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Matthew sat on a bench and pulled a book out of his bag and turned to his page marked by a bookmark. He pulled his sweater over his hands as he held the book, pushing his glasses up his face as he intensively looked down at his book, submerging himself deeply. The time was about 7:20 pm and the sun was about to start setting. The sky was already lit up with pastel blues, pinks, and purples across the sky. The area was still warm but it wasn't too warm that Matthew didn't want to wear a sweater. He knew he'd be too warm for a coat but too cold to not have a sweater with him.
There were people walking their dogs around the field, throwing balls and teaching tricks. There were a couple of children kicking a football around and some flying kites. Luckily it was summer still so it was warm and light out and lots of parents felt comfortable allowing their children to still be playing out at 7:30 pm, even on a Wednesday night.
He was so submerged in his book. That he missed the bobbing of the Y/H/C walking past, being pulled by your dog. You were meant to be walking your dog but in reality, it was more your dog dragging you around the field, wanting to explore as much as possible.
"Will you stop dragging me around the field! I am meant to be taking you for a walk, not being dragged around a field!" You exclaimed as your small Italian Greyhound dragged you around the field, trying to catch birds as they flew away, causing Matthew to look up from his book and smile slightly as he looked at you.
Your dog suddenly noticed Matthew sitting there and began dragging you towards him.
"Maple for the love of God and everything Holy will you stop dragging me! The man doesn't want to see you" You said as you tried to pull the small dog back towards you and away from Matthew.
Matthew smiled down at Maple and slowly extended his hand down to pet Maple as she lurched forward, excited to meet someone new.
"I am so sorry. She loves meeting new people" you explained as Matthew began to pet Maple who was bouncing around, jumping up at Matthew.
"It's okay. She's a beautiful dog" he said, happily petting the small dog as she started to yap with excitement.
"I will leave you to your book now," you said, smiling at him gently before pulling Maple away from Matthew and to continue your walk. You only got a few feet before you felt someone running up behind you. You turned to see Matthew running towards you, his bag half on his shoulder and a half in his hand.
"Would it be okay for me to come walking with you?" he asked, smiling at you gently. You nodded, drawing your attention back to Maple as she ran forward, lurching you forward which caused Matthew to laugh.
"I'm Matthew," he said, extending his hand out for you to shake.
"Nice to meet you, Matthew. I'm Y/N" you said, shaking his hand lightly before Maple lurched you forward again, causing you to stagger slightly and almost lose your footing.
"How is it a small dog like her so strong?" he asked and you chuckled.
"I got home later than I was expecting so she hasn't been out since about 10 am," you said, looking down guiltily.
"Ah. So she's so excited because she hasn't been out in a while" he said and you nodded. You unclipped Maple's lead and pulled a ball out of your pocket. Maple's head snapped in your direction and she stopped dead, her eyes fixed on the ball. You lifted your arm up and her tail started going as your arm pulled back and as soon as the fall went flying from your hand, she was soaring after it, trying to catch it.
Matthew laughed, watching Maple try and catch the ball, only to miss and send the ball flying further as she went charging after it.
"Have you had her very long?" he asked and you smiled at him.
"I've had her a couple of years now. She's my best friend. She was going to be drowned because she was the smallest of her litter" you said as she came hurtling back with the ball. You bent down to pick up the ball and went to throw it but before you could Matthew spoke up.
"Do you mind if I throw the ball?" he asked and you grinned at him, nodding. You handed him the ball and he threw it what felt like miles away. Maple went giddy and went racing after the ball, desperate to get it.
After a little while of you guys taking it in turns to throw the ball, Maple began to lie down, panting heavily.
"I should be taking her home now. She's exhausted which is good as it means she'll allow me to sleep through the night" you said, chuckling lightly. You clipped Maple's lead to her collar and began walking back to the entrance of the park, Matthew by your side.
"Thank you for tonight. It was nice to not walk by myself for once" you said, grinning at Matthew, looking at his brown eyes and smile.
"It was nice to go for a walk and actually enjoy myself," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking at you.
"Would I be allowed your phone number so we can do this again sometime?" he asked, pulling his phone out of his pocket and holding it out towards you.
"Of course," you said, taking his phone and inputting your name and number into his phone.
"It was nice meeting you," you said, you waved goodbye and began to walk home. Matthew stood there and watched as you walked away. Thank god he chose to come read in the park today and not at home.
