a stiff drink

Josh Heuston for a Man About Town.

“hey, i’ll give you 25 bucks if you swear you never saw me. "

A smirk rose across Cole's lips. "How about you keep your twenty five bucks and you never saw me either." The male bargined, hold his hand out to shake on the agreement.

xavier had been halfway through vendor row when someone stopped him for a photo, then another, then a kid asking for an autograph on a baseball that was already signed by three other players. he didn't mind, laughs came easy, arms slung around shoulders for pictures before sending people back into the crowd with a quick fist bump. when he finally stepped aside for a second, he noticed someone nearby watching the whole thing. a grin spread across his face. "right then, you next?"

Cole knew he was being a bit impulsive and risky. His manager had been relentless with reminding him to keep a low profile and stay out of large public crowds. Some may recognised him but he felt that in a city so consumed by sports and sporting legends, he would be less likely to be swammed. Still he dressed in dark clothing and pulled a plain baseball cap over his head to stay as low profile as possible. Cole had already notices several althetes being stopped for photos and autographs. The whole specitcal made him smirk. In his world, it was rare for him to feel almost invisible in a crowd like this and frankly, he liked it. The male stopped nearby another instant of the sporting craze that went on in Dallas. He studied what he assumed was an athlete interacting with the crowd. To Cole the other seemed so relaxed, almost as if he was enjoying the interactions. A slight frown creased at Cole's brow when the other turned to speak to him. Part of him hadn't even realised he was staring, "Ah.. sorry." Cole ducked his head a bit, glancing around himself. "No, not autograph or photo needed from me.. Ahh thanks, anyway." Who knew Cole could be so awkward when caught breaking basic social cues.

the   sun   is   pressing   heat   into   zoya’s   uncovered   shoulders,    her   denim   skirt   is   riding   high   on   now   sun   kissed   thighs   and   knee   high   boots   are   completely   impractical   for   grass,    but   she   doesn’t   care.    she   crouches   slightly,    milo   is   in   front   of   her   at   the   tee   and   his   oversized   cap   is   sliding   over   his   eyes.    “   alright,    buddy    -    elbow   up.    other   elbow    -    no   …    -    yes,    that   one.    you   have   two,    use   them,   ”    her   voice   is   calm   but   firm   and   within   seconds,    her   son   huffs   dramatically   and   she   can’t   help   but   roll   her   eyes   playfully   while   brushing   a   curl   off   his   forehead.    “   look,    mama   didn’t   invent   baseball   and   she   isn’t   perfect.    i’m   not   running   the   drills   perfectly   and   i   can’t   pitch   like   your   faves,    but   i   can   teach   you   to   hit.    is   that   okay   ?   ”    a   nod.    he   swings,    he   misses.    he   swings   again,    gets   in   contact   this   time    -    it’s   wobbly,    but   rolls   forward   and   it’s   enough   for   a   three   year   old.    she   notices   they’re   being   watched,    straightening   her   posture   back   up,    her   one   hand   hooked   into   the   back   pocket   of   her   skirt.    “   he   clearly   gets   his   almost   athleticism   from   me,   ”    her   tone   is   lightweight,    even   though   her   face   expression   is   dead   serious.    “   tragic   for   the   rest   of   you,   ”    a   shrug   and   finally   her   eyes   move   up   to   the   person   in   front   of   her,    though   her   attention   span   allowing   her   to   watch   milo   at   the   same   time.    “   don’t   tell   him   i   said   that    -    i’m   trying   to   build   character,    not   ego,   ”

He truly hadn't even realised he had paused for so long until a woman - he presumed the mother of the small boy battling with the bat near her - spoke directly to him. His eyes instantly flashed to her, a heat rising colour in the tops of his cheeks. It was clear she didn't recognise him so he was happy to engage. "Oh, I can't really comment.. I'm not exactly atheltically inclined myself." Sure, Cole worked out to keep in shape for his job but otherwise, he wouldn't be able to hit a baseball any better than the kid in front of them. "I know from experience through, if you try hard enough at something it does become easier. You might have yourself a World Series winner right there." Cole smiled genuine while gesturing to the boy.