Chapter 14 #3
I need to think fast before this guy, who obviously knows a thing or two about the professional bowling world, recognizes me. The fear of him ratting Ezra and me out for canoodling hits me, and I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, “Damien.”
Setting a reminder for myself to think about why his name was the first one to come to me…
I continue, “I own the tattoo shop next door. If you’re a local, you’ve probably seen me around. Got any ink?”
Got any ink? Who am I right now?
Ezra jerks his head toward me, shocked that I just blatantly lied to this man, knowing he could easily Google me at any time if he suspected it was me. But the guy seems to go with it.
“I can’t say that I do. But my daughter does.
She’s addicted to that stuff. Maybe she’s shown me your website or something?
” Mr. Swingston walks over to the register and places the stack of papers he brought with him on the counter.
“Oh well. Silly me. I thought for a second there you were a professional bowler. I wouldn’t have wanted to remind you, Mr. Jiménez, as an owner of the hosting alley, relationships with bowlers competing in any USBC tournament are highly prohibited.
And not to be nosy, but the two of you were…
well, let’s just say definitely sharing more than just a friendly game of candlepin, if you know what I mean? ”
“Ahh,” I inhale deeply, “nope, just a friendly neighborhood tattoo artist. No professional bowler here, sir. I don’t even know what a candlepin is. Does it require a match?”
“Good.” Mr. Swingston nods before looking back over at Ezra.
“I’m finished with my check-in, and I’ll report back to the USBC.
It’s been an absolute pleasure seeing the few updates you’ve made to this old place and meeting you, Mr. Jiménez.
I didn’t want to lead with this, because I feel like it would have been too phony, but I knew your father.
He was a good man, and I was deeply sorry to hear of his passing.
He’d be proud of what you’re doing to keep this place alive.
” He nods again, but this time, it's more genuine.
He turns, and before he walks away, he says, “Nice meeting you too, Damien. And like I said, the board will make their decision soon. Make Texas proud, Mr. Jiménez.”
As Mr. Swingston exits the alley, and I wipe away the literal sweat beads on my forehead, then rush to Ezra, ready to congratulate him for surviving the check-in.
But his mood shifts when I try to bring some excitement into the moment.
“You did it, Ezzie! We’re in the final stretch.
We still have a lot to do, but I'm confident we'll figure it out just in time to win the bid.”
He goes cold, refusing to look at me as he turns away. “I think we need to call it a day.”
“Wait, what’s wrong? Aren’t you relieved?” I take a step back after his abrupt change in tone, feeling a twinge in my stomach, like a sharp twist of pain replaced with a sudden numbness.
“I’m fading.” He drops into the settee. “Plus, that guy was phony. If he knew my dad like he said he did, he would have known Arsenio Jiménez would not have liked any update to this old place.”
Turning off the score monitor, he begins tidying up the area, almost as if he’s using cleaning as a shield.
“I’ve got a lot of cleaning and organizing to do before we open back up to the public, and I wouldn’t mind grabbing my mom from Mrs. Barnes’ store and heading home before it gets dark.
We’ve also been around paint fumes for a long time today, and I’m starting to feel lightheaded. ”
I nod. “Yeah, yeah. I get it. Do you need—”
“Plus,” he interjects, “I’ve got our ridiculous family BBQ to help my mom get ready for.” He rolls his eyes. “Again, if you don’t want to come, here’s your chance to back out. No hard feelings.”
“Oh, I’m definitely coming. I earned it.” I laugh, though it isn’t a big one. The sudden dryness between us makes it fade quickly. “Are you okay?”
“I'm fine. Promise.” His mouth formed the words, but his eyes, withdrawn and still, contradict them. “Meeting the representative today got in my head a little. I just can’t have us get caught. It’s too much money to lose. That was way too close of a call.”
“You’re right. Even though kissing you has been the most exciting thing I’ve felt in a long time, I will avoid making out with you in front of any more USBC reps.” I smile, but he doesn’t return the gesture. “Are you sure I can’t stay and help with—?”
“Don’t worry about it. But can you make sure the doors are closed on your way out? I think we’ve vented the fumes enough for now.”
“Sure.” I slip my shirt on the right way and change back into my regular shoes, leaving my bowling ones on the counter. I shuffle toward the door, but just before I leave, I brush my finger lightly across my bottom lip, remembering the feeling of my mouth against Ezra’s.
But by the time I turn to say one final goodbye for the evening, he’s already stepped away, disappearing into the office behind the counter.