The Flex of the Thumb by James Bennett Page A

and night. When he wasn’t on the phone with doctors and lawyers, he was stalling Oakland Athletics’ personnel or product endorsement opportunities. He acted as Vano’s press secretary, to field the ongoing but dwindling calls from press people and other media.
    The Oakland general manager visited Vano once on the deck to remind him about the signing bonus.
    â€œWe already have a lot of money in this house,” Vano told him.
    â€œIt wouldn’t take much,” countered Rakestraw. “I know you’re not in shape, but if you could demonstrate that you can still throw, there’s still a lot of money on the table.”
    Vano pointed out that he didn’t feel any desire to be a pitcher. Then he asked the GM if he’d ever had the pleasure of reading Kon-Tiki .
    This irrelevant question prompted Rakestraw to try a more manipulative approach: “I traded three guys to get you. Three proven major leaguers, I might add.”
    These remarks, meant to provoke in Vano a sense of guilt, fell short of their goal. Vano felt a serene indifference to anything Rakestraw might have to say. He finally answered, “Maybe the three players will be happy with their new team.”
    The frustrated Rakestraw knew when it was time to fold. On the way out he said to Vernon Lucas, “I see what you mean.”
    â€œYou don’t have a clue,” was the dispirited father’s reply.
    Vernon paid Gomez and Ann-Marie five hundred dollars apiece to see what they could do, but Gomez could offer only baseball, and Ann-Marie, sex. Vano obliged Ann-Marie, and he played catch with Gomez, both without engagement. He was firm in his understanding that sex and baseball were activities of the ego connection, and not capable of providing any lasting satisfaction.
    At the end of the month Vernon Lucas threw up his hands in disgust and permitted Vano to enroll at Entrada College. “At least it’ll get him away from home,” he muttered to Sister. Entrada was an institution in need of students, as it happened, so Vano’s substandard high school record was no obstacle. As long as he could pay the cost, the school would be happy to admit Vano, and of course, his father had plenty of money.
    The night before he was to leave for college, Vano was alone in the den watching the TV news when Sister Cecilia came home from Salvation Army band practice. She fussed around in the kitchen for half an hour or so. By the time the late news was over, she came into the den and sat next to Vano on the couch. “I can’t get used to the idea that you’re going away to college. You’re going to be gone for a long time, Vano; I’m going to miss you.”
    â€œI’ll miss you too, Sister Cecilia.”
    â€œIt’s going to be pretty lonely around here.”
    After a delay of a few seconds Vano said, “Sister, I thought you were Catholic.”
    â€œOf course I’m Catolico ; the Salvation Army band is just an outside activity I enjoy.” She couldn’t help but like him this way, though. “It’s a very thoughtful observation for you to make, Vano.”
    He waited again before speaking, “Maybe you could come to Entrada for a visit sometime. It might help to alleviate the loneliness.”
    â€œIt’s getting late, Vano, and I’m awfully tired. How would you like to tuck me into bed?”
    Sister had never asked him a question like this before. “I never thought about it,” he said.
    In her eyes were unfamiliar pinpoints of light as she told him, “I think it would be awfully nice if you would.”
    Vano felt a flickering like a train passing rapidly through a station, but the moment passed. When he found his tongue he said, “Okay then, I guess.”
    They went up to Sister Cecilia’s bedroom. After she seated Vano on the edge of the bed, she got a pink nylon nightgown from her dresser and laid it beside him. Then, facing him, she