Then the final play of the game unfolded, almost in slow motion; the mad scramble of bodies on the field, the desperate Hail Mary pass, the ball bouncing around several times before hitting the ground as the clock struck zero and the game was over.
The Eagles had won the Superbowl!
The tavern erupted in a frenzy of yelling, cheering, crying, hugging and high fives. Tina and Chuck were on their feet as well, hugging first each other, then any random stranger nearby.
The celebration went on for several minutes before he finally got her attention again. Her eyes met his as his hands found her waist, pulling her closer.
Chuck felt not just bold, but empowered. “You wanna get out of here?”
Tina’s lips curled in an absolutely naughty grin. “I do. But first, I want you to meet someone.”
Startled, to say the least, he didn’t have time to manage a reply before Tina took his hand and pulled him through the crowd.
They didn’t go far, only to a booth just behind them. Seated there was a distinguished looking man, his short, wavy hair only slightly gray, the wire frames of his glasses giving him the air of a college professor. Seated beside him on the inside of the booth was an attractive black woman. Chuck barely had time to take her in, his attention more focused on the man as he stood to greet them.
“Hey there. My name’s Mick. I’m Tina’s husband.” With a friendly smile, he extended his hand. “What an incredible game. Looks like you and Tina had a lot of fun watching it.”
It was pure, dumb motor reflex that made Chuck shake the man’s hand. Then it fully registered that he’d said the word “HUSBAND.”
Chuck pulled back his hand reflexively. “Look, I don’t want any trouble. I didn’t know, she never mentioned…”
Mick laughed amicably. “Relax. Seriously. I know you’re probably really confused right now. Take a seat, join us for a drink, please, and we’ll explain.”
“Explain what?” the woman piped up from behind him. “Mick, who are these people? What’s going on?”
Chuck considered simply walking away. While he was no coward, he certainly didn’t go looking for fights. He also didn’t want to get caught up in some crazy drama or whatever scam these two might be pulling.
Then Tina was coaxing him to join her in the booth. She slid into the seat opposite the very startled looking woman as her husband again joined her on the other side.
Dazed, and more than a little confused, Chuck allowed himself to be pulled down beside her.
“First, I suppose, we need some introductions,” Mick began, very casually, as if he were beginning some type of class or lecture. “Lonnie, this is Tina, my wife. And this is…”
He paused, looking at Chuck intently. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name?”
“Let me out,” Lonnie snapped. “I’m leaving!”
Mick turned to her, resting his hand gently on her shoulder. “Please, just stay a minute. I promise we’ll explain.” Lonnie sat back in her seat, looking both angry yet curious.
Chuck could relate. “Look, just get to the point,” he said sharply. “What kind of game is this?”
Mick turned to Tina. “Perhaps you should start?”