Read Online First Class Stamp by Aj Harmon - Free Book Online Page B

the kid props. “So what brings
you here?”
    “Mom says you want to take me to another game. I’m glad that
I didn’t annoy you. Sometimes my dad tells me I can be annoying. But it’d be
awesome to go again.”
    “It would be awesome,” Ben replied. “And you are not
annoying. Far from it. So when do you wanna go? Did you look at the schedule?”
    “Course! I’m thinking this Wednesday. The game against
Philly. That’s gonna be a nail biter I think.”
    “’K,” Ben nodded. “Wednesday it is.”

6.
    Over the next two weeks, Ben took Alex to three baseball
games. His wardrobe increased by three t-shirts and a jacket too. Alex had also
shown up at Ben’s apartment a couple of times now…all under the pretense of
thanking him for taking him to the games. Surprisingly to Ben, he didn’t mind
in the least.
    The last time he’d rang the doorbell, Ben was just about to
go grab something to eat. He’d thought about just calling and having some
Chinese delivered, but he’d been stuck in meetings all day and wanted to get
out and walk. After all, he lived in the perfect city for walking to dinner.
He’d invited Alex to go with him and, after he’d run back and checked with his
mom, they went to a diner and ate breakfast for dinner.
    Now, as Ben ordered Thai from one of his favorite
restaurants, he added several extra items…just in case he had company. Thirty
minutes later the food arrived and still no Alex. As it was a Friday night, and
Alex had shown up the last two Friday nights, Ben began to wonder if he was
okay. Instead of sitting down, turning on a game and eating, he rode the elevator
down to the lobby, exited the high-rise and crossed the street to Aldo’s
Market.
    “Is Alex okay?” he asked Aldo as he strode to the counter.
    “Sure he is…I think. Why?”
    “Oh, no reason,” Ben shrugged, feeling really stupid. What
was I thinking?
    “He’s with his dad this weekend,” Aldo added. “Left a couple
of hours ago. Should be back on Sunday evening. At least he’d better be. School
starts Monday.”
    Ben sighed and turned to leave when he heard Sophia call out
to her father. “Dad? Do you want something to eat?” She came to a halt when she
saw Ben.
    “Nah,” Aldo replied. “I had all that leftover ravioli at
lunch. I’ll just grab some toast or something after I close up. Whatcha
making?”
    “Haven’t made anything. Mom just had some soup so I figured
I’d just make something for you and me,” Sophia said trying not to look in
Ben’s direction.
    “You know,” Ben said, “I just had some Thai delivered and
there’s more than enough to share. You’re welcome to come eat with me.”
    “What are you doing here then?” Sophia asked, her voice
laced with suspicion.
    “Um…well…just to grab some beer,” he stuttered. “Root beer,”
he added. He didn’t want her thinking he sat alone and drank beer. That would
be pathetic even if it was true. He swung around and ran back to the cooler,
yanked the glass door open and grabbed four bottles of Barq’s. He ran back to
the counter and placed them on the counter with a thud. One fell, rolled to
edge and fell on the floor.
    “I wouldn’t open that any time soon,” Aldo chuckled. He
turned to Sophia. “I’ll see you later then. Go on.” He looked at Ben and nodded
his head in the direction of the door.
    “Great!” smiled Ben. “I’ll lead the way.” He didn’t see the
scathing look she sent her father. Aldo just chuckled.
    Sophia was immediately intimidated by her surroundings as
she entered Ben’s apartment. This was the residence of a man who knew extreme
wealth intimately. “Wow,” she whispered.
    Sleek, modern yet comfortable and tasteful was the
description she formed in her head. Spacious and expensive was the next byline.
The massive windows in front of her allowed an amazing view of the Brooklyn
Bridge and in just a couple of hours, she was sure, the image would be lit up
and stunning.
    “Make yourself at