"She's straight, Tracy."

"So I've heard. Wouldn't be the first time one of them was shown how much better a woman can be."

"She's off limits. Pay attention to the game."

"I'd much rather pay attention to her," Tracy said with a sigh, reluctantly turning her focus back to the softball game.

Unaware that she was the subject of conversation between the two women at first base, Crystal continued to listen to Jenny identify everyone on the team. "Now the one up to bat is Kelly."

"The catcher," Crystal said, receiving a nod in reply.

"Yeah, now remember the one that hit on you earlier? That's one of her ex's."

"One?"

"Oh yeah, Kelly makes the rounds. We were together briefly."

"Why do I get the feeling I'm a minority here?"

Jenny laughed and reached for another bottle of juice from the cooler. "Because you are, m'dear." She popped the top off the bottle. "Take a look around. I think you're probably the only straight one here except for maybe some of the other fans." Jenny took a step closer to the end of the bleachers and lowered her voice, not wanting their conversation overheard by the players on the nearby bench. "Does it bother you to be around so many lesbians?"

"No, I don't think it does," Crystal said, sliding down one row of seats on the bleacher, bringing her face to face with the therapist. "I don't think I've ever been around so many."

"Well don't worry," Jenny said. "We don't bite."

"Unless asked," Carmen said as she walked by, catching only the tail end of the conversation. She stopped and held her hand out. "Carmen Cruz." "Crystal Sheridan."

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Sheridan." Carmen's darker skin stood in contrast to the blonde woman's lighter tone as they shook hands. "I haven't seen you here before. Whose girlfriend are you?"

"None. I'm Laura's roommate," she said for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Well I'm glad you decided to grace us with your presence," the pitcher said, reluctantly releasing Crystal's hand. "Maybe you'll bring us good luck. Lord knows we could use some lately."

"We've lost our last four games," Jenny explained.

"Oh," Crystal said as she rose to her feet. "I don't know how you can play in this heat." She was wearing a tank top covered by a light blue short sleeved shirt. Without thought she peeled off the outer shirt and tossed it aside. At that very moment, Kelly hit a slow roller up the third base line. Distracted by the activity on the bleachers, the shortstop bobbled the ball, accidentally kicking it out to center field and allowing two more runs to score. Laura advanced from first to third and the home team bench exploded with catcalls and teasing comments when they realized what had happened.

"You're supposed to keep your eyes on the ball, not the girls," Toni called.

"Hey Duncan, I didn't think you were that hard up," someone else said. "What's the matter, not getting any?"

"I get it just fine," the shortstop said, aware that her most recent conquest was standing in the outfield. "I just well" She stammered to a stop, causing a new round of hoots and laughter.

"I knew you were a good luck charm," Carmen said to the now blushing Crystal. "You coming out with us after the game?" "After?" Not knowing the answer, she turned to Jenny.

"We're not sure yet. Depends on how Laura is feeling," she said.

"Well then," Carmen said, picking up her glove. "If you do come out, you'll have to allow me the pleasure of buying you a drink," she directed her offer at Crystal. "After all, we're ahead because of you."

"I uh, sure," Crystal said. "If we go." A crack of the bat and Wendy grounded out, ending the inning.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to get out there." Carmen left just as Laura stopped by to pick up her glove.

"They're not bothering you too much, are they?" the writer asked with concern, aware that Crystal was the cause of the shortstop's distraction. There were days when the team from Ameilia's Pub became bawdy and no doubt this was going to be one of them.

"I think I've been hit on three times and the one that plays third base said she'd pay me to that again when she's up to bat." Crystal shrugged. "Other than that and everyone asking if we're sleeping together, I'm fine."

"They're really pretty harmless," the writer said. "If anyone gives you a hard time, you just tell me. I've got to get out there. Talk to you in three hopefully short outs."

Crystal watched her roommate head to right field before turning her attention to the activities at home plate. Alex, the Falcon shortstop who made the error in the previous inning, was at the plate. The catcher, Kelly, couldn't resist the opportunity.

"Hey Duncan, think you can pay attention to the ball this time?"

"Go to hell, Kelly," the batter said without malice. "I noticed you buzzing around her like a bee to honey."

"Batter up," the umpire interrupted. Alex took her position and waited for Carmen's pitch.

"I'd pay good money to dive into that hive," Kelly said just as Alex swung.

Swish thwap! "Strike one!" The Falcon shortstop adjusted her helmet and resumed her stance.

"Bet she's sweeter than honey, too mmm."

Thunk! "Foul, strike two!"

"Shut up, Kelly," Alex said, tightening the wrist straps of her batting gloves. She stepped in again, this time barely stopping herself from swinging at a low pitch.

Thwap! "Ball."

"Come on, Duncan, knock the shit out of it," one of the Falcon players yelled.

"Of course it's too bad she's straight."

Thwap! "Strike three, you're out!" Alex looked from the catcher to Crystal and back again, shaking her head and smiling when she realized that she'd just been distracted into making an out.

"It's gonna be a long game," she said as she walked away.

Carmen's strong arm and good fielding by Wendy and Donna ended the game, the Airhearts victorious over the Falcons. Small micro groups formed in the parking lot, women either agreeing to meet at Ameilia's or giving one of many reasons why they couldn't attend. Toni had Linda pressed up against the side of a van, their mouths doing something far more enjoyable than talking. Surprised by the public display, Crystal looked everywhere but at the passionate lovers. How can they act like that out here in front of everyone? She noted that the others seemed to not notice and those that did stop and look at the couple simply smiled and went back to their conversations. Crystal looked at the couple again, this time seeing more than just two women kissing. For the first time she saw tears running down Linda's cheeks. So engrossed in the drama unfolding before her, Crystal never heard the therapist come up behind her.

"Guess we won't be seeing them at Ameilia's," Jenny said, startling her. "Sorry, I thought you knew I was here."

"It's okay. So you're going to the bar?"

"Yeah, for a little while anyway. Laura likes to shoot pool and this is really the only time she gets to do it. It takes an act of Congress to get her out of the house any other time."

"She spends a lot of time on her computer," Crystal said, looking around for the woman in question. She spotted Laura talking to Kelly, the two woman laughing and gesturing animatedly.

"It does everyone good to get out and be sociable once in a while."

"Is that so, Doc?" Crystal lit a cigarette and leaned against the brightly colored Thing. "You think I need to get out more often?"

"I think you need to make some new friends and this motley crew is the perfect place to start." She leaned over and pressed the horn. "Come on, Laura."

"What if I don't want to go?"

"Well, the bus comes by about once an hour. Of course I'm sure someone here would be more than willing to give you a ride home."

"Oh, I'm sure there is," Crystal agreed, reaching for the door handle. "But I've seen those looks from enough men. Apparently wolves come in both sexes."

"There's good and bad in everyone, regardless of their gender or preferences." Jenny opened the door and got behind the steering wheel. "Some just come in prettier packages."

"Hey Crystal!" Carmen yelled, waving and running over to them. "You'd be safer riding in my car. I have a CD player and leather seats." "And more moves than Michael Jordan," Jenny quipped, much to the pitcher's chagrin. "Crystal, Carmen is the original ladies woman." "Yeah," Peg said as she approached and joined in on the conversation. "She just turns on that Cuban charm of hers and the woman fall at her feet."

"Jealous?" Carmen baited. "I can't help it if I know how to treat a lady and you don't." She turned back to Crystal. "And I would never let a lady ride around in this death trap."

"Oh man it's getting deep around here," Peg said. Jenny rolled her eyes and nodded her head in agreement. Laura finally finished talking to the catcher and joined them.

"Ready to go?" she asked, opening the door and getting in.

"We've been ready," Jenny said, turning the key and smiling as the Thing's engine roared to life. "Just for keeping us waiting, I think you should buy the first round for us."

"Yeah," Crystal enthusiastically agreed, causing the woman still standing around the car to laugh.

"I don't think you have to worry about someone buying your drinks, Sweetie," Carmen said. "They'll be lined up along the bar just waiting for the privilege."

"And you'll be right in that line, won't you?" Laura teased.

"Absolutely," Carmen said proudly. "I'll see you at Ameilia's," she said more to Crystal than anyone else. Jenny put the Thing in gear and moved it forward, hitting a pothole and causing the occupants to bounce around in their seats. Crystal quickly reached for the ends of the seat belt. "I told you that you should have ridden with me, Sweetie," Carmen called as they pulled away.

"She might have been right," Laura said, turning in her seat. "She would have only flirted mercilessly with you. Hell on wheels Foster here might kill you before we get there."

"Bite me," Jenny said, following Kelly's Range Rover out of the parking lot. "Now you buy the first two rounds."

Chapter Three

Ameilia's Pub was on the main thoroughfare with only a small parking lot to try and accommodate its customers. Jenny managed to get one of the last spaces in the lot, much to the dismay of Kelly, who was still circling in search of a place to put her Range Rover. Several other players also arrived at that time, adding to the lighthearted mood. "Hey Crystal," one of the Falcons called. "You gonna take your shirt off again?" Her comment was met with whoops and hollers from her friends.

"Sorry about the children," Laura apologized. "There's a few in every crowd. You stick near Jenny and I and you'll be fine." "You know I'm not some innocent little virgin out on her first date," Crystal said, pulling out a cigarette. "Just because I've never been to a lesbian bar before."

Laura exchanged looks with Jenny. They knew their friends too well. "Just to be on the safe side, stay near us."

Crystal was not surprised to find Carmen holding the door open for them. While it still felt awkward, she was quickly coming to terms with the lustful gazes and attention directed her way. Yup, guess I won't be buying any of my drinks tonight. "Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, Sweetie," Carmen said with a flourishing wave of her hand. "Shall we go inside where you can quench your thirst?" Laura had to reach out quickly to catch the door as the Cuban woman followed Crystal inside.

"You know," Laura said while holding the door for Jenny. "Carmen is incorrigible."

"It's not her fault Crystal has the words 'fresh meat' tattooed across her forehead." She stepped up on her tiptoes to look for the woman in question. "Ah, there she is."

Crystal was at the far end of the bar, flanked by Carmen and Alex. "Should we go rescue her?" Laura asked.

"Didn't she tell you that she could handle herself?" Jenny said, guiding the writer toward the pool tables.

"But she's" Laura's protest was stopped by her ex-lover's fingers on her lips.

"No doubt had lots of experience fending off horny men's advances. What makes you think she's incapable of handling the same situation with a woman?" She gestured at the small table in front of them. "Have a seat. I'll get us some drinks."

"It's filthy."

Sighing, Jenny smiled and patted Laura's shoulder. "I'll bring back some napkins. You want club soda or do you feel adventurous tonight?" "Club soda is fine. Add a twist of lime to that please." Laura picked up a nearby napkin and began brushing the spilled ashes off the table. "Don't forget to put our names on the board or you'll never get a table," Jenny said before making her way through the crowd. At the other end of the bar, Crystal pulled out a cigarette only to have Alex hop up and pull out a lighter. "Allow me," she offered. "Since you let this barbarian buy your first drink," Carmen said, earning a snort from the shortstop, "Will you dance with me, Sweetie?"