[Tib]

Thanks, AdmiralACF. It's an excellent question, and brings up a good point. Marisa is white.

I never made a big deal of mentioning it because I didn't think Dave would consider it a big deal himself. I thought initially she should be black, but to be honest, I wasn't sure how to handle an interracial relationship. It would have made a very compelling and potentially poignant storyline, but I have only the smallest experience in that area and with a sensitive subject like that, I wasn't sure I could pull it off. There would have to be certain events that would shed light on people's acceptance/disapproval of their relationship and if I handled it wrong or relied on a limited frame of reference (mine) to guide me, it wouldn't have had the power and impact it should. A storyline like that had to have the proper depth. It had to be an experience for the reader, not an account of a relationship. Does that make sense?

To be sure, Miss Draper introduced him to all sorts of available young ladies, and certainly many were black. You don't think she would care one way or the other, do you?

Dave has his run-ins with prejudice in future chapters, on a professional and personal level. Prejudice in baseball is something I experienced firsthand. I know I can write about that. Besides, there was a very important event coming up anyway and I didn't want to diffuse the impact with too many dramatic moments.

That's the second tease, Jax! Don't worry, it'll be worth the wait.