Page 39 of Dark Love

He grins. “Wanna watch some television while we eat?”

“Sounds good. Though I wish I didn’t sleep through the Sharkies game.”

The tinkle of metal hitting metal draws my attention from the plate in front of me.

“The Sharkies. You just called the Sharks Baseball Team the Sharkies.”

“Yeah, so? I’ve called them that since I was a kid.” They were my favorite team for a long while.

“You’re a girl.”

“Um, yeah.”

“But that means you like baseball.”

Vex, in shock, is a sight to be seen. “Hate to break it to you, Mr. Bone Crusher, girls can like sports.”

“Girly girl librarians can’t. Women that wear cardigans aren’t allowed to like baseball.”

“And why can’t we be both?” Though where did the librarian come from? Not that I don’t love the library, because I absolutely do. It’s one of my favorite places.

“You really like baseball?”

Why do I need to prove myself? Maybe to see if I can poleaxe Vex even more than he already is. “Baseball is my favorite sport by far. Though, I settle for football through the fall and winter. These exhibition games are hit and miss before the baseball season starts.”

“Name a player.”

There are fifty I could name. “If I can only name one, I pick Oliver Schoolers.”

“Of all the players in the league you pick Schoolers.”

“Why wouldn’t I? He’s the best shortstop in the history of the game, the reason I moved to Urbium, and the reason I love the Dragons.” Not to mention, he's pretty cute.

“You moved to Urbium for baseball?”

“Um, yeah.” Among other reasons. “How else am I going to get season tickets and go to every home game? That was even a condition of the job I took. They know I’d be going to every game once I get them.”

“So, you moved here and got a job just to enjoy baseball season tickets.”

Basically. “When I get them. Did you know the waiting list is tens of thousands of people long? It’s going to be years before I get them.”

“You’re crazy.”

And what else is new? “You said that before.”

“It bears repeating. We can watch the game if you want.” Vex clicks a few buttons and the pregame starts.

“As long as you won’t be bored.”

“I’m good.”

You really are, but why do you make people think you’re bad? That’s a question for another day. Right now, I need to forget about everything else and eat a brilliant steak and watch the Sharkies win hopefully.

Sit With Me

Dahlia

I might never be able to move again. Never, ever has my belly been this full.

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