Page 44 of Tackle

Closing time was approaching and Emerson started to pack up with the help of Leslie and Oz. Oz’s friends had bailed not too long after getting fed but not before A.J. had asked for Leslie’s phone number.

“I’m not sure if anything will come of it, but we’ll see.”

“A.J.’s a good guy. If he said he’d call, he will,” Oz assured her.

Leslie looked up, her rag stilling on the surface of the table she was wiping down. “You think so?” At Oz’s nod of confirmation, she said, “Well, shoot.”

Emerson raised a surprised brow. “If you don’t want him to call, why’d you give him your number?”

“It’s not that I don’t want him to call.” Her fingers busily plucked at the rag she held. “It’s just…” Her eyes flashed to Oz.

He threw his hands up. “Is this girl talk? Do I need to leave?”

Leslie was quick to shake her head. “No. It’s just, I haven’t been on a date since the divorce. I guess I’m a little apprehensive.”

Emerson went over to her. “That’s completely understandable. But if you don’t want to stay single forever, at some point you need to take the plunge.

“I know.” In a blink, Leslie’s eyes went from forlorn to bugged out.

“What is it?” Emerson was quick to ask. Leslie’s sudden tension could be felt like a tangible thing.

Speaking through unmoving lips, she mumbled, “The judges are coming.”

Emerson’s head whipped around. Sure enough, she spotted the judges. They were a few stalls away, making their way down the lane.

She was grateful for Oz’s arms as they wrapped around her, giving her strength and support. She leaned against his chest and watched as the judges approached, praying with every step they took that they didn’t pass her by. Her heart thumped harder and faster as they neared. Were they slowing? Yes, yes, she thought they might be.

They stopped right in front of her booth.

The same man from earlier stepped up. “Ms. Kelly, it is our great pleasure to announce that The Parting Glass has won best savory bite in the restaurant category.” He handed over a blue ribbon and a certificate.

“Wow, thank you so much.” Emerson’s hand shook as she took the document.

“Wonderfully tasty burgers. Hope to see you again next year.”

Emerson was grinning from ear to ear when she turned back to Oz and Leslie. They had equally big smiles on their faces.

“I can’t believe we won!” Emerson threw her arms out and Oz wrapped her up, twirling them in a full circle before setting her back on her feet.

“I’m so proud of you.”

Leslie came over and gave her a hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you!” Emerson waved the blue ribbon in the air.

On cloud nine, Emerson wiped down the last of the tables and was emptying the melted ice from a cooler when the guy from the next booth came up. “Congrats on your win. Keith Costello.” He held out his hand.

With the dirty looks he’d been throwing her way, Emerson was surprised he bothered to come over. “Thank you.” She took his hand. It was a little sweaty and she had to force herself not to wipe hers on the leg of her jeans after releasing it.

“You probably don’t know this, but I own Boom Burgers down the block from your place.”

“Oh, yes, I’ve passed by it a few times.”

His lips pursed. “I’ve passed by yours too. Your parking lot is always full. You must be busy.”

“I can’t complain,” Emerson said carefully.

“But then I guess it doesn’t hurt having the Portland Phantoms in your back pocket.”

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