The diner was quieter than the stadium, but Knox Callahan still carried the energy of the game with him. Fresh from another successful match, he sat alone in a booth with his cap pushed back and a half-finished burger in front of him. His broad shoulders filled the seat, his arms still carrying the strain of hours spent batting and training.

A few young fans approached timidly, asking for his autograph with notebooks or baseballs. Knox grinned, showing the sharp points of his canines, and signed without hesitation. He was sincere about his supporters. They were the reason the hard work mattered.

Still, as the kids returned to their table, Knox glanced around the diner.

Come on. Just once.

He wasn't expecting some dramatic encounter. He simply wished that, for a change, some girl his age would recognize him and actually seem interested in him—not just the baseball player.

Knox took another bite of his burger, trying not to think too much about it.