Chase said, “You should have brought him with you. I don’t think there’s anything he can destroy here at my place. We could have let him run around in the backyard while we grilled the steaks. A fence runs around it to keep him from running away. You said he’s well-behaved anyway. I love dogs. I don’t need one of my own, but I’ll be happy to babysit or have him over for visits.”

Eric said, “Well, I knew I didn’t ask in advance, and I’ve only had Rudy for a few days. I’ve got a pattern started. I go for batting practice and workouts in the afternoon. Then I head home for dinner and take Rudy out for a walk. He’s a perfect gentleman and lounges around the place in the evening until I get home. I can tell where he’s been in the apartment by the pattern of dog hair left behind.”

“What did you do for tonight?” asked Aaron.

“Jack’s watching him for me. I didn’t tell him all the details of what’s going on since the two of you failed to invite Jack and Mo. He only knows I have a function before the game.”

Aaron grumbled. “We did not fail to invite them. Mo turned us down because Jack was busy.”

They all laughed. Chase said, “Oops, I guess I invited Mo and Jack a little late. Jack already had plans to take care of Rudy.”

I said, “I think we’ve got a couple of things to talk about with the two of you. Eric and I settled on bringing both up on the way over here.”

Chase’s eyes opened wider. “Something big? What’s going on?”

I shook my head. “Nothing huge, but Eric says the two of you are the most trustworthy guys he knows, and I know what a good friend you are, Chase.” I was nervous, but I thought having someone else know about my relationship with Eric would lift some weight off my shoulders.

Aaron said, “That’s quite a compliment,” and Eric nodded with a warm smile on his face.

I turned toward Eric and asked, “Do you want me to bring it up?”

“Sure, go right ahead. I doubt they’ll be surprised anyway.”

“Well, the big news is that Eric and I are sort of dating.” I glanced at Eric, and he started to frown. “It’s not sort of dating. We are dating, and he’s an awesome guy. We’re starting to think about letting everyone in general know, but I don’t think either one of us wants to rush that.”

Aaron and Chase both smiled. Aaron stood up from his chair and walked over to our side of the table. He said, “I think that news is worthy of hugs.” As he wrapped Eric tightly in his arms, he asked, “Chase, why don’t you go break out the bottle of champagne? I know we were saving it for Mo’s retirement bash, but we can always get more.”

Chase disappeared into the kitchen. I hugged Aaron, and we all reclaimed our seats. Eric’s expression turned serious when he asked, “Do you have any opinions or suggestions about us coming out publicly. I know that it’s been a busy Yellowjackets year on that front. We’ve got less than a month left. Should we wait for the off-season?”

Aaron said, “I don’t think you should worry about what anyone else thinks or how your timing affects another person’s plans. It’s your decision, and it’s about the two of you. Do what feels best.”

Chase reappeared with a bottle of champagne in his hand and said, “I think a big smoocheroo of a kiss at the pitcher’s mound on the last day of the season would be great. Think about how the crowd would roar. We’re home for that game. What a way to wrap the season up!”

Aaron sighed. “That might be what you want, but this is about Eric and Harley. Let’s pour the champagne, and I’ll make a toast.”

“Okay, but it would be exciting that way.” Eric looked up at Chase as he poured champagne into our wine glasses. We’d used them to enjoy a glass of wine with our meal.

We all held the glasses high while Aaron said, “To a great new couple! May all of the best positive energy flow your way!”

“Here! Here!” shouted Chase.

I smiled and drank down a mouthful of champagne while I reached out for Eric with my free hand.

While we held hands, Chase seated himself and said, “Hey, wait. You said you wanted to talk about a couple of things. That usually means two. What’s the second?”

I said, “It’s about Rudy.”

Aaron waved a hand. “Oh, no, we’re not getting a dog, and don’t lean hard on Chase about it either. He is likely to cave.”

“No, it’s not that, but we would like to ask the two of you to be Rudy’s guardians. That means that you would make sure he’s taken care of and is given a good home if anything dreadful happens to us.”

Chase said, “Damn, there is something really sweet about that. I’ve never been asked to be the guardian of someone’s pet.”

Eric asked, “Then you’ll do it?”

“I don’t see why not. Aaron probably loves this idea. I get my close connection with a dog, and he doesn’t have to worry that it will sleep on our bed.”

I said, “We can send Rudy over for a week. He does like to sleep on the foot of the bed. If we need private time, we kick him out of the bedroom. He’s pretty good about that.”

Aaron asked, “Doesn’t he whine or scratch at the door?”

I shook my head. “We joked about that. We said that he probably goes to the living room and turns on the TV. Every time it’s happened, we go out to the living room, and he’s sound asleep sprawled on the floor.”

Chase whispered, “Every time it happens? Do you mean every night?”

I laughed. “I wish, but sometimes we’re too exhausted from the game. Eric cuddles up into my arms, and we go right to sleep.”

Eric squeezed my hand as Chase said, “He’s a keeper. What’d I tell you, Eric? Don’t let this one go. Hold on tight.”

I saw the confusion in Aaron’s eyes. He asked, “What are you talking about? What did you tell Eric?”

“Nothing awful. I said that if Harley was a spooner, he’s a keeper. You’re great at that, Aaron, so you’re a keeper, too. There’s nothing at all to worry about.”