Page 38 of Riding Pine
“Look at the ticket sales lineup. He’s filling seats, Lukas. The season hasn’t even started.”
Sure enough, the line at the presale table is long, and Christine flits off to talk with people in line.
“Did you know you’d slap a beaver’s ass when you came here today, Piney?” Burnsy snickers as he bumps me with his shoulder.
“That was mildly embarrassing.”
“Whoever is in the suit seemed to like it.”
Oh, I noticed, and I’m glad Ben had the frame of mind to stay in character. Thankfully, Soupy interrupts us before I say anything more.
“Things are winding up now. You two want to get a beer?”
“Absolutely. Let’s hit the pub downtown.” Burnsy claps my shoulder. “You in, Lukas?”
“I could use a beer.” Or shots. Literally anything to calm me down.
The three of us leave our jerseys with Christine and head out, promising to meet up at the pub separately since we all live in different directions and have our own vehicles. Once in my car, I remove my phone and text Ben.
Lukas:You did amazing today. Tickets were selling like hotcakes when I left.
The responding bouncing bubbles are fast.
Ben:I especially liked the ass slap. I bet that helped warm their wallets.
I snort to myself and shake my head.
Ben:Did you just blush? I bet you did.
Lukas:Yes! I just slapped the mascot’s ass by accident! In public!
Ben:Come over and do it again on purpose.
I suck in a breath and close my eyes. Am I into that? Maybe. I won’t turn down the chance to find out.
Lukas:I just promised the guys we’d go for a beer at the pub.
Ben doesn’t respond for several moments, and I put my car in gear to start the drive just as he responds.
Ben:Tell me when you’re home then.
If texts can sound disappointed, this is one of them. If we’re dating, he should meet the team, who are also my friends. There’s no reason for me to sneak him around when he’s not in the beaver suit. They don’t know who he is.
Lukas:Join us. The pub we just had pizza at.
Ben:Only if you’re okay with me being there. If it’s a team-bonding thing, it’s cool, Lukas. I don’t need to intrude.
Lukas:Not intruding. I want the man I’m dating to be there.
Ben:I’llbe there then.
The three of us have only just sat at a table in the pub when I bring up Ben.
“So…I’m seeing someone and invited them. I hope you don’t mind.”
Burnsy grins in the affable way he has. “Not at all. We’re like family. Sarah would love another WAG to hang around with when we’re away.” Burnsy’s girlfriend just moved here after a long-distance relationship while she finished her PhD.
“Right, so it’s not a woman.” I know these guys are safe, but the jitters always get me when I introduce same-sex love interests. “His name is Ben.”
