Little Cigars Little Muffins: Racetrack Higgins

Chapter Three

The night goes on, however Race is practically glued to my side. This makes it nearly impossible to pickpocket. I was able to grab dime off another passerby. Turns out my blind betting only worked the first time, however whenever Race picked someone they usually won. He reassured me he usually isn't this lucky, but keeping track of his money he only made about a dime by the time the races were over.
I never came up with a story on why I was there. Shit, what am I going to say, we are already leaving. Arm in arm, hand in hand we are out of the races. Once the track is out of sight the familiar warmth of Race's arm leaves my side. My hand feels empty without his hand in it.
"So why did come to Sheepshead?" He says, looking eager to find out. However I cannot focus, how did I become so accustomed to his arm, to his hand. I need to see him again.
"Do you want to go on a date, tommorow?" It slips out I didn't mean for it to happen. "I'm sorry I didn't mean for that to come out"
Racetrack stops dead in his tracks and is just staring at me wide-eyed. "What? I've never been asked out before. How do you respond to that? Wait I have an idea" he blinks a few times before speaking again, "I'm not a photographer, but I can picture you and me together" he says with a wink.
"Pick me up at 5?" I ask
"Depends when I am done selling newspapers" Race says. A newsie, I found a newsie. Dad would not approve, but he doesn't have to anymore. "Where do you live?" He asks as we are currently just walking aimlessly.
"This way" I say grabbing his hand again and pulling him around.
"Easy there tiger, let's take our time and walk there"
We eventually reach my apartment building and I let go of his hand.
"See you tomorrow?" I whisper into his ear. I can't believe I am going on a date with a guy I have just met. I could have swore I had more common sense than that. Must have left my brain at the estate in Harlem. It doesn't matter though because I am excited to be spending tomorrow with him.
"Right here"
"My apartment is 220. On the left side"
"I'll try to remember"
"If you hear Sophia bark you are at the right place"
We have a little chuckle, before I turn to go into my apartment building. A hand grabs my wrist and then pulls me closer to them. I see Race above me, he is holding me extremely close. I feel his mouth touch the top of my nose giving it a little kiss. He then runs away leaving me to stand there.
What a tease. Wait, did I want him to kiss me? We just met, that is crazy. No it is already crazy enough that we are going on a date.
Sophia greets me has I enter my apartment. I quickly change into my nightgown and I crawl into bed. I fall asleep in a mountain of pillows and blankets that night. Sophia laying beside me but all I can think about is Racetrack.