Charlotte was having a hard time keeping up with Race. "How far away is Brooklyn?" Charlotte, a girl accustomed to riding in carriages, asked curiously.

"Not far," Race said, not answering her question at all.

Although Charlotte wondered about her appearance, she refrained from asking. She did not want to appear vain. Instead, she inquired about Spot.

"What did you mean the other night when you said Spot was 'sure of himself?'"

Race paused. "He t'inks he's king of da woild. Don't ansah ta nobody. He's also a…a floit. 'E likes da goils, so be ca'eful, kid."

Charlotte nodded, but was unconvinced. Nobody had ever gotten the best of her. She was always the one to play the games, such as the one she was playing now. Her thoughts drifted back to her appearance as they crossed a bridge. Had Race called it the Brooklyn Bridge? She couldn't remember. Maybe she should have dressed a little more adult-like. She didn't know what to expect from this "Spot." Spot what?

"Does Mr. Spot have a last name?"

"Conlon."

Spot Conlon. "Ah." Charlotte nodded her approval. "Mr. Conlon."

Race smiled and shook his head. She was falling for him already! "Wait 'ere," Race said to Charlotte and then disappeared.

While he was gone, Charlotte prepared herself for the worst: if Spot was, in fact, just like Race had described him.

Within moments Race was back, a sandy-blond haired boy with him. He had a slingshot shoved into his pants and held a cane.

Charlotte tried not to show her amusement. He probably thought he was a king! She sized him up for a moment, deciding exactly how she should play the game with him.

A charming, crooked smile caught her off guard. Let the games begin, she thought as she gave one of her own heart-melting smiles.

"Spot, dis is Charlotte. Charlotte, dis 'ere is Spot Conlon."

"A pleasure."

"Didn't know Race could 'ave such a goigeous sistah," Spot remarked coolly.

Charlotte laughed nervously, her heart beating wildly inside of her. This wasn't how the game was supposed to go!

"Ya got a nice smile."

Was he playing games with her?

"Maybe ya'd like ta see Brooklyn sometime."

He was!

Race jumped in. "Maybe tamarra, Spot. Dat ok witch you, Charlotte? Charlotte?"

"Yes!" Charlotte was brought back down to Earth very quickly. "Tomorrow."

"Woiks fer me," Spot grinned.

Charlotte's hear was beating so hard she was sure it would leap from her chest but she covered very nicely by batting her eyelashes and saying, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Conlon."

Race and Spot exchanged their own good-byes and then Race and Charlotte were on their way back to Manhattan.

"Sorry we was only dere a liddle bit."

Charlotte didn't reply. She only smiled weakly, her eyes giving away her exhaustion. When they were back home Race suggested she go to bed. Charlotte, butterflies still fluttering around in her stomach, had no qualms.

Soooooo……… Whaddya think? Please review!