“But you are an older sister.” I tip my head from side to side.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“It’s a deal if you don’t tell any of the guys the heights thing. I’m a Boston Bruiser. We’re tough, gritty, and don’t take any nonsense on or off the field.”
I make a lip-zipping motion and recall that my lower one is still slightly swollen as it heals.
Chase rubs his hands together. “So, what first? Food? Then games and rides?”
Before we make it over to the food trucks, a game barker calls for Chase’s attention, challenging him to get a basketball in a hoop. “A teddy bear for your sweetheart!” the guy calls. “Take a shot, come on, step right up.”
Elvis Presley’s song “Teddy Bear” plays from the stall.
Chase hesitates and the guy shouts some more, urging us over.
“Come on, you’re starved. I, for one, make my worst decisions when I’m hungry. I recently went grocery shopping on an empty stomach and got home to find prunes, canned sardines, and marzipan in my grocery bag.”
The game guy doesn’t let up, heckling Chase about winning something for his lady, aka me.
“Little does he know that I’m a pro athlete,” Chase whispers.
“Football isn’t the same as basketball.”
“But it’s an Elvis teddy bear.” He softly sings the lyrics to the famous song by the King of Rock and Roll.
I tilt my head, hearing his crooning voice above the din of the fair. “Chase,” I whisper when he goes quiet.
“Sorry. Got carried away.”
“If that’s the way you sing, get carried away all you want.” The man has pipes. I never thought about what it would be like to hear a man sing to me, but it turns out I like it. A lot.
The game guy continues to holler at us.
“Come on, I’m getting you an Elvis bear.”
“I have a teddy bear right here,” I say, squeezing his side with a little tickle. “Er, I mean Superman.”
“That’s more like it. Bet I can win you one. A big one.” He tosses a few dollars on the counter and grabs a ball. Chase winks at me, then sinks the ball in the basket on the first try.
“Three shots wins her a prize,” the barker says.
He sinks two more hoops with little effort.
The game operator slouches as he passes Chase a teddy bear wearing a white jumpsuit and sunglasses. He gives it to me.
I hug it, then loop my arm through his. “Thank you.”
“I’m thinking we grab some grub. Tossing that ball worked up my appetite.”
“You made it look effortless.”
“Well, what can I say? I’m good at what I do.” He smirks.
“Don’t be modest or anything.” I playfully whack him with the bear.
“Hey, take it easy on Elvis-Bear. He’s strong, tough, and an excellent shot, but you have to watch the fur.”
We both laugh as we enter the food area.
