“Yes, Bri said to enter here.” Obie marched right up to the door and showed the men the tickets that Bri had messengered over. The blond looked him over, his eyes widening, and then handed him back the tickets. His friend motioned and looked at them as well, sharing a glance with his compatriot before motioning them inside with a crisp movement. Obie went straight through with Chippy, while David lingered for ten seconds or less before following behind them. “It’s right up here.” Obie pointed and led them up to an entrance and then, following the seat layout, down closer to the front. Another man stood at a gate of sorts, and Obie showed him their tickets.

“Gentlemen,” he said gently, opening the gate. “Wait just inside.”

Obie stood off to the side, waiting until he came back. “Holy crap,” David whispered. “No wonder they looked at us like we were from another planet.”

Obie glanced around at the men all sitting there, looking at them as if they were an exhibit in the zoo. Most were wearing jerseys and jeans, and some had scruffy beards. These were guys, regular guys. Certainly none of them wore eyeliner or a touch of sparkle above the eyes. Some even curled their lips upward or turned away to talk to the guy next to them. Obie lifted his head, turned toward where the man had gone, and waited. There was no way he was going to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing him react to them.

“Obie,” Bri said as he made his way over on his crutches. “Come on over.”

“Bri Early?” one of the men asked, hurrying forward with his hand extended. Suddenly the other men were up from their seats, with more following behind. Bri shook hands with each one and smiled, taking a few minutes and signing some autographs.

“Excuse me, guys, I need to get off my foot,” he told the gathering crowd, and backed inside the enclosure. Obie joined him with David and Chippy, and then the gate was closed and Bri slowly made his way back to where he’d been sitting. “Did you have any trouble?”

“No,” Obie answered. “You remember David and Chippy.”

“Of course.” Bri motioned to four chairs right at the edge of the court, maybe ten feet from where the other players sat. Obie got the guys seated and then took the chair next to Bri.

“This is something,” Obie said, his left foot bouncing on the floor. Some of the other players approached to speak with Bri, and he introduced them all. Obie was in heaven.