“Smartypants.”The market was near to the entrance to the beach and sold everything you could think of from beachwear to cooking pots. But thankful...ly mum just wanted to get to the beach, she never even haggled much to the disappointment of the stall holder, but at least she made his day better by stepping into the tiny thong behind his stall!“Beach now?”“Beach now.” I laughed and almost had to run to keep up with her.We both stood out a bit from the other sun worshippers, mum because she was. At least they got that right. Adjusting her helmet over her raven black hair, Xana stared at her charges, a bunch of misfits. Why would they want to fight? They could easily find work in the temple or even in a tavern. Suddenly her own armour began to choke her and drag her down. In the tropical heat of the Island of Eros too many clothes were always a hindrance and a liability. Besides the heavy armour didn’t feel right. Xana unhooked her chainmail and threw it off. Her helmet was the next to. I mean, yeah she’s hot, right? But I’ve had plenty of hot girls. It doesn’t mean I’m going to lose my head.” Then it was Noah’s turn to chime in as he gleefully grinned at me, amused by my infatuation. “You’re gonna get played, playa!” “By her? Not a chance. I’ve got my eyes wide open. You underestimate me, bro.” Of course, it was all a big bluff, but it wasn’t just for their benefit. I didn’t want to admit any potential vulnerabilities to myself either. “So then do it,” Zane would prod me.. There were many Latin ballplayers on the club, and language was sometimes a barrier for them as well. But they were numerous, and no matter how little English they'd acquired, they always had each other to talk to.Now, Shiggie was an Outsider to the third degree: A pitcher; a foreigner; and -- worst of all by far -- a homosexual.To their credit, several players and coaches went out of their way to treat him decently after the public exposure. In some cases, players were more friendly to Shiggie.