Page 34 of Breaking the Rules
“You struck out round one,” Areli said.
“First inning,” he corrected. “I know, I was in my head.”
“Why, Unc-Unc?”
“I just missed you too much,” Noble replied softly, pinching her cheek. “But I came back, though. I get credit for that?”
“You did. Good job. No more outs, okay? I put a new doll on it.”
Savanhi laughed at Areli’s comment. “You’re gambling? Already?”
“Win is a win, right Deucey?”
“Right,” Noble returned with a chuckle.
“Can I play now?” Areli asked after taking a big gulp of her drink.
He nodded. “Yeah, wipe your hands off and leave your strap at the table, babygirl.”
“Don’t let nobody get you,” Areli shared, following his directive before prancing off in her bright pink dance outfit.
“She’s hilarious. Your hands are full,” Savanhi stated, watching Areli move into the play area. Anything not to look into his eyes.
“So what’s up with your car, or is the bus an all the time thing?”
“Well, typically my brother handles all my car troubles, but he wasn’t available today so the bus it is until I can get whatever is wrong with it fixed,” Savanhi shared. “Anything else you want to know before we don’t do this anymore?”
“You’re hellbent on that, huh?” Noble questioned, gently turning her face to him. “I got her. You look at me.”
Savanhi swallowed a gulp. “I’m not hellbent, I’m just learning to honor my boundaries. I haven’t been the best at that.”
He grunted. “Me neither.”
“Yep, so rules keep me in check.” Savanhi quietly spoke. “So you’re a baseball player?”
“Hitter and first base. Occasionally corner outfield.”
Savanhi nodded.
“You don’t know what any of that is, do you?”
“Not at all,” Savanhi admitted with a soft laugh. “Never really been into sports. Didn’t have that luxury. Girls I knew were chasing players and hustlers, and I was trying to survive. Still trying.”
“I’m assuming you’re a trained dancer. I mean, I’ve seen you in action.”
Savanhi pushed her hair out of her face. “Yeah, dance got me a scholarship to college, and then OSU got rid of the program, and I had to figure something out. Anyway, we’re not going to listen to my sad origin story.”
“Why not? You won’t allow me anything else.”
“Like what, pussy?” Savanhi scoffed with an eye roll. “We agreed that was one and done.”
“Nah, not pussy,” he stated. “Getting to know you.”
Savanhi looked him full on, almost wanting to fall for that – almost falling for that – she rolled her eyes. “Bullshit.”
“I’m not a bullshitter. I’m a lot of things never a bullshitter.”
“Then what are you?” Savanhi challenged.
