Page 28 of Sidelining the Safety

“I’m going to keep working hard. I’m focused on keeping myself healthy, in shape, and getting to know the other players.”

[Juan Carlos makes silly chicken noises.] “Chicken and white rice doesn’t make the man, though.”

“No, it doesn’t Juan Carlos, and I won’t lie. I found an awesome diner near my apartment, and they maybe have seen me quite a bit. And let me tell you, the tacos from Cutter’s family’s food truck. Fantastico.”

[Kingsley smacks his lips.] “Yum… and that seems like a good lead-in to our favorite question: what’s your favorite beer and what are you pairing it with?”

“Oh man, that’s tough. I love to try different types whenever I can. If I can order a flight at a restaurant, that’s a sure bet. My preference is a smooth stout, like Guinness. I like the chocolates over the milks. I also love red ales with spice and berry-flavored ciders. And I’ve come to appreciate a fruit-flavored wheat beer. You will never find one of those mass-produced kinds or an IPA in my hand, though, in a pinch, I’ll take a Yuengling.”

“And what are you eating with that lovely stout?”

“A good thick burger, medium, with Swiss, fried onions, maybe some ’shrooms, and some flavored schmear like garlic aioli or teriyaki sauce.”

“Kingsley… [Juan Carlos plays up crying and whining.] This guy is killing me.”

“I know, Juan Carlos. My tastebuds are craving that now, and it’s only eleven A.M.”

“Lunch time!” [Juan Carlos cheers.]

“You know it, and with that, it’s time for us to wrap up this interview. Thanks for joining us today, Lee.”

“It’s been my pleasure, Kingsley, Juan Carlos.”

“And that, fans, was Lee Matters, rookie safety for the Austin Troopers, who had two interceptions in his first professional preseason game. We’ll be keeping our eye on this player, for sure. And you can, too, with a pair of Oakley sunglasses. They’ll keep your eyes protected from the sun’s harsh rays all day long. Available online or from your favorite retail shop.”

CHAPTER 21

CHARITY DINNER

AT BATHTUBS AND BLOSSOMS GIN DISTILLERY

I’m bummed we won’t see you tonight.

Lee frowned, reading Mac’s private text to him.

I’d stop by afterward, but I don’t know how long I’ll be there.

It’s fine. You’ll have fun. I heard that place is sweet. Bucket list when I can afford it.

Is that you fishing?

Lee smirked as he texted. He had money. He could afford it. Hell, he was writing a big fat check to the Bathtub’s owner’s favorite charity.

Maybe…

Consider it done, but it might have to wait till after the season.

I can be patient.

Lee suspected that part was true. Mac seemed to have patience in spades. Probably had to do with being in customer service his whole life.

It’s a date then, or well, you know what I mean. The three of us will go. My treat.

I’ll hold you to it.

He held up his phone in front of the full-length mirror and snapped a shot of himself, then sent it to their group chat because it felt weird having a private conversation.

Drew:

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