For another twenty minutes they played pretty hard, pushing each other out of the way and getting happily sweaty. The trash talk continued, but slowly died away as they got breathless. Eventually Bob caught the ball and stopped, bending at the waist and holding up one hand.

“You win,” he said. “I’m confident enough to admit you’re a far better player than I am. I may have a slight height advantage, but you are twice as fast.” He wandered over to the wall and slid down it, sitting at the bottom with his legs folded in front of him. “Did you play on a team?”

Laura nodded. “Wait, I’m going to get water. Want some?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Then, as she walked away, he tipped his head back and closed his eyes. He’d just gotten his ass kicked.

Laura came back with two tall glasses of water. She lowered herself onto the ground next to him and they sat there in silence, cooling down.

“That was fun,” she said eventually.

“If you find getting your ass kicked fun,” he agreed, still with his eyes closed.

She grinned and finished her water. “You’re pretty good,” she said. “More athletic than you look.”

He turned his head and frowned at her. “Are you saying I’m out of shape?”

She turned to face him, and grinned. “Gotcha.” She laughed. “I need more water, you coming in?” She got to her feet and turned, holding out her hand. “Need a lift?”

He reached up and took her hand, pushing up as she pulled, which resulted in a pretty substantial overshoot on her part. He crashed into her and they both stumbled.

“We’re strong, but klutzy,” said Laura, giggling.

“Fast, but uncoordinated,” agreed Bob, letting go of her hand, which he abruptly realized he was still holding. For a few seconds they smiled at each other, acknowledging for the first time they found each other attractive. It was all there in the smile, but had also been there from the beginning, and they knew it.

Laura turned and headed into the house, Bob close behind.

After gulping more water, Laura washed her glass and reached for Bob’s. He grabbed a dish towel and picked up her glass to dry it, arguing with himself internally before speaking.

“Hey, you remember I said I go help my old teacher on the weekends sometimes?”

She nodded, handing him the second glass. “Yeah, doing people’s gardens.”

“Uh-huh. Well, the one this weekend is a bird and butterfly garden. I thought maybe you might like to come, you know, being a bird fan. And butterflies, probably.”

She nodded easily. “I’ve got nothing against butterflies, it’s true.”

He felt himself starting to go red again, and turned away, adding, “You probably already have plans.”

“No,” said Laura. “I think that would be fun. This Saturday?”

He nodded.