Chapter 5

“Miss Roberts, in what other sports do you participate?”

I smiled slightly. “I’m a runner and I participate in martial arts like judo and Kung Fu.”

Prince Asshole said, “That’s why dealing with the guy at the restaurant and with me earlier was easy?” He put a questioning sound into his voice.

“That’s correct. The biggest issue was trying not to hurt either of you badly.”

He smiled. “Thank you. I was afraid that was true.”

As the game went on, the Prince expressed his interest and helped cheer on the Braves. As has happened so often, the Braves bats exploded in the seventh and eighth to win the game handily. There was no home ninth.

“Miss Roberts, why didn’t the Braves bat in the ninth?”

“The other team didn’t come back in the top half of the ninth and the Braves won. That’s standard when the home team is winning. The score would only be more in favor of the home team and would prove nothing.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

Anna said, Brother, you’re being polite this evening.”

He smiled, “Yes, I’m learning. Besides Miss Roberts can beat me with one hand tied behind her back.”

Mason chuckled, “That’s a line I taught you.”

The Prince grimaced, “I thought it appropriate to my circumstances.”

We stood and were slowly moving toward the exit and the limo. There were many people at the game but everyone seemed to be in good spirits. We reached the limo and got inside. Traffic was heavy but our driver made her way through it and through Atlanta and out I-20 East to drop me off and then take the others to the Anderson home which was close.

I would be picked up tomorrow morning at ten. We would return in the afternoon to dress formally for the dinner at the Anderson home. I asked Mason if I should plan on driving tomorrow evening.

He said, “No, we have the limo rented for the week. It might as well be used. When we get out, we will send it back for you.”

“Okay by me. That will make life easier for me.”

“See you in the morning, Jar.”

“I look forward to it. Good night to all three of you.”

I walked up to my front door, opened it, and stepped inside. Once inside, I went into the kitchen and pulled a water from the fridge. It was late so I headed to bed sipping my water. I stripped and slept the night through. I woke in the morning at my usual time and started coffee. I thought a moment and pulled a package of frozen sausage biscuits for breakfast. I “nuked” them. Adding mustard, I carried them into the living room and turned on the TV to find out the state of the world.

There was a report on the game last night. I went into shock! The headline was “Prince Roger and Princess Anna double date to the game.” The four of us were pictured! Neither Mason nor I were identified though the camera spent some time on me as I pointed out things about the game to the Prince.

My cell rang and it was a girl friend of mine. She said, “Are you home and watching TV?”

“As it happens, I am.”

“That looked romantic!”

“No, I was just explaining baseball. You will notice that we weren’t touching in any way during any of the shots. At best, he’s marginal. Most of the time, Prince Asshole is one.”

“That’s tough.”

“He is richly deserving of that description. My boss is paying me and paying all the expenses. That helps to make it tolerable.”

“I wouldn’t mind going out with him.”

“Except that my boss wanted me specifically, I would put you to work. Trust me though, there is nothing romantic going on between us. Now, Princess Anna and Mason are interested in each other. If you looked at the pictures, they are holding hands and sitting close. She’s also a nice person.”

“Well, the Prince looks hot.”

“He may look good but his personality is toxic. I’ve got to go. The limo picks me up in a few moments. Tonight, we have to go to a fancy dinner.” I chuckled. “You know how much I love those.”

She giggled. “Now, I know you’re being paid.”

“Right, see you around.”

I disconnected and went into the bathroom to clean up and dress. I was ready a few minutes early as is my habit. The limo drove up and I walked out the door. The driver held the door for me as I got inside.

Mason and Anna both said, “Good morning, Jar.”

I smiled, “Good morning to you two, too. Did you watch the TV news this morning?”

They grimaced and nodded. Prince Asshole was in there and said, “I saw it and didn’t like it. Those people should be arrested.”

‘I happen to agree but that’s not the law in this country. Therefore, just grin and bear it. As long as they don’t venture too far into falsehoods, there is nothing to be done. We were in a public place.”

Mason said, “Jar, they linked you romantically to Roger.”

I replied, “They’ve been wrong before and will be again. If it comes up, Prince, take a cue from my actions. Denials don’t work with them very well. They expect that.”