The Wager

The Minnesota Twins beat my beloved Atlanta Braves 20 years ago, in the seventh game of the 1991 World Series. I didn't remember the moment, as I was busy worrying over Baby Daisy, who refused to stay awake long enough to eat. This year, it's different. Long ago, I ditched the Braves for the St. Louis Cardinals. Tonight, I'll watch Game Six as the Cardinals face the Texas Rangers in a must-win situation. In between innings, I'll be texting Niece Nightingale. She lives in Texas. I wagered chocolate candy from Crown Candy Kitchen and a sea of tears deep enough to break the Texas drought. She promised me "something." Twenty years ago, that "something" would have been a Barbie doll or half-stick of gum. But we are both older, and more focused on the game. My wager is definitely a wise one. Should the Rangers win, heaven forbid, Niece Nightingale will get her chocolate, wrapped in soggy tear-stained paper. I will console myself with a Crown Candy Kitchen BLT and milkshake...and chocolate for the ride home. Should the Cardinals win, I'll get "something" from Niece Nightingale. And she'll get a consolation photo of me, at Crown Candy Kitchen, enjoying a victory feast--with Daisy, perhaps. While Daisy still loves her sleep, she will wake up for bacon.