Once the morning rush had passed, I borrowed Chad’s cruiser and escaped to Patron’s Field.
The sun blazed, but despite the heat, spectators crowded the area.
Patron’s Field was one large playing ground. Pockets of players were everywhere, each dressed in different colored uniforms. People gathered near wherever their favorite team practiced. The air vibrated with screaming coaches, blowing whistles, and players grunting.
It might as well have been game day. People cheered any and every time a ball was passed, kicked, or rolled. You could tell which teams were the favorites, but none had more of an audience than Garbi’s.
It got hotter. Chad’s bike touched my bare legs, and the hot metal made me wince. I rolled the bike along until I bought a lemon-lime raspado from a pushcart. I got a n
