gave me added courage for some reason. I knew the more people I spoke with and the longer I didn’t let my shyness control me, the easier this would be. Estella greeted me as soon as I walked in, her genuine smile putting me at ease.
“You’re back for more. Please tell me we can set you up with something more substantial than a salad.”
“Sorry, salad only. I have a dinner meeting and promise to eat something with more consistency then. Actually, I’ll order half the salad I had last night if it’s possible.”
“This younger generation needs to learn to enjoy food more , but I can get you whatever you want, hun.”
“Thank you . I was also hoping you could help me out a little.”
“Sure . Whacha need?”
“ My name is Cami Avesque, but please call me Cami. I’m writing a series of articles for the Cleveland News and Journal about the growing popularity of rugby in the U.S. and your very own hometown team that has a shot at the championship. I interviewed Van Stelson this morning and I’d like to get some insight from fans outside the sports arena if possible.”
“Well I’ll be. You look too young to be a professional writer for a newspaper , or is it one of those online fancy things that most older folks don’t read?”
I liked Estella and couldn’t agree with her more. There was just something about spreading out a newspaper that would be completely lost in another decade. I grinned . “It’s a real life, honest newspaper, nothing fancy about it.”
“If you promise to send me a copy of your articles, I’ll help with anything I can.”
I was so glad I met her last night. “They’re yours.”
Estella’s face turned serious. “I don’t exactly have a job where keeping my mouth shut is an asset , but in regard to certain people I bite my tongue. This time I just can’t. You are too sweet, young, and innocent.” She continued before I could object. “You be careful around Van. That boy is bad news, so I’m giving you fair warning… keep your nickers up.”
Heat filled my cheeks.
“Exactly what I thought.” She leaned in closer. “Van is trouble and should come with a sign that reads, ‘Going straight to hell.’ Don’t get caught in his web.”
“I, um…” I wasn’t sure what to say. “Thanks for the warning ,” I half squeaked.
She pulled away , giving me a satisfied nod. “Now let me get your salad order in, grab you a glass of water, unless you want some more wine, and then I’ll hustle you up some Slam fans.”
“Water , please. Thank you, Estella.”
She walked away while I looked out the window thinking about her warning. I didn’t know if Van was going straight to hell, but he knew exactly what to do to get inside a girl’s panties. I had to find a way to resist his hot body and smooth moves.
A minute later, Estella walked a middle-aged man up to the table and introduced us.
“Charlie Waters meet Cami. The two of you have a lot in common. I’ll leave you to get acquainted and bring back your usual,” she said to Charlie as she walked away.
He sat down opposite me and gave me a large toothy grin. “I own the Colt Sentinel , and Estella tells me you work for a large paper out of Cleveland.”
“Yes, Cami Avesque., I’m with the Cleveland News and Journal .” I put my hand out across the table. Charlie had to be in his sixties, and he reminded me of my father, which put me at ease instantly.
“And our local scrum is bringing you way out here?”
From my internet searches I knew what scrum meant , but he could easily throw out something I didn’t know. He deserved my honesty. “I was assigned here after one of our sports reporters took maternity leave. I work in classifieds, but have dreams of breaking a big story someday. I’m not exactly sure why I was the best fit for this series because sports aren’t my thing, but I’ll try hard to do a good job. I need to get a feel for the game, players, and fans. I take it you’re a fan?” I know I