“They could’ve easily passed for college kids. The fact that they chose high schoolers always creeped me out.”
Ruby’s lips parted in shock. “But… they had to…”
Jonah raised an eyebrow. “No, they absolutely did not.”
Mind blown, Ruby sat in stunned silence for a few moments, then smirked. “How many times have you seen the movie to think that deeply about it?”
He cleared his throat, mumbling something.
Ruby’s smirk widened into a grin. “What was that?”
Jonah’s head fell back, and he groaned. “Seven.”
“Why?” Ruby gasped through her laughter.
“My sister was a huge fan. Made me watch all five movies every Christmas break.”
The train’s crawl slowed to a snail’s pace, the brakes kicking in as the PA announced “last stop, Union Station.”
Jonah stood and nodded toward the door. The pair hopped off the train, Jonah leading the way through the back of the station. This side was more utilitarian in nature, with a mix of modern and historical architecture. The large, weathered brick walls were adorned with simple, industrial windows, providing a glimpse into the station's working areas. Large industrial windows, framed in iron, hinted at the bustling life inside, while the station bustled with the chatter of travelers and train arrivals.
Jonah pulled them down the street, passing restaurants and hotels, before finding themselves in front of a large red stadium.
“A baseball game?” Ruby asked, cocking her head to the side.
Jonah’s grin was infectious. “The Rockies.”
The name wasn’t familiar to her. They must have popped up after her time.
“They any good?”
“They’re terrible.” He laughed, his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the front gate. “But I love them.”
Ruby stepped through the gate, a rush of excitement bubbling in her chest despite the sparse crowd. She had loved baseball in her youth, but hadn’t been to a game in ages. Jonah followed close behind her, his chest bumping into her back as she made her way through security.
They paused just beyond the entrance, soaking in the quiet hum of the ballpark. Rows of plastic seats gleamed in the sunlight, a patchwork of reds and blues that stood in sharp contrast to the empty, shadowed sections higher up. A few dedicated fans dotted the lower levels, lounging with peanuts or cracking open beers, voices carrying across the stadium in excited bursts.
An expanse of empty seats stretched out under the clear blue Colorado sky in the deserted stadium. The sun hung high, casting long shadows and bathing the field in a warm, golden light that clashed with the crisp September air. Despite the sunshine, there was a hint of autumn in the breeze, a gentle chill that swept through the stands and carried the scent of popcorn and freshly cut grass. The crack of a bat echoed as players warmed up, their figures darting across the emerald-green field, jerseys bright against the brown dirt of the diamond.
“Not exactly a packed house,” Ruby said, a grin tugging at her lips.
“Gives us a front-row view.” Jonah nudged her with his shoulder. They walked forward, the echo of their footsteps mingling with the faint buzz of conversation and the occasional bark of a vendor selling hot dogs.
Ruby glanced at her phone, squinting at the date. “Isn’t it too early for a baseball game on a Thursday?”
“1 p.m. pitch, Rubes.” Jonah stopped in front of a cart selling hard lemonade. “Day games are the best. Cheaper tickets, no lines for food, and the sun warming your skin. Makes a man feel alive again.”
She arched an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching up. “Might take more than that for me.”
He shook his head, sliding his card back into his wallet after paying. “Nah. I know you don’t see it, but you bring so much life into the people around you. You’re strong, stubborn, and funny as hell.”
“Thanks,” she muttered, looking away to hide the sudden flush in her cheeks.
He shrugged, smirking. “Plus, the viewers think you’re hot, so you’re good for my show.”
Ruby scoffed. “Way to ruin the moment.”
Jonah laughed, throwing a casual arm around her shoulders as they made their way to their section. They found their seats, settling in with the hum of the crowd and the scent of fresh popcorn and roasted peanuts swirling around them.
