Grand Central Market buzzed with life as the smell of sizzling tacos and the secnt of other food filled the air. You and your best friend, Y/F/N, weaved through the crowd, your excitement almost palpable. The Grand Central Market had announced a surprise event—Jack Flaherty would be signing autographs and helping out with taking orders and cooking at Villa’s Tacos for the day.
“I can’t believe we’re actually going to meet him!” Y/F/N said, practically bouncing on her feet.
You couldn’t stop smiling. “I know! He’s been one of my favorite players for so long. This is insane.”
When you reached towards the front of the Villa’s Tacos stand, there he was—Jack Flaherty, taller and even more charismatic in person. He wore a black cap backward, a blue Villas Taco Jersey, and black as he handed out tacos and signed autographs for fans.
The line was long, but you didn’t mind. Each step closer made your heart race with nerves. Y/F/N nudged you playfully. “You’re totally starstruck, aren’t you?”
“Honestly... yeah” you admitted, holding onto the baseball you’d brought for him to sign.
When it was finally your turn, Jack looked up and met your eyes, his warm smile making your stomach fill with butterflies. “Hey, thanks for coming out,” he said.
You handed him the baseball, your voice barely above a whisper. “Absolutely”
“Here, let me take this” He took the ball and pulled out a Sharpie. “What’s your name?”
“Y/N,” you said, feeling Y/F/N’s silent encouragement from beside you.
As he scribbled on the ball, he glanced up at you, his eyes holding yours for a moment longer than expected. Then he smiled—a different kind of smile, one that sent your heart into overdrive. He handed the ball back, and you almost didn’t notice the little extra he’d added beneath his signature.
Call me, with his phone number inscribed underneath.
Your eyes widened as you stared at the ball. You glanced up at him, your face burning with disbelief and excitement. Jack gave you a subtle wink before turning his attention to the next fan.
“Oh my God,” Y/F/N whispered, grabbing the ball to examine it. “Did he just—did he give you his number?”
You nodded, too stunned to speak, clutching the ball like it was the most precious thing you owned.
Y/F/N practically dragged you away so others could get their autographs. Once you were out of the way, she burst out laughing. “This is insane! You have to text him.”
“Are you sure it’s real? I mean there is a possibility it could be fake” you asked, staring at the number.
“Only one way to find out,” she said, grinning mischievously.
You decdied to wait for a while and let the line die down so he would have the time to check his phone. Your hands trembled slightly as you pulled out your phone. You hesitated, then typed:
Hi, this is Y/N from Grand Central Market. I think you gave me your number?
The reply came almost immediately.
Hey, Y/N. Yeah I did. Glad you texted.
You showed the screen to Y/F/N, who let out a squeal of excitement. “This is crazy! What’s he saying?”
Your phone buzzed again.
So I’d love to get to know you better. What are you doing later?
Your heart raced as you read the message. Y/F/N nudged you with a grin. “You better say yes!”
Taking a deep breath, you typed back:
Jack’s response came quickly.
How about dinner? I know some good spots in LA. Itll be my treat.
You stared at the screen, hardly believing what was happening. Y/F/N practically screamed. “You’re going on a date with Jack Flaherty!”
As you texted back to confirm, you felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Meeting Jack had been a dream, but now it seemed like your day at Grand Central Market was way better than what you were expecting.
Requested by 1-800-JUDE I hope you enjoy! Thank you so much for reading and requesting! Always thank you so much for your patience, I am so sorry that this request took longer than expected so I truly appreciate your patience! Feel free to leave a request. Thank you
