"The day has finally arrived for the final game of the World Series. We've had back and forth games between the Ligers and Blue Marlins to the point where even our experts are unsure who will come out on top at the very end."
"This series has surprised me, Bill. I never expected it to be this close."
"I think many share your sentiment Bob, though Daichi getting an injury in the first game was probably the catalyst. There's a good chance that we might not have even made it to game 5 in the first place if he wasn't injured."
"Well we'll never know now, so we should just focus on the game at hand. The starting pitchers have been announced from either side and I'm pleased to say that we'll be having a repeat of the first game. Ken Takagi vs Ryan Smith, two youngsters who are essentially guaranteed to win the Cy Young award for their respective leagues this season."
"Hoooweee I'm excited Bob. The last time we saw these guys compete we were treated to an absolute pitching clinic. Do you think it will be a similar affair tonight?"
"We can't be sure, but both of these guys are capable of throwing shutouts on any given night. Let's also not forget that Ken threw a perfect game during the Division series just a couple of weeks ago."
"Shall we talk predictions? I'm not sure about you Bob, but I think the Ligers will be able to hold on in their home field tonight. It might be a low scoring game, but I have Detroit winning by 2 runs."
"My heart wants me to say the Ligers as well, but the Miami batters have been solid all season. Now that they've experienced Ken's pitching, I don't think he'll be as effective in this match. I've got Miami winning by 3 runs."
"PSH, these guys know nothing." Steve scowled, muting the TV.
"Oi, why did you do that?" Tara sent him an annoyed look.
"These guys are talking out their asses. Ken's going to destroy them when he gets on the mound, I can guarantee it." Steve replied, crossing his arms.
Tara blinked a few times and shook her head, "Hurry up and unmute it, the game is going to start soon." She said, lunging towards the remote in his hand.
But Steve's reflexes were inherently fast as a catcher, he easily dodged the amateur Tara who seemed like a child in front of him. But upon seeing her expression change for the worst, he quickly cleared his throat and unmuted the TV.
"Whatever, I'm going to order some food." He said, grabbing his phone from the coffee table, "What did you want to eat?"
"I'll eat whatever you want."
"Alright, pizza it is." Steve said, wearing a satisfied grin.
"Huh, but we had pizza the other night…" Tara replied.
Steve felt his eyebrow twitch briefly, but he held his annoyance, "Alright, let's get some Chinese food then. I could do with some Mongolian Beef."
"But I had Chinese yesterday at the office."
Steve's patience quickly wore thin, but he held on for dear life. "What did you feel like for dinner?" he asked sweetly.
"I don't know, I'll just have whatever you want."
"Popeye's?"
Tara shook her head.
"Burger King…"
"KFC…"
Everything that he suggested, Tara would either make a face or shake her head outright. It was to the point where Steve considered skipping out on dinner entirely out of annoyance.
However, he knew that dealing with a hungry and moody Tara while trying to watch the game would not be pleasant. He resisted the urge to pull out his hair and continued the suggestions.
"What about Chipotle?" he asked, on the verge of defeat.
Tara's expression finally turned excited and she nodded, "I guess, if that's what you want to eat."
Finally achieving the desired result, Steve felt his body relax. "Alright, what did you want from Chipotle?"
"I'm not sure, can I look at the menu?"
Steve stood up and tossed the phone to her before leaving the room.
"Where are you going?" She asked curiously.
"Bathroom…"
In reality he went to the fridge and grabbed a beer, bringing it to his lips and downing half. One thing he was never told was how difficult it was to live with a woman, something he had only experienced in the past year.
Times like this made him miss his days at Columbia. While Tara lived in the dorm next to him, he had never had these kinds of issues.
Of course the good far outweighed the bad, he just needed time to adjust. He set the beer aside and went to the bathroom before returning.
Tara handed him his phone and smiled sweetly, "I already ordered."
"Huh? But I didn't even put my order in." Steve replied in confusion. Had she truly ordered her own food and not his?
"I got you a chicken bowl with white rice, black beans, mild salsa, cheese, sour cream and guacamole with extra chicken." She replied.
"Ah…" Steve was stunned momentarily. She had gotten his order perfect, which was odd since he didn't often get Chipotle.
"Thanks…" he muttered, adjusting himself in his seat.
Steve couldn't help but smile. Despite the difficulties and adjustments that came with living with a woman, there were definitely benefits. Tara was his partner, together they were a team.
Who else knew him so well that they would know his Chipotle order?
As he was thinking, Tara placed her hand upon his.
"Are you worried?" she asked sweetly.
Surprised by the sudden concern, Steve considered the question. "I don't know if worried is the right word. I'm certainly a little nervous, but at the same time I have plenty of confidence in Ken."
Tara just smiled and rubbed his hand, "I knew you were a softy."
"Shush you…" He replied, grinning.
Ken had believed in him back then when no one else had. This time he would believe in Ken.