Lee
Something else?
Stella
Like something… I don’t know, gangster maybe.
I cracked up, clearing my throat when a couple ofpeople hanging out in the stands swiveled their heads in my direction.
Lee
Gangster? That’s a little stereotypical. You’re from Brooklyn, and your mother’s side is Italian.
Stella
That’s not it. It was the way he said he knew everything that went on.
Lee
So does Diane. In a nosy but helpful way. Nothing else. He’s a big teddy bear but can be pretty intimidating when he needs to be.
Stella
Oh well, that’s good. Not that I think anything will happen or that they care where I am, but good.
Lee
Nothing will happen. I told you.
Stella
I remember.
I’d sworn nothing would happen to her right before I would have slammed my mouth against hers if we hadn’t been interrupted.
Not that I thought about that almost-kiss all the time, along with the rest of thealmostmoments, or wondered if she’d picked up on them too.
Lee
I’ll call you when practice ends.
Stella
Good. Bennie told me that you always try to tell her goodnight if it’s not too late or if the players need you to snap them back in.
Lee
I do, but today is only practice, so I can call once we finish and get back to the hotel. I’ll even tell you goodnight.
Stella
I feel special.
Because you are.
Stella
I’ll let you get back to cracking the guys’ bones like Bennie says you do. When you call, I’ll give you a full recap of dinner and our day.
