her niece.
“Aunt Esme, this is Nick Maddox. Nick, this is Esmerelda Fields, the human dynamo.”
Esme put a hand over her mouth.“Holy shit.”
Maddie laughed. “That’s exactly what I said!”
Nick offered his hand to Esme. “Maddie’s told me a lot about you, and I had to meet you in person.”
Esme flushed, a sight that Maddie had never seen. Other people flushed when they met Esme and fell under her magic spell. Esme never did.
“Maddie, you might have given me a little warning. I look an absolute fright, and the store is a wreck! If I had known we were having such a celebrated guest, I would have—I don’t know, planned something. Bought some champagne! Baked a cake! Sorry about the mess.”
Esme turned around and bent over to move a stack of boxes blocking the aisle. Maddie caught Nick watching Esme from behind. Oh my God, is he checking out my aunt? she thought. Yep, he sure is. Maddie had a whole slew of unexpected emotions. She knew that Esme had admirers and affairs, but Maddie hadn’t seen that side of her aunt up close, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. She recognized a surge of protectiveness and a prickle of jealousy. She loved getting so close with Esme over these past weeks. Selfishly, she didn’t want to share her. But of course, she wanted Esme to have her own life and happiness, and this was Nick fucking Maddox!
Esme straightened up and accepted Nick’s handshake. “Pleasure to meet you. I hardly know what to say. I’m sure Maddie’s told you—”
“That she had a fantastic aunt? Yes, she did. Turns out she wasn’t exaggerating at all.”
Maddie and Esme exchanged wide-eyed looks. Maddie enjoyed giving her aunt the same kind of “go ahead and flirt with him” glances that Esme was always giving her about Carlton.
“So, Esme. Nick can tell you more about why he’s here. But I brought him over because he’s interested in your jewelry toss.”
Esme appeared skeptical, but Nick confirmed immediately. “That’s absolutley true.”
“OK. I can’t imagine why,” Esme replied. “But Mr. Maddox is known for unconventional thinking and methods. If my jewelry toss can help the Cubs win another World Series, far be it from me to question how!”
“Please, call me Nick.”
Esme brushed an escaped strand of hair out of her eyes and slipped it around her ear with the tiniest hint of seduction. Maddie was impressed.
“All right. Nick, then.”
“Thanks so much!” Maddie gave her aunt a quick peck on the cheek. “Tillie's outside waiting for me. Nick, I’ll pick you up in say—two hours? And I can drop you back at your B and B. If you don’t mind riding in Harriet.”
“Harriet?” Nick looked confused.
“My golf cart.”
Nick’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow, the budget is really tight, isn’t it?”
Esme and Maddie burst out laughing.
“Budget? Who said there’s a budget?” Esme asked. “Once Rory bought new furniture for his office, there was nothing left for anything else.”
“Esme, hush! No bad mouthing. We’re trying to make a good impression here.”
“By lying? My niece is being modest. She’s making gold out of horse manure around here.”
“My aunt is not biased in any way.” Maddie kissed Esme’s cheek. “I’d love to stay here and argue, but I’ve got to run. See you two soon. Have fun!”
Maddie rushed out the door, and she had the wildest feeling that Nick and her aunt were definitely going to have fun.
CASTING CALL
Anson Mount as Nick Maddox
RELATED ART
Maddie won’t allow us to reveal the true story of the Great Cannoli Catastrophe, but here’s one artistic speculation.
Art from Rob Mitchell (AI-generated image)
BASEBALL INSPIRATION
Northwoods Baseball Sleep Radio is a full-length, fake baseball game podcast that imagines the seasons of an entire minor league system, featuring teams like the Lake City Loons, the South Haven Ravens, and the Baraboo Bombers. It’s one of the most brilliant, inventive, audio creations out there. Every imaginary player has full stats, and every single pitch is perfectly choreographed. The announcer, Wally McCarthy, provides subtle, dry wit to accompany the antics of the made-up players, managers, owners, mascots, and more. The podcast is designed to help with sleep and relaxation. It’s also a work of art.
Wilde Pitch uses several concepts from the Sleep Baseball world and takes them in different directions. “The Cannoli Mobile” is one. Coming soon: “Love Notes” will make an appearance. It’s one of the fake ads you hear between innings—a late-night radio show featuring smooth jazz and advice on romance. The Wilde Pitch version is different, but we credit Sleep Baseball with the original idea.
ROGER BOSSARD: THE SODFATHER
Theo, the groundskeeper in Wilde Pitch, and every groundskeeper in MLB, owes something to Roger Bossard. Known as “The Sodfather,” he’s celebrating his 60th year with the Chicago White Sox. He has designed 14 fields around the major leagues with innovative methods of draining water among other things. His designs have also been used at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. He’s in the “Pro Groundskeepers Hall of Fame,” and he’s even had his own Bobble Head Night. He is especially known in Chicago for the many clever tricks he created on the field to help his home team win games.
Roger Bossard, Groundskeeper's Hall of Famer, set for 60th year …
HOME COOKING: LOCAL INSPIRATION
We like to think that Edna’s hash brown casserole is from Ronni Lundy’s recipe. Ronni is a writer, editor, and cook who was born in Corbin, Kentucky. She was the pop music editor for the Louisville Times and Courier Journal for many years. She has written several cookbooks focusing on Southern and Appalachian cuisine. Her book Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes won the James Beard Foundation’s Book of the Year Award.
Here’s a link to the hash brown casserole recipe taken from that book: https://foodschmooze.org/recipe/ronni-lundys-rosti/
PLAYLIST
