Tug of war was always men against women. You would think that would be unfair. But the Marchetti’s were very heavy on the estrogen and the girls’ team easily doubled the number on the boys’ side. Park regulations kept them from digging a traditional mud pit in the middle of the rope. But they had instead filed an inflatable kiddie pool with what looked like whipped cream. Where would someone purchase that much whipped cream? Geez these people did take their games seriously. Libby made a mental note to remember to bring a change of clothes next year.
And then she made a mental note, to remember that she probably wouldn’t be there next year since Tony was not her date. The men did win, but Libby managed to stay clear of the whipped cream—so it was a personal victory in light of a team loss.
“Are you sure you want to skip the pie?” Tony asked her after they had finished lunch.
“Positive. A lady does not consume multiple pies in one sitting.”
Tony pictured her for a moment with fruit and whipped cream smeared across her mouth. It was a damn shame that Libby was a lady. “Okay, wel then let’s go watch at least. Nick’s pretty good. He’s my bet.”
“I would take that bet. You forget I have seen John eat. The year Mel burnt the turkey? John must have polished off three pies… and that was just for fun. Now his reputation is at stake!”
“You’re on.” Tony leaned against a post in the pavilion. There were no chairs left so he tugged Libby’s back into his chest and settled his hands at her hips. So much better than chairs. “What would you like to bet McKay?”
“Cookies?” Libby suggested wondering if her voice sounded normal.
“Nah. Mine stil suck; I would be too humiliated to pay up if I lost. I tel you what—we’l play for a movie.
You win and I wil watch some sappy musical with you, and if I win you have to watch the matrix with me.”
“High stakes. I don’t suppose I could steer you away from Keanu Reaves? Or perhaps persuade you to make a switch-- Bil and Ted’s excelent adventure?” Tony wondered if she had any idea the images she inspired with words like persuade. He was reasonable sure she could persuade him to do just about anything. “Not a chance.”
Nick and John both lost. Tony declared they would compromise with a Die Hard Marathon.
“Bal time!” Someone belowed from the basebal diamond.
“Let’s go.” Tony tugged Libby towards the softbal game.
“I’m just going to watch.”
“No way, you gotta play this is the best part!”
“I’m not playing. I don’t even think I know al the rules.”
“I forgot, you don’t like team sports. Do you remember when you tried out for cheerleading?” Tony shook his head at the memory. “Okay—let’s take a walk then.”
“No, you go play. I wil watch—and cheer.” Libby teased.
In the end Tony did not play bal. He wanted to, but today was about Libby. So they went for a walk instead. There was a path through a smal strip of woods.
And if Tony remembered correctly there was a creak with a pretty little bridge over it. Holding her hand, Tony stroled slowly down the path. The trees were thick enough that it was darker and quieter than the open area of the park. In fact it was downright romantic. Tony stopped thinking about the missed softbal game.
“What’s that?” Libby pointed into the trees above them.
“I believe that is the rare red-belied-long-tail-wood-swalow!” Tony deadpanned without looking up.
Libby snorted and nudged his chin up with the tips of her fingers.
“Oh tha-at.” Tony said as if only just then realizing his mistake. “That looks like a kite.” Perched just above them a plastic looking kite was lodged in the tree limbs.
“Give me a hand.” Libby was already scrambling up the trunk. Tony hoisted her higher and tried not to stare at her ass… much. It took a little while for Libby to reach the kite, and then another few moments to untangle what was left of the string. For a few horrifying seconds Tony was sure she was going to come crashing down. “Look out below!” The slightly battered kite floated to the ground and Libby began inching backwards on her branch. “Umm… I think this is going to be harder on the way down than on the way up.”
Tony stood beneath her caling instructions and warnings; soon she was shimmying back down the trunk. “I gotcha.” Tony reached out grasp her waist the moment she was within reach.
Twisting as she dropped the rest of the way to the ground Libby ended up in Tony’s arms with her back pressed to tree trunk. Oh this was so much better than softbal! Tony closed the remaining distance between them.