Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) Read Online Free Page B

I’ve been to a few Angels games, but that was when I was a teenager and one of the guys I liked took me. I think we’re more non-sports people. Although, I did see you on the news when you got the triple. Does that count for something?”
    “No, it doesn’t count.” I chuckle. “And sorry about my poor word choice. I talked to my mom today and,” I shake my head, remembering the conversation, “stuff like that pops out sometimes.”
    She tilts her head at me with confusion and curiosity. “Suitors are what you talked about with your mom? Why?”
    I sigh. “My parents have been playing matchmaker for me for years. It’s something I’ve never asked them to do and don’t really want them to do, but it’s like talking to a wall with them sometimes. My mother is trying to talk me into meeting their newest find.” I pause for a moment for her reaction and ask, “Do you feel as if you’ve stepped onto a crazy train yet?”
    “Crazy train? Hector, I drive that train,” she teases. “I don’t understand why your parents are pushing you into a relationship though. Is there a specific reason for it? Don’t they want you to find someone who you like?”
    “What they want is for me to marry a Catholic girl from my country,” I reply dryly. “They’re very traditional and set in their ways, whereas I prefer to find a girl on my own. It’s like they have a list of qualifications and I only have two.” I’ve never understood this aspect of my parents, but I’ve never tried to change them either. It’s the way they’ve always been and it’s been easier to go along with my mother’s antics than to fight her on it.
    “Wow, my aunts are the opposite. They want me to be happy and that’s all. However, I’m curious. What are your two qualifications?”
    “Well, I can sum it up in two words: nice girl. If she’s nice, then everything else pretty much falls under that umbrella. I don’t care where she’s from, what political party she prefers, what religion she practices, or if she has tattoos or not. I mean, those are good things to know, but ultimately, I think personality and the kind of person she is wins out.”
    Zoey is quiet for a moment, thinking while she finishes the bite she just took. “You know what, you’ve earned my respect, Hector. I’m the same way. I’ve never judged anyone but by who they are. I like a guy who is trustworthy, funny, and caring. If I could find that, I think I would be set.”
    I grin widely, leaning back in the booth. “You do realize you just basically said we’re the same, aka compatible , and then you described me. You’re already set, Zoey.”
    She rolls her eyes at me, but my grin stays in place. “Slow your fast ball, player. I didn’t say it was you, did I?”
    “A guy who is trustworthy, funny, and caring,” I tick them off with my fingers. “I’m all those things, so you might as well have said, ‘Hector, I’ve been looking for you all my life.’”
    “I didn’t mention this, but I should. I don’t like arrogance and I’m seeing a lot of it right now across from me.” She tries not to laugh at me.
    “I’m as humble as they come, but I just had to point out the obvious, that’s all.”
    “Sure, you did. Sure, you did,” she mocks.
    “I can’t be too bad. You keep gracing me with your presence. Before I know it, we’ll be hanging out again.”
    “You’re not too bad, Hector. Now, don’t go thinking we’re going to be exchanging friendship bracelets or getting matching tats.” She gives me an evil eye, stern look, but I know she’s not serious.
    “You don’t have to worry about that. I only wear my necklace and I’m not looking to get a tattoo.”
    “Why do you wear the necklace? I’m assuming you’re Catholic because of what you said about your parents. Was it a gift?”
    “Yeah, my parents gave it to me for my confirmation. The ball player in me considers it my good luck charm, too.”
    “A lucky charm? Do you believe in