Kickin' It On Route 66 ~ Chapter 2 - 6
Title: Kickin’ It On Route 66
State: Missouri ~ Chapter 2-6
Rating: PG
Pairing: adam/kris, OMCs
Summary: The Allen-Lamberts take a road trip along Historic Route 66
Disclaimer: I don’t own Adam or Kris. This story is fiction. Other major characters are fictional; the places they visit in this story are real.
Dedicated to adamluvr36_fic ~ just because ♥
Time for a Allen-Lambert universe mini series. Hannah is 12 years old, Josh is 7 years old. Mrs. Willowby comes along too! Get ready for Americana and nostalgia. Welcome to Missouri!
Meet Mr. Jones, my-oh-so original name for the philanthropist who’s hosting the family at the Cardinals game in this chapter.
Overview map of The Mother Road ~ http://www.historic66.com/description/map.html
Retrace the trip ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/45756.html#cutid1
Masterlist of Allen-Lambert universe ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/21722.html#cutid1
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
ROAD TRIP DAY 13:
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI DAY 5
Crepes, Etc. was two blocks from their hotel and a stroll in the fresh morning air was uplifting. Grabbing a table on the patio, the family ordered and waited for breakfast.
The kids had been up since 5:00am excited about the game and as a consequence Kris and Adam had been up since 5:05am. The two men refused to wake Mrs. Willowby up early so they made the kids use the time wisely ~ packing as tomorrow they’d be leaving. They’d still be in the area for a few days but tonight would be their last night at the Chase Park Plaza.
Mrs. Willowby sipped her piping hot tea and the men sucked back their espresso as they waited for the food to be served.
“Mr. Jones is picking us up at 11:00am. That gives us time to tour the Stadium and attend batting practice before the game starts,” Kris explained, feeling more alert with the jolt of concentrated caffeine.
“Can we hit some balls?”
“Or throw some balls?”
“I don’t know guys, we’ll have to wait till we get there to find out.”
“What are doing today Mrs. Willowby?” Hannah asked.
“Well dear, I’m going to the Botanical Gardens and then to the Soulard Farmer’s Market.”
“Are you getting me anything?”
Adam set down his cup and looked sternly at his son. “Joshua, you have to stop asking if you are getting anything. Just because a person is going somewhere doesn’t mean they have to bring you something. Please apologize.”
Joshua looked at his nanny. “I’m sorry … you don’t have to bring me anything.”
“Thank you Joshua. If I bring you something, it’s because I want to, not because you expect it.”
The server came out with their orders. Hannah and Joshie got glasses of milk and the chocolate pancakes with crème fraiche and strawberries, Mrs. Willowby got the oatmeal with brown sugar and poached pears, Kris ordered buttermilk pecan waffles and Adam the brie and apple omelet.
After breakfast, they headed back to the hotel and got changed into their baseball gear.
Mrs. Willowby hit the road first. Adam handed over the keys to the minivan since they were being ‘chauffeured’ today. She kissed the children, told them to behave, and to watch out for stray balls. Then she kissed her laddies and told them the same thing.
Half an hour after she left, the front desk called, informing them Mr. Jones had arrived and was waiting in the lobby. Making sure they had everything, they left for their adventure.
Mr. Jones was a tall man with blondish grey hair and a jovial smile. Adam and Kris shook hands with him and introduced the kids. He led them outside to a red and black SUV, the kids in the back with their Papa and their Daddy in the passenger beside Mr. Jones.
“Are you ready for your day at the ballpark?” he asked the kids, looking at them through the rear view mirror.
“Yeah!” the kids screamed.
“Guys, guys … indoor voices. I’m sorry, they’re just excited.”
“I’m used to it Mr. Lambert. I have four grandkids of my own and they’re like that too. In fact, they’ll be joining us for the game so your little ones won’t be the only children there.”
It wasn’t a long drive and their host chatted the entire way, giving them the schedule for the day. Before long, they arrived at Busch Stadium. Mr. Jones parked in front and the family got out. Their private tour guide met them along with a security detail to keep an eye on the famous family; Mr. Jones would meet them later on the field for batting practice.
Busch Stadium, with its red bricks, green awnings and ironwork, was the third baseball park built for the St. Louis Cardinals. After the second was torn down, the new one was built in a little over a year. Its three levels included seats, standing room and private rooms with a capacity of nearly 47,000 people.
Moving into one of the standing room areas, they got a great view of the two-toned grass field, hugged on three sides by tiers of red seats and offering a fabulous view of the city skyline, including the Old Courthouse dome and the Arch. The scoreboard and two giant screens added to the visual overload.
Josh whispered something to his sister and they both started waving.
“Who are you waving at?” Kris asked.
“We saw the stadium when we were on top of the Arch so we’re waving at anyone who might be looking now,” Hannah explained.
The two men looked at each, shrugged, and added to the wave.
The Cardinal Party Rooms offered great views of the field with the luxury of indoor air conditioned seats, reserved outdoor seats and a buffet. There were photos on the walls displaying some of the Cardinal’s history. One showed the construction of the second stadium (the one used prior to the current stadium) and in the background the St. Louis Arch was visible with its two legs jutting out of the ground but not yet connected at the top.
“Is this where we’re going to watch the game?” Hannah asked.
“No, but it’s similar to this,” Kris explained. He couldn’t wait; it had the best view in the park behind home plate.
The Redbird Club was between the cheaper seats on the upper tier and the more expensive seats at field level. The purchase of season tickets or specific seats got a fan access to air conditioned areas extending from third base to home plate to first base with full restaurant menus and limited alcoholic beverages. Like the party rooms, the club members could stay inside, use reserved outdoor seats, or travel back and forth between the two.
Being in the Announcer’s Booth was a treat. There were photos of past announcers on the walls as well as cameras and lights. They went down a couple of steps to a bank of windows behind home plate and the desk where the announcer’s sat. The kids were allowed to try on the headsets.
“And now, coming up to bat for the St. Louis Cardinals is number one, my Daddy,” Joshie declared in his best sportscaster voice. All the adults grinned. “My Daddy is a great baseball player. He taught Papa how to get to first base.”
Adam removed the headphones as Kris begged for assurances the PA system wasn’t on. They were assured it was turned off but it was embarrassing enough for those three men to hear that.
“Joshie, let’s just keep that to ourselves,” Kris urged, “especially when they met up with team’s players.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s embarrassing,” Adam replied, giving their boy an appropriate explanation. “They’re professional players and I really don’t know anything about the sport.”
“You do to! You play catch with me and you hit the ball … sometimes.”
“Thanks Joshie Bear. Still, let’s keep that ‘first base’ thing to ourselves, okay.”
“Okay Papa.”
The guide pointed out the flags flying near center field. There was the State Flag, the City Flag, the Team’s Flag and the American Flag. The American Flag had been flying in Iraq and was brought back by the Home Guard. He also shared that when the new stadium was being built, there was a contest via the internet on whether to have red seats or green seats. The red seats won out but he pointed to a section of green seats closest to the field. These seats belonged to the members of the Cardinals Club ~ the most exclusive and expensive seats in the park.
The club itself looked like a five-star restaurant with a buffet and large screen TVs to watch the game. The club members could freely go back and forth between the indoor club and their reserved seats. If they chose to sit outside, they had waiter service for their food. Adam thought that was a little over the top but he kept his comment to himself since there was a pretty good chance Mr. Jones owned at least one of those seats.
The last stop on their tour was the field itself ~ 107,000 square feet of real grass. The guide explained the intricate drainage system and high tech watering system. Kris thought to himself that Mrs. Willowby would have found that fascinating ~ her and her green thumb.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
(A/N ~ Just like I did for a previous attraction, there are so many photos to show the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, I’m including them within the scene.)
Stepping out of the minivan, Mrs. Willowby felt relaxation descend around her. Don’t get her wrong, she loved her little family, but she needed a break and walking through Mother Nature’s gardens was one of her favorite things to do. The Missouri Botanical Gardens, around since 1859, gave her 79 acres to feed her wanderlust. Camera in hand and sunhat on her head, she passed through Visitor’s Center.
♥ Linnean House ~ http://www.lalh.org/images/linnean_restored.jpg
The Linnean House was one of the oldest operating greenhouses in the country, used to over-winter plants that couldn’t survive a Mid-West winter. A wagon wheel of roses surrounding a lily pond filled the warm air with their perfume.
♥ Ottoman Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/visit/ottomangarden.jpg
Passing a bed of hostas, she entered her first international garden ~ The Ottoman Garden. Secluded behind walls, the oasis was a tribute to the 16th and 19th century gardens that had once flourished inTurkey. Stonework mosaics surrounded a small fountain and the scent of flowers and herbs relaxed the soul along with the sound of the trickling water. Though it was near the parking lot, you wouldn’t know it.
Tearing herself away, she moved on, passing the iris and daylily gardens on her way to the Victorian District and its 19th recreations and magic. A gatehouse that was once used by coaches visiting the garden reminded Mrs. Willowby of a little cottage out of a fairy tale.
♥ Gatehouse ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/gatehouse1.jpg
♥ Victorian Garden ~ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/great_garden_01_0810-lg.jpg
♥ Pincushion Garden ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbgarchives/4669533593/
The Kresko Family Victorian Garden was very formal with brick walkways, bright blocks of plants and a statue of Juno standing guard. The Pincushion Garden was similar, using groupings of plants, but less formal, surrounded by grass.
♥ Piper Observatory ~ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/476872701_40454d87b9.jpg
♥ The Maze ~ http://images.ookaboo.com/photo/s/Maze_s.jpg
The Piper Observatory let visitors climb up to a landing and get a bird’s eye view of the maze. Mrs. Willowby maneuvered her way up and walked around the tower, camera clicking happily. She didn’t have the time to get lost amongst the trimmed yew bushes but enjoyed taking ten minutes or so to watch others get turned around and confused. Some poor souls were close to the end and kept going the wrong way and the nurturer in her surfaced. She called out, getting their attention, and talked them to the exit.
♥ Tower Grove House ~ http://www.grafico-qld.com/sites/default/files/pictures/Tower-Grove-House.jpg
Just across the way was the Tower Grove House, the country house of Henry Shaw, founder of the gardens. Within an iron gate was nestled an herb garden nourishing both culinary and medicinal herbs. There was a statue of a child playing with a sundial and she thought of Joshua and Hannah when they were younger, fascinated with all the plants and flowers behind their house in West Hollywood. A little bit of her wished the children were with her now.
♥ Woodland English Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/ewg6b.jpg
♥ Woodland English Garden ~ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2841101172_0a542cae51.jpg
The Woodland English Gardens were shaded, cool and inviting. Birds, squirrels and other wildlife played in the underbrush and the branches above while visitors strolled the winding path, stopping to contemplate at the ponds along the way. A touch of homesickness for England set in, memories of holidays growing up. A child’s laugh floated by on the breeze and she smiled, think of her little ones. One day she’d like to show Hannah and Joshua where she grew up.
♥ Japanese Garden ~ lake & bridge ~ http://ltgov.mo.gov/kids/images/St.Louis/botanicalgardens.jpg
♥ Japanese Garden ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8_LXgAuRNo
The name for the Japanese Garden was Seiwa-en, meaning ‘Garden of pure, clear harmony and peace’. Water was featured everywhere ~ a lake, waterfalls, streams, water filled basins. There were stone lanterns and gravel gardens raked to resemble rippling waves. Four islands rose out of this lake, bridges connecting a few to the shore. Giant koi, or Japanese carp, swam beneath the calm surface and Mrs. Willowby joined other visitors in feeding them, marveling as they swarmed, large mouths gaping in the air, waiting for food.
Mrs. Willowby stopped at the Terrace Café for a light lunch. She checked her phone and found some text messages from the kids, telling her about some of the things they’d seen and that they were going to hit balls with the players. She recalled her conversation with Mr. Lambert yesterday at the Zoo and she hoped he was enjoying himself as well.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
The gates were open and some fans filed in early to watch the teams at batting practice. Temporary batting cages were moved onto the field and they warmed up surrounded by admirers.
Mr. Jones had returned and escorted the Allen-Lamberts onto the field and introduced the family to the team. The kids were in awe. One player offered to sign a baseball for them and before they knew it, it had been passed around to most of the players and came to them covered in autographs. Kris went off to the side to practice his pitching for later and Adam stayed with the kids, Joshie up on his shoulders, as bats cracked and balls flew.
After one of the players finished swinging, he turned to the kids and asked if they wanted to have a go. The team must have done this before because they brought out batting helmets and bats small enough for the kids to use. Joshua went first, missing a few and hitting a few. Hannah was next and she hit a few more than her brother; after all, she’d been playing baseball longer than Joshie had.
“Mr. Lambert?”
“Adam … please.”
“Adam.” The man held out a bat and helmet. “Would you like to give it a try too?”
He smiled and shook his head. “Thanks but I don’t really play.”
“Yeah you do Papa,” Joshie interrupted, “you can throw and hit the ball.” The little boy turned to the pro. “The other night, my Daddy was teaching Papa how to ….”
“Sure! Why not!” Adam exclaimed, cutting the boy off before he brought it up again.
He put on the helmet, cringing at the thought of what his hair would look like after, and moved to the plate, taking up position.
“Ready?” the pitcher asked.
“Go ahead.”
He missed the first one, not used to going after balls thrown by someone who did this for a living, but the next five pitches he sent flying in various directions ~ quite a decent showing in fact.
A couple of players came up and patted him on the back while the kids hugged him around the waist. Mr. Jones gently teased him for acting like he couldn’t hit the ball.
Adam beamed with pride, wishing his dad and brother could see.
“Your husband’s good,” the pitching coach commented. They’d been practicing but stopped when Adam went up to bat.
“Yes he is. I hope I can do as good a job throwing out the first pitch.”
“Don’t worry son, you’re doing great. You played growing up, I can tell.”
“I did, even through high school. Now I just fool around with the kids but I still love the game.”
“Once it’s in your blood, you can’t get rid of it. Let’s toss a few more then take a break. You don’t want to tire that arm out.”
“No sir, I don’t.”
Kris took one more glance towards his family. Adam held Joshie in one arm and Hannah hung onto his free hand as they watched the practice continue. Even though they were a distance apart, Kris could see the glowing pride on his husband’s face.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
♥ Boxwood Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/boxwood3.jpg
After lunch, she found herself following the twists and turns of the formal Boxwood Garden. Designs were created by planting boxwood shrubs in a pattern ~ in this case, the initials of Henry Shaw ~ and filling the enclosed spaces with flowers and ground cover. Unlike the maze she’d seen in the Victorian District, these shrubs were no higher than mid shin so the pattern could be easily seen and enjoyed and one couldn’t get lost.
♥ Chinese Garden pavilion ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/imgs/tours/chingdn1.jpg
♥ Chinese Garden wall ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/imgs/tours/windows1.jpg
Passing through the ‘moon gate’, The Grigg Nanjing Friendship Chinese Garden was spread out before her. Based on ‘scholar’ gardens, it lacked formality yet seemed grander because it did. The main feature was a pagoda style pavilion, a place for contemplation. Other stone features, such as pathways, bridges and statues were strategically placed to create a sense of harmony.
♥ Lehmann Rose Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/lehm4-1.jpg
The second rose garden she encountered was more like an educational garden, its charming gazebo surrounded with historic cultivars, miniature roses, hybrid varieties and test roses. Every year, she would receive her seed catalogues in the mail and she always looked forward to seeing what new roses would be available that year. She wanted to take pictures of her own but a horticulturalist nearby told her it wasn’t permitted. Naturally she was disappointed but understood.
Nearing the end of her outing, there were two more conservatories to explore.
♥ Climatron (inside) ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpBzNo0uDd0
♥ Climatron exterior pic ~ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/images/climatron1_dam_1.jpg
The Climatron could not be missed ~ a doomed structure over half an acre big and housing a tropical lowland rainforest. Among its lush foliage were multiple palm varieties, exotic flowers and flowing water. The cycad trees are one of the oldest species of palm known to man, its roots going back to the Age of the Dinosaurs, metaphorically speaking. A few on display in the Climatron were over 200 years old, having been on display in 1904.
The Plantation Trail was fascinating. You rarely think about where your food comes from and this section of the conservatory showed just how dependent we are on the products of the tropics. She saw for the first time cacao trees, the plant chocolate comes from. Chicle trees once provided the main ingredient for chewing gum ~ Chiclets anyone? Rattan and bamboo plants are used for making furniture. She knew ‘real’ vanilla came from the vanilla pods but she didn’t know those seed pods came from the vanilla orchid. Near the end of the trail were the coffee trees with their reddish-brown berries and many banana plants.
Looking at her watch, she realized the afternoon was waning and she still wanted to go to the Soulard Farmer’s Market. She decided to pass on the Amazonian Aquarium and the Brooking’s Annex with its critters and headed to the last conservatory in the gardens.
The Shoenberg Temperate House was next door but unlike the Climatron’s tropical climate, this conservatory displayed plants from the temperate regions of the world ~ Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, South America, the Mediterranean Sea basin, coastal California, and the southeastern United States. Temperate regions typically have warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Peek session in the Temperate House is April but there were still lovely displays to be seen in the summer.
There were more plants that figured into our daily lives unknowingly ~ the Cork Tree, which of course commercial cork comes from; more cacao trees, olive trees and the bay laurel plant, whose leaves often flavor pasta sauces. There were seven different gardens under the glass roof but the two that stood out the most to her were the Moorish Garden and the Biblical Garden.
♥ Shoenberg Moorish garden ~ http://image53.webshots.com/553/4/77/28/2484477280015598663mbcqbQ_ph.jpg
The walled Moorish Garden resembled an 11th century garden from the Alhambra (grand palace) in Spain. Colorful flowers surrounded a beautiful blue and white tile mosaic and central fountain.
As you expect, the Biblical Garden featured plants mentioned in the Bible. There were pomegranate trees, a date palm stump that was sprouting ~ the original had grown too big for the house and had to be cut down ~ capers, grapes and others. Twenty story signs listed the sacred passages that mentioned each plant.
It had been a wonderful few hours and though her feet were a tad sore, her spirit was still energized. Going back into the visitor’s center, she found the two gift shops full of customers. Her watch said 2:45pm and she still had the market to see. Undoubtedly, she’d be buying things there so she passed on the gift shops.
The ballgame would be starting soon. She took out her phone and made a call.
“Mrs. Willowby! How’s your day?”
“Wonderful, simply wonderful. How’s your day going? I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Surprisingly I am. I got coerced into batting practice ….”
“Oh dear,” she replied, knowing it wasn’t his thing.
“No no, it’s good. I actually hit the ball!”
“Good for you.” Loud laughing came over the phone and she heard Mr. Lambert’s name being called. “Is there a party going on?”
“Kind of. Mr. Jones must have brought every member of his family. It’s kind of crowded.”
“I’ll let you go then. Send Mr. Allen and the children my best wishes. Bye for now.”
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
“How’s her day going?”
“She seems to be having a great time.”
The family was now in their private suite for the game … along with Mr. Jones, his wife, their children and grandchildren, a representative of the Cardinals organization, and of course their security detail. They were in the Redbird Roost, the team owner’s suite. He was out of town but insisted they use his rooms. It came with two staff, a kitchen where their food was prepared, a large screen TV inside and a large screen TV outside along with private seats. The room reminded Kris of a den with light wood paneling and leather seats.
“Daddy … Papa … can I have nachos now?”
“Not yet Joshie, after the game starts.”
“But why do we have to go with you? Everyone else is eating and what if it’s all gone when we got back?!”
Kris took him aside, away from the crowd around them, and crouched down to his level.
“Joshua, I’m throwing out the first pitch today and your Papa is singing the National Anthem and funny enough, we’d like our kids with us. Once the game begins we’ll be back and you can have nachos or hamburgers or hot dogs or whatever else is being made for us. They will not run out of food … trust me.”
“Kris … Joshie … time to head down to the field.”
Adam was waiting at the door with Hannah, Mr. Jones and the Rep. Kris held his hand out to his boy.
“Just imagine the cool story you can tell your friends when we get back home … how you got to meet real baseball players and be on the field.”
The little boy’s face lit up and he accepted his Daddy’s hand. As they left, he asked the kitchen man to keep some nachos for him.
By the time they reached the field, the pre-game festivities were finishing. Kris was given the ball and the pitching coach joined him, rubbing his arm and telling him to relax. How the hell was he supposed to relax with nearly 47,000 people watching him? He’d performed for more than that in concert but he was in his element then, not anxious that he might get booed if he couldn’t reach home plate, or threw it over the catcher’s head or worse hit the umpire behind him.
Joshie and Hannah gave him a hug and Adam squeezed his shoulder. He started moving towards the pitcher’s mound and the announcer’s voice blared out of the loud speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome international recording artist Kris Allen as he throws out the first pitch.” **
The crowd cheered. He slipped on his cap and waved shyly, his eyes on the grass so he would trip. Reaching the mound, he took up the position and looked towards home plate. Just within his eyesight, he saw his kids cheering and his husband give him a thumbs up. Taking a breath, he raised his arm and threw the ball … right across home plate! The crowd cheered again, his family was now screaming and he walked off, waving again, and this time his eyes took it all in.
Reaching his family, Adam didn’t have time to congratulate him before he was whisked off for his part.
With the game just about to start, the announcer came back on again.
“Now to honor our country with the singing of the National Anthem, international recording artist Adam Lambert.”
Adam stood in his designated spot, ball cap off and microphone in his hand. He’d sung the anthem many times at sporting events in high school, at the Miramar base during his Idol homecoming trip, for Spielberg, and on some other occasions. He knew the words but he was still nervous ~ it was thee National Anthem of course. He raised the mic to his lips; the crowd quieted and he began, singing acapella ….
♫ Adam’s National Anthem ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2n9FZMdDEc
Once more a cheer rose up. Kris looked around and swore under his breath.
“Something wrong?” Mr. Jones asked.
“We left our camera in the roost. Darn it, I wanted to catch this all on video.”
The older man patted his back. “Not to worry. I got it all here,” he assured him, holding up his own camera.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
The Soulard Farmer’s Market was located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. The first market had been established in 1779 but the current building was constructed in 1929 after a tornado destroyed the previous one. The market was only open until 5pm so Mrs. Willowby’s time was limited. Leaving her hat behind since the stalls were inside, she grabbed a handful of cloth shopping bags and went inside.
With limited space on Winnie, she had to pass on some stops. A sign at one butcher’s shop intrigued her but there was no room to store frozen meat in their traveling refrigerator. Still, she was curious what bison, elk, rabbit, frogs legs, alligator and turtle tasted like. It was for the best that she let it go; Joshua would probably think she was serving up Bugs, Kermit and the Mutant Ninja turtles.
At the Soulard Spice Shop, she purchased loose leaf tea and coffee beans. She and Mr. Lambert thrived on tea and Mr. Allen liked his coffee ~ the regular kind, not the flavored. Biscuits and muffins were picked up at the bakery along with honey and homemade preserves for breakfasts on the road. For snacks, she got cheese, vegetables and fruits. By 4:30, she had made her way through the Grand Hall and the four wings that branched off from it. Feeling peckish, she stopped and got herself a hot ham and cheese croissant and found a bench outside to relax on. Buskers were entertaining shoppers along the sidewalk. On the way back to her minivan, Mrs. Willowby left some generous tips.
She couldn’t help herself ~ she had a soft spot for musicians.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
Joshie, Adam and Kris sat in the outdoor seats, enjoying the game. Hannah sat on the couch in the suite and sulked. She’d been excited when they got to the Redbird Roost and met the other kids; they liked each other right away. Then Mr. Jones’ grandkids asked if she and Joshie wanted to go exploring with them. Josh wanted to stay and watch the game but Hannah wanted to go.
Her parents, however, weren’t happy with that. Kris asked if any adults were going with them and the other kids said ‘no’, that they go alone all the time. Upon hearing that, Hannah was told she was to stay with them. She asked why one of the security guys couldn’t go with them and her Papa told her the security guards weren’t here to chase kids around.
She wasn’t going … end of discussion.
Joshie wanted her to come outside with them and watch the game. She started grumbling how she’d have more fun running around with her new friends so her Papa said she could just sit inside and be mad. Being mad wasn’t going to change their minds and the only thing her attitude was accomplishing was ruining her own day.
The other kids came back before the game ended and told her about their adventures, saying repeatedly she should have been there. Hannah listened but kept quiet until the conversation turned to what it’s like to have parents who were rock stars and to be traveling across the country in an RV. Hannah told them about the fun things they’d seen and done but kept the subject of her parents off the record. Right now, she wasn’t feeling so lucky.
After the game ended ~ the Cardinals won by the way ~ Mr. Jones said he was going to take them all to a St. Louis institution. It’s was tradition with lots of ball fans to go to Ted Drewes after the game for frozen custard. He was surprised to hear they had already been there and said they could go somewhere else but the Allen-Lambert’s said going back to Drewes was a wonderful idea.
“Now that you feel better, you can get a big concrete,” Joshie told his sister since she’d been sick the first time they went.
“Whatever,” she replied sourly, rolling her eyes.
Joshie shrugged and walked away. Kris, however, wasn’t going to have it. He took her aside.
“I know you’re still upset that we wouldn’t let you go running around the stadium, but this behavior has to stop. Mr. Jones has been generous with us and you will be grateful. When we get back to the hotel, you can keep being mad if you want but I won’t have you taking it out on your brother.”
Hannah couldn’t look her Daddy in the eye but she answered quietly, “Yes sir.”
Mr. Jones asked Adam if their nanny might like to join them; he didn’t mind stopping by the hotel to pick her up. Adam said he’d find out.
The call was picked up and he heard laughing before a very cheery nanny spoke.
“Mr. Lambert … how was the game? I heard your team won.”
“Yes they did.” He heard a man’s voice and water splashing. “Um, are you at the hotel?”
“Oh my yes, I’m down by the pool having a light dinner.”
“Are you alone?” he pressed, wondering if she was visiting with the concierge.
“I’m having a drink with … a friend. He’s on his dinner break.”
“Well then, I guess you wouldn’t want to join us at Drewes for a treat.”
“Oh … well … actually … I am somewhat ….”
“Don’t worry about it. You enjoy your evening. We should be back in an hour or so. I look forward to hearing about your day. Say hello to Bryan for me.”
She giggled like Hannah on her better days and bid adieu.
Adam was looking forward to talking to her; maybe she could clue them in on their daughter’s behavior.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
When they got back to the hotel, Hannah bolted for her room but was stopped in her tracks by having to finish packing her things so they’d be ready to leave in the morning. She silently did as she was told then went to bed.
Adam and Kris had a chance to talk to their nanny and she explained that all children go through a rebellious phase and that she’d work her way through it eventually.
No one told them the ‘terrible twos’ had a sequel.
That night, curled up in bed, both men thought about the underlying reason why they didn’t want their daughter … or their son for that matter … running off someplace without them. The problem was they were too scared to admit it out loud.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
Crepes Etc ~ www.crepesstl.com
Pic of Busch Stadium (exterior) ~ http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/images/tfm0709p30a.jpg
Pic of Busch Stadium (interior) ~ http://www.cvent.com/en/destination-guide/st-louis/images/busch-stadium-lg.jpg
Busch Stadium tour (8 parts) ~ http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C47E4F25CD6998D0
** Had to show this gem I stumbled upon ~ AI Season 8 throwing first pitch at Dodgers game, includes Kris and Adam ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-0ITEqd92A
Missouri Botanical Garden tour ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/tours/tourintro.shtml
Soulard Market (interior) ~ http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwrMYqWuibI/SGY9fiQ5MlI/AAAAAAAADmQ/-jC5ZtoDVWc/s320/st.louis.mkt.JPG
Soulard Market (exterior) ~ http://images.ookaboo.com/photo/s/SoulardMarketSTL_s.jpg
State: Missouri ~ Chapter 2-6
Rating: PG
Pairing: adam/kris, OMCs
Summary: The Allen-Lamberts take a road trip along Historic Route 66
Disclaimer: I don’t own Adam or Kris. This story is fiction. Other major characters are fictional; the places they visit in this story are real.
Dedicated to adamluvr36_fic ~ just because ♥
Time for a Allen-Lambert universe mini series. Hannah is 12 years old, Josh is 7 years old. Mrs. Willowby comes along too! Get ready for Americana and nostalgia. Welcome to Missouri!
Meet Mr. Jones, my-oh-so original name for the philanthropist who’s hosting the family at the Cardinals game in this chapter.
Overview map of The Mother Road ~ http://www.historic66.com/description/map.html
Retrace the trip ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/45756.html#cutid1
Masterlist of Allen-Lambert universe ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/21722.html#cutid1
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
ROAD TRIP DAY 13:
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI DAY 5
Crepes, Etc. was two blocks from their hotel and a stroll in the fresh morning air was uplifting. Grabbing a table on the patio, the family ordered and waited for breakfast.
The kids had been up since 5:00am excited about the game and as a consequence Kris and Adam had been up since 5:05am. The two men refused to wake Mrs. Willowby up early so they made the kids use the time wisely ~ packing as tomorrow they’d be leaving. They’d still be in the area for a few days but tonight would be their last night at the Chase Park Plaza.
Mrs. Willowby sipped her piping hot tea and the men sucked back their espresso as they waited for the food to be served.
“Mr. Jones is picking us up at 11:00am. That gives us time to tour the Stadium and attend batting practice before the game starts,” Kris explained, feeling more alert with the jolt of concentrated caffeine.
“Can we hit some balls?”
“Or throw some balls?”
“I don’t know guys, we’ll have to wait till we get there to find out.”
“What are doing today Mrs. Willowby?” Hannah asked.
“Well dear, I’m going to the Botanical Gardens and then to the Soulard Farmer’s Market.”
“Are you getting me anything?”
Adam set down his cup and looked sternly at his son. “Joshua, you have to stop asking if you are getting anything. Just because a person is going somewhere doesn’t mean they have to bring you something. Please apologize.”
Joshua looked at his nanny. “I’m sorry … you don’t have to bring me anything.”
“Thank you Joshua. If I bring you something, it’s because I want to, not because you expect it.”
The server came out with their orders. Hannah and Joshie got glasses of milk and the chocolate pancakes with crème fraiche and strawberries, Mrs. Willowby got the oatmeal with brown sugar and poached pears, Kris ordered buttermilk pecan waffles and Adam the brie and apple omelet.
After breakfast, they headed back to the hotel and got changed into their baseball gear.
Mrs. Willowby hit the road first. Adam handed over the keys to the minivan since they were being ‘chauffeured’ today. She kissed the children, told them to behave, and to watch out for stray balls. Then she kissed her laddies and told them the same thing.
Half an hour after she left, the front desk called, informing them Mr. Jones had arrived and was waiting in the lobby. Making sure they had everything, they left for their adventure.
Mr. Jones was a tall man with blondish grey hair and a jovial smile. Adam and Kris shook hands with him and introduced the kids. He led them outside to a red and black SUV, the kids in the back with their Papa and their Daddy in the passenger beside Mr. Jones.
“Are you ready for your day at the ballpark?” he asked the kids, looking at them through the rear view mirror.
“Yeah!” the kids screamed.
“Guys, guys … indoor voices. I’m sorry, they’re just excited.”
“I’m used to it Mr. Lambert. I have four grandkids of my own and they’re like that too. In fact, they’ll be joining us for the game so your little ones won’t be the only children there.”
It wasn’t a long drive and their host chatted the entire way, giving them the schedule for the day. Before long, they arrived at Busch Stadium. Mr. Jones parked in front and the family got out. Their private tour guide met them along with a security detail to keep an eye on the famous family; Mr. Jones would meet them later on the field for batting practice.
Busch Stadium, with its red bricks, green awnings and ironwork, was the third baseball park built for the St. Louis Cardinals. After the second was torn down, the new one was built in a little over a year. Its three levels included seats, standing room and private rooms with a capacity of nearly 47,000 people.
Moving into one of the standing room areas, they got a great view of the two-toned grass field, hugged on three sides by tiers of red seats and offering a fabulous view of the city skyline, including the Old Courthouse dome and the Arch. The scoreboard and two giant screens added to the visual overload.
Josh whispered something to his sister and they both started waving.
“Who are you waving at?” Kris asked.
“We saw the stadium when we were on top of the Arch so we’re waving at anyone who might be looking now,” Hannah explained.
The two men looked at each, shrugged, and added to the wave.
The Cardinal Party Rooms offered great views of the field with the luxury of indoor air conditioned seats, reserved outdoor seats and a buffet. There were photos on the walls displaying some of the Cardinal’s history. One showed the construction of the second stadium (the one used prior to the current stadium) and in the background the St. Louis Arch was visible with its two legs jutting out of the ground but not yet connected at the top.
“Is this where we’re going to watch the game?” Hannah asked.
“No, but it’s similar to this,” Kris explained. He couldn’t wait; it had the best view in the park behind home plate.
The Redbird Club was between the cheaper seats on the upper tier and the more expensive seats at field level. The purchase of season tickets or specific seats got a fan access to air conditioned areas extending from third base to home plate to first base with full restaurant menus and limited alcoholic beverages. Like the party rooms, the club members could stay inside, use reserved outdoor seats, or travel back and forth between the two.
Being in the Announcer’s Booth was a treat. There were photos of past announcers on the walls as well as cameras and lights. They went down a couple of steps to a bank of windows behind home plate and the desk where the announcer’s sat. The kids were allowed to try on the headsets.
“And now, coming up to bat for the St. Louis Cardinals is number one, my Daddy,” Joshie declared in his best sportscaster voice. All the adults grinned. “My Daddy is a great baseball player. He taught Papa how to get to first base.”
Adam removed the headphones as Kris begged for assurances the PA system wasn’t on. They were assured it was turned off but it was embarrassing enough for those three men to hear that.
“Joshie, let’s just keep that to ourselves,” Kris urged, “especially when they met up with team’s players.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s embarrassing,” Adam replied, giving their boy an appropriate explanation. “They’re professional players and I really don’t know anything about the sport.”
“You do to! You play catch with me and you hit the ball … sometimes.”
“Thanks Joshie Bear. Still, let’s keep that ‘first base’ thing to ourselves, okay.”
“Okay Papa.”
The guide pointed out the flags flying near center field. There was the State Flag, the City Flag, the Team’s Flag and the American Flag. The American Flag had been flying in Iraq and was brought back by the Home Guard. He also shared that when the new stadium was being built, there was a contest via the internet on whether to have red seats or green seats. The red seats won out but he pointed to a section of green seats closest to the field. These seats belonged to the members of the Cardinals Club ~ the most exclusive and expensive seats in the park.
The club itself looked like a five-star restaurant with a buffet and large screen TVs to watch the game. The club members could freely go back and forth between the indoor club and their reserved seats. If they chose to sit outside, they had waiter service for their food. Adam thought that was a little over the top but he kept his comment to himself since there was a pretty good chance Mr. Jones owned at least one of those seats.
The last stop on their tour was the field itself ~ 107,000 square feet of real grass. The guide explained the intricate drainage system and high tech watering system. Kris thought to himself that Mrs. Willowby would have found that fascinating ~ her and her green thumb.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
(A/N ~ Just like I did for a previous attraction, there are so many photos to show the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, I’m including them within the scene.)
Stepping out of the minivan, Mrs. Willowby felt relaxation descend around her. Don’t get her wrong, she loved her little family, but she needed a break and walking through Mother Nature’s gardens was one of her favorite things to do. The Missouri Botanical Gardens, around since 1859, gave her 79 acres to feed her wanderlust. Camera in hand and sunhat on her head, she passed through Visitor’s Center.
♥ Linnean House ~ http://www.lalh.org/images/linnean_restored.jpg
The Linnean House was one of the oldest operating greenhouses in the country, used to over-winter plants that couldn’t survive a Mid-West winter. A wagon wheel of roses surrounding a lily pond filled the warm air with their perfume.
♥ Ottoman Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/visit/ottomangarden.jpg
Passing a bed of hostas, she entered her first international garden ~ The Ottoman Garden. Secluded behind walls, the oasis was a tribute to the 16th and 19th century gardens that had once flourished inTurkey. Stonework mosaics surrounded a small fountain and the scent of flowers and herbs relaxed the soul along with the sound of the trickling water. Though it was near the parking lot, you wouldn’t know it.
Tearing herself away, she moved on, passing the iris and daylily gardens on her way to the Victorian District and its 19th recreations and magic. A gatehouse that was once used by coaches visiting the garden reminded Mrs. Willowby of a little cottage out of a fairy tale.
♥ Gatehouse ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/gatehouse1.jpg
♥ Victorian Garden ~ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/great_garden_01_0810-lg.jpg
♥ Pincushion Garden ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbgarchives/4669533593/
The Kresko Family Victorian Garden was very formal with brick walkways, bright blocks of plants and a statue of Juno standing guard. The Pincushion Garden was similar, using groupings of plants, but less formal, surrounded by grass.
♥ Piper Observatory ~ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/476872701_40454d87b9.jpg
♥ The Maze ~ http://images.ookaboo.com/photo/s/Maze_s.jpg
The Piper Observatory let visitors climb up to a landing and get a bird’s eye view of the maze. Mrs. Willowby maneuvered her way up and walked around the tower, camera clicking happily. She didn’t have the time to get lost amongst the trimmed yew bushes but enjoyed taking ten minutes or so to watch others get turned around and confused. Some poor souls were close to the end and kept going the wrong way and the nurturer in her surfaced. She called out, getting their attention, and talked them to the exit.
♥ Tower Grove House ~ http://www.grafico-qld.com/sites/default/files/pictures/Tower-Grove-House.jpg
Just across the way was the Tower Grove House, the country house of Henry Shaw, founder of the gardens. Within an iron gate was nestled an herb garden nourishing both culinary and medicinal herbs. There was a statue of a child playing with a sundial and she thought of Joshua and Hannah when they were younger, fascinated with all the plants and flowers behind their house in West Hollywood. A little bit of her wished the children were with her now.
♥ Woodland English Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/ewg6b.jpg
♥ Woodland English Garden ~ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2841101172_0a542cae51.jpg
The Woodland English Gardens were shaded, cool and inviting. Birds, squirrels and other wildlife played in the underbrush and the branches above while visitors strolled the winding path, stopping to contemplate at the ponds along the way. A touch of homesickness for England set in, memories of holidays growing up. A child’s laugh floated by on the breeze and she smiled, think of her little ones. One day she’d like to show Hannah and Joshua where she grew up.
♥ Japanese Garden ~ lake & bridge ~ http://ltgov.mo.gov/kids/images/St.Louis/botanicalgardens.jpg
♥ Japanese Garden ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8_LXgAuRNo
The name for the Japanese Garden was Seiwa-en, meaning ‘Garden of pure, clear harmony and peace’. Water was featured everywhere ~ a lake, waterfalls, streams, water filled basins. There were stone lanterns and gravel gardens raked to resemble rippling waves. Four islands rose out of this lake, bridges connecting a few to the shore. Giant koi, or Japanese carp, swam beneath the calm surface and Mrs. Willowby joined other visitors in feeding them, marveling as they swarmed, large mouths gaping in the air, waiting for food.
Mrs. Willowby stopped at the Terrace Café for a light lunch. She checked her phone and found some text messages from the kids, telling her about some of the things they’d seen and that they were going to hit balls with the players. She recalled her conversation with Mr. Lambert yesterday at the Zoo and she hoped he was enjoying himself as well.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
The gates were open and some fans filed in early to watch the teams at batting practice. Temporary batting cages were moved onto the field and they warmed up surrounded by admirers.
Mr. Jones had returned and escorted the Allen-Lamberts onto the field and introduced the family to the team. The kids were in awe. One player offered to sign a baseball for them and before they knew it, it had been passed around to most of the players and came to them covered in autographs. Kris went off to the side to practice his pitching for later and Adam stayed with the kids, Joshie up on his shoulders, as bats cracked and balls flew.
After one of the players finished swinging, he turned to the kids and asked if they wanted to have a go. The team must have done this before because they brought out batting helmets and bats small enough for the kids to use. Joshua went first, missing a few and hitting a few. Hannah was next and she hit a few more than her brother; after all, she’d been playing baseball longer than Joshie had.
“Mr. Lambert?”
“Adam … please.”
“Adam.” The man held out a bat and helmet. “Would you like to give it a try too?”
He smiled and shook his head. “Thanks but I don’t really play.”
“Yeah you do Papa,” Joshie interrupted, “you can throw and hit the ball.” The little boy turned to the pro. “The other night, my Daddy was teaching Papa how to ….”
“Sure! Why not!” Adam exclaimed, cutting the boy off before he brought it up again.
He put on the helmet, cringing at the thought of what his hair would look like after, and moved to the plate, taking up position.
“Ready?” the pitcher asked.
“Go ahead.”
He missed the first one, not used to going after balls thrown by someone who did this for a living, but the next five pitches he sent flying in various directions ~ quite a decent showing in fact.
A couple of players came up and patted him on the back while the kids hugged him around the waist. Mr. Jones gently teased him for acting like he couldn’t hit the ball.
Adam beamed with pride, wishing his dad and brother could see.
“Your husband’s good,” the pitching coach commented. They’d been practicing but stopped when Adam went up to bat.
“Yes he is. I hope I can do as good a job throwing out the first pitch.”
“Don’t worry son, you’re doing great. You played growing up, I can tell.”
“I did, even through high school. Now I just fool around with the kids but I still love the game.”
“Once it’s in your blood, you can’t get rid of it. Let’s toss a few more then take a break. You don’t want to tire that arm out.”
“No sir, I don’t.”
Kris took one more glance towards his family. Adam held Joshie in one arm and Hannah hung onto his free hand as they watched the practice continue. Even though they were a distance apart, Kris could see the glowing pride on his husband’s face.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
♥ Boxwood Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/boxwood3.jpg
After lunch, she found herself following the twists and turns of the formal Boxwood Garden. Designs were created by planting boxwood shrubs in a pattern ~ in this case, the initials of Henry Shaw ~ and filling the enclosed spaces with flowers and ground cover. Unlike the maze she’d seen in the Victorian District, these shrubs were no higher than mid shin so the pattern could be easily seen and enjoyed and one couldn’t get lost.
♥ Chinese Garden pavilion ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/imgs/tours/chingdn1.jpg
♥ Chinese Garden wall ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/imgs/tours/windows1.jpg
Passing through the ‘moon gate’, The Grigg Nanjing Friendship Chinese Garden was spread out before her. Based on ‘scholar’ gardens, it lacked formality yet seemed grander because it did. The main feature was a pagoda style pavilion, a place for contemplation. Other stone features, such as pathways, bridges and statues were strategically placed to create a sense of harmony.
♥ Lehmann Rose Garden ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/images/tours/lehm4-1.jpg
The second rose garden she encountered was more like an educational garden, its charming gazebo surrounded with historic cultivars, miniature roses, hybrid varieties and test roses. Every year, she would receive her seed catalogues in the mail and she always looked forward to seeing what new roses would be available that year. She wanted to take pictures of her own but a horticulturalist nearby told her it wasn’t permitted. Naturally she was disappointed but understood.
Nearing the end of her outing, there were two more conservatories to explore.
♥ Climatron (inside) ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpBzNo0uDd0
♥ Climatron exterior pic ~ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/images/climatron1_dam_1.jpg
The Climatron could not be missed ~ a doomed structure over half an acre big and housing a tropical lowland rainforest. Among its lush foliage were multiple palm varieties, exotic flowers and flowing water. The cycad trees are one of the oldest species of palm known to man, its roots going back to the Age of the Dinosaurs, metaphorically speaking. A few on display in the Climatron were over 200 years old, having been on display in 1904.
The Plantation Trail was fascinating. You rarely think about where your food comes from and this section of the conservatory showed just how dependent we are on the products of the tropics. She saw for the first time cacao trees, the plant chocolate comes from. Chicle trees once provided the main ingredient for chewing gum ~ Chiclets anyone? Rattan and bamboo plants are used for making furniture. She knew ‘real’ vanilla came from the vanilla pods but she didn’t know those seed pods came from the vanilla orchid. Near the end of the trail were the coffee trees with their reddish-brown berries and many banana plants.
Looking at her watch, she realized the afternoon was waning and she still wanted to go to the Soulard Farmer’s Market. She decided to pass on the Amazonian Aquarium and the Brooking’s Annex with its critters and headed to the last conservatory in the gardens.
The Shoenberg Temperate House was next door but unlike the Climatron’s tropical climate, this conservatory displayed plants from the temperate regions of the world ~ Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, South America, the Mediterranean Sea basin, coastal California, and the southeastern United States. Temperate regions typically have warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Peek session in the Temperate House is April but there were still lovely displays to be seen in the summer.
There were more plants that figured into our daily lives unknowingly ~ the Cork Tree, which of course commercial cork comes from; more cacao trees, olive trees and the bay laurel plant, whose leaves often flavor pasta sauces. There were seven different gardens under the glass roof but the two that stood out the most to her were the Moorish Garden and the Biblical Garden.
♥ Shoenberg Moorish garden ~ http://image53.webshots.com/553/4/77/28/2484477280015598663mbcqbQ_ph.jpg
The walled Moorish Garden resembled an 11th century garden from the Alhambra (grand palace) in Spain. Colorful flowers surrounded a beautiful blue and white tile mosaic and central fountain.
As you expect, the Biblical Garden featured plants mentioned in the Bible. There were pomegranate trees, a date palm stump that was sprouting ~ the original had grown too big for the house and had to be cut down ~ capers, grapes and others. Twenty story signs listed the sacred passages that mentioned each plant.
It had been a wonderful few hours and though her feet were a tad sore, her spirit was still energized. Going back into the visitor’s center, she found the two gift shops full of customers. Her watch said 2:45pm and she still had the market to see. Undoubtedly, she’d be buying things there so she passed on the gift shops.
The ballgame would be starting soon. She took out her phone and made a call.
“Mrs. Willowby! How’s your day?”
“Wonderful, simply wonderful. How’s your day going? I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Surprisingly I am. I got coerced into batting practice ….”
“Oh dear,” she replied, knowing it wasn’t his thing.
“No no, it’s good. I actually hit the ball!”
“Good for you.” Loud laughing came over the phone and she heard Mr. Lambert’s name being called. “Is there a party going on?”
“Kind of. Mr. Jones must have brought every member of his family. It’s kind of crowded.”
“I’ll let you go then. Send Mr. Allen and the children my best wishes. Bye for now.”
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
“How’s her day going?”
“She seems to be having a great time.”
The family was now in their private suite for the game … along with Mr. Jones, his wife, their children and grandchildren, a representative of the Cardinals organization, and of course their security detail. They were in the Redbird Roost, the team owner’s suite. He was out of town but insisted they use his rooms. It came with two staff, a kitchen where their food was prepared, a large screen TV inside and a large screen TV outside along with private seats. The room reminded Kris of a den with light wood paneling and leather seats.
“Daddy … Papa … can I have nachos now?”
“Not yet Joshie, after the game starts.”
“But why do we have to go with you? Everyone else is eating and what if it’s all gone when we got back?!”
Kris took him aside, away from the crowd around them, and crouched down to his level.
“Joshua, I’m throwing out the first pitch today and your Papa is singing the National Anthem and funny enough, we’d like our kids with us. Once the game begins we’ll be back and you can have nachos or hamburgers or hot dogs or whatever else is being made for us. They will not run out of food … trust me.”
“Kris … Joshie … time to head down to the field.”
Adam was waiting at the door with Hannah, Mr. Jones and the Rep. Kris held his hand out to his boy.
“Just imagine the cool story you can tell your friends when we get back home … how you got to meet real baseball players and be on the field.”
The little boy’s face lit up and he accepted his Daddy’s hand. As they left, he asked the kitchen man to keep some nachos for him.
By the time they reached the field, the pre-game festivities were finishing. Kris was given the ball and the pitching coach joined him, rubbing his arm and telling him to relax. How the hell was he supposed to relax with nearly 47,000 people watching him? He’d performed for more than that in concert but he was in his element then, not anxious that he might get booed if he couldn’t reach home plate, or threw it over the catcher’s head or worse hit the umpire behind him.
Joshie and Hannah gave him a hug and Adam squeezed his shoulder. He started moving towards the pitcher’s mound and the announcer’s voice blared out of the loud speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome international recording artist Kris Allen as he throws out the first pitch.” **
The crowd cheered. He slipped on his cap and waved shyly, his eyes on the grass so he would trip. Reaching the mound, he took up the position and looked towards home plate. Just within his eyesight, he saw his kids cheering and his husband give him a thumbs up. Taking a breath, he raised his arm and threw the ball … right across home plate! The crowd cheered again, his family was now screaming and he walked off, waving again, and this time his eyes took it all in.
Reaching his family, Adam didn’t have time to congratulate him before he was whisked off for his part.
With the game just about to start, the announcer came back on again.
“Now to honor our country with the singing of the National Anthem, international recording artist Adam Lambert.”
Adam stood in his designated spot, ball cap off and microphone in his hand. He’d sung the anthem many times at sporting events in high school, at the Miramar base during his Idol homecoming trip, for Spielberg, and on some other occasions. He knew the words but he was still nervous ~ it was thee National Anthem of course. He raised the mic to his lips; the crowd quieted and he began, singing acapella ….
♫ Adam’s National Anthem ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2n9FZMdDEc
Once more a cheer rose up. Kris looked around and swore under his breath.
“Something wrong?” Mr. Jones asked.
“We left our camera in the roost. Darn it, I wanted to catch this all on video.”
The older man patted his back. “Not to worry. I got it all here,” he assured him, holding up his own camera.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
The Soulard Farmer’s Market was located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. The first market had been established in 1779 but the current building was constructed in 1929 after a tornado destroyed the previous one. The market was only open until 5pm so Mrs. Willowby’s time was limited. Leaving her hat behind since the stalls were inside, she grabbed a handful of cloth shopping bags and went inside.
With limited space on Winnie, she had to pass on some stops. A sign at one butcher’s shop intrigued her but there was no room to store frozen meat in their traveling refrigerator. Still, she was curious what bison, elk, rabbit, frogs legs, alligator and turtle tasted like. It was for the best that she let it go; Joshua would probably think she was serving up Bugs, Kermit and the Mutant Ninja turtles.
At the Soulard Spice Shop, she purchased loose leaf tea and coffee beans. She and Mr. Lambert thrived on tea and Mr. Allen liked his coffee ~ the regular kind, not the flavored. Biscuits and muffins were picked up at the bakery along with honey and homemade preserves for breakfasts on the road. For snacks, she got cheese, vegetables and fruits. By 4:30, she had made her way through the Grand Hall and the four wings that branched off from it. Feeling peckish, she stopped and got herself a hot ham and cheese croissant and found a bench outside to relax on. Buskers were entertaining shoppers along the sidewalk. On the way back to her minivan, Mrs. Willowby left some generous tips.
She couldn’t help herself ~ she had a soft spot for musicians.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
Joshie, Adam and Kris sat in the outdoor seats, enjoying the game. Hannah sat on the couch in the suite and sulked. She’d been excited when they got to the Redbird Roost and met the other kids; they liked each other right away. Then Mr. Jones’ grandkids asked if she and Joshie wanted to go exploring with them. Josh wanted to stay and watch the game but Hannah wanted to go.
Her parents, however, weren’t happy with that. Kris asked if any adults were going with them and the other kids said ‘no’, that they go alone all the time. Upon hearing that, Hannah was told she was to stay with them. She asked why one of the security guys couldn’t go with them and her Papa told her the security guards weren’t here to chase kids around.
She wasn’t going … end of discussion.
Joshie wanted her to come outside with them and watch the game. She started grumbling how she’d have more fun running around with her new friends so her Papa said she could just sit inside and be mad. Being mad wasn’t going to change their minds and the only thing her attitude was accomplishing was ruining her own day.
The other kids came back before the game ended and told her about their adventures, saying repeatedly she should have been there. Hannah listened but kept quiet until the conversation turned to what it’s like to have parents who were rock stars and to be traveling across the country in an RV. Hannah told them about the fun things they’d seen and done but kept the subject of her parents off the record. Right now, she wasn’t feeling so lucky.
After the game ended ~ the Cardinals won by the way ~ Mr. Jones said he was going to take them all to a St. Louis institution. It’s was tradition with lots of ball fans to go to Ted Drewes after the game for frozen custard. He was surprised to hear they had already been there and said they could go somewhere else but the Allen-Lambert’s said going back to Drewes was a wonderful idea.
“Now that you feel better, you can get a big concrete,” Joshie told his sister since she’d been sick the first time they went.
“Whatever,” she replied sourly, rolling her eyes.
Joshie shrugged and walked away. Kris, however, wasn’t going to have it. He took her aside.
“I know you’re still upset that we wouldn’t let you go running around the stadium, but this behavior has to stop. Mr. Jones has been generous with us and you will be grateful. When we get back to the hotel, you can keep being mad if you want but I won’t have you taking it out on your brother.”
Hannah couldn’t look her Daddy in the eye but she answered quietly, “Yes sir.”
Mr. Jones asked Adam if their nanny might like to join them; he didn’t mind stopping by the hotel to pick her up. Adam said he’d find out.
The call was picked up and he heard laughing before a very cheery nanny spoke.
“Mr. Lambert … how was the game? I heard your team won.”
“Yes they did.” He heard a man’s voice and water splashing. “Um, are you at the hotel?”
“Oh my yes, I’m down by the pool having a light dinner.”
“Are you alone?” he pressed, wondering if she was visiting with the concierge.
“I’m having a drink with … a friend. He’s on his dinner break.”
“Well then, I guess you wouldn’t want to join us at Drewes for a treat.”
“Oh … well … actually … I am somewhat ….”
“Don’t worry about it. You enjoy your evening. We should be back in an hour or so. I look forward to hearing about your day. Say hello to Bryan for me.”
She giggled like Hannah on her better days and bid adieu.
Adam was looking forward to talking to her; maybe she could clue them in on their daughter’s behavior.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
When they got back to the hotel, Hannah bolted for her room but was stopped in her tracks by having to finish packing her things so they’d be ready to leave in the morning. She silently did as she was told then went to bed.
Adam and Kris had a chance to talk to their nanny and she explained that all children go through a rebellious phase and that she’d work her way through it eventually.
No one told them the ‘terrible twos’ had a sequel.
That night, curled up in bed, both men thought about the underlying reason why they didn’t want their daughter … or their son for that matter … running off someplace without them. The problem was they were too scared to admit it out loud.
~~~~ ☼ ~~~~
Crepes Etc ~ www.crepesstl.com
Pic of Busch Stadium (exterior) ~ http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/images/tfm0709p30a.jpg
Pic of Busch Stadium (interior) ~ http://www.cvent.com/en/destination-guide/st-louis/images/busch-stadium-lg.jpg
Busch Stadium tour (8 parts) ~ http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C47E4F25CD6998D0
** Had to show this gem I stumbled upon ~ AI Season 8 throwing first pitch at Dodgers game, includes Kris and Adam ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-0ITEqd92A
Missouri Botanical Garden tour ~ http://www.mobot.org/hort/tours/tourintro.shtml
Soulard Market (interior) ~ http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwrMYqWuibI/SGY9fiQ5MlI/AAAAAAAADmQ/-jC5ZtoDVWc/s320/st.louis.mkt.JPG
Soulard Market (exterior) ~ http://images.ookaboo.com/photo/s/SoulardMarketSTL_s.jpg
