“Did he come back?” she asks, abandoning her fork for her bottle of water, all ears.
I hesitate at first. I can keep the part where he was checking me out and basically what felt like eye-fucking me to myself. I won’t tell her about what the touch of his hand on mine did to me. That’s a story for another time. “Yeah, he was back. Right before my shift ended.”
“Did you get his name?”
“No, I didn’t really think about it. He was in and out, just his usual order and then he was gone.”
“Usual, huh?” She leans in.
“You know what I mean.” I laugh. “So far he’s ordered the same thing both times. Black coffee, extra-large.”
“Damn! Next time you need to sneak a picture, or at least get his name so we can google his ass and maybe do some social media investigating.”
“Right, because taking a picture of him while making his coffee is not going to throw up red flags. Come on, Mags.”
“Okay, so you might have a point. At least work your feminine charm to get a name.”
“He got mine,” I let slip. Damn.
“Oh, did he? And how did that happen?”
Shit. I decide to give her a fraction of the interaction. “He told me to keep the change, but left it open so I filled in the blank for him.”
“Did he say it? How hot was that to have sex on legs say your name?”
I laugh. “Eat, we don’t want to be late.”
“No, you are not leaving me hanging, B,” she scolds.
“It’s just like you’re imagining it would be. His deep voice is just as sexy as he is. It was over before it even began. Now eat.”
She gives me that look, the one that says ‘I’ve know you almost my entire life and I know when you are not telling me everything.’ The one that only a lifelong best friend can master.
I ignore her and dive into the rest of my dinner.
“I’ll drive,” she says, standing to put her plate in the sink.
I’m right behind her, as I basically inhaled my food. It beat the alternative of talking about . . . him. All the talk about his name has me irritated that I didn’t ask for it. I want—no, need—to put a name to this gorgeous man.
“Our parents are riding over together, and I think Aunt Jenny and Uncle Jeff are coming too,” Maggie says as we circle the packed parking lot looking for a spot.
“Is Zane coming?”
“I think so. I didn’t ask, but you know he and Barry are tight. I’m sure he wants to be here for this. That’s all he talked about was going to college to be a teacher and coaching football.”
“I still think he was good enough to go pro,” I say.
“Maybe, but that’s just not the life he wanted.”
“He’s such a great guy. Too bad he’s on this ‘bachelor for life’ kick.”
“Right?” She laughs.
Finally we find a spot, grab our hoodies from the back seat, and head toward the entrance. After paying, we walk in front of the bleachers looking for our people. I spot my mom and then Maggie’s as they stand and wave their arms in the air at us. “Girls,” they call out.
We make our way into the bleachers and take the seats that are saved for us. Mom and Dad are there along with Sue and Tom, Maggie and Barry’s parents. We wave hello and I lean down and give Dad a quick hug before taking my seat.
“Are Aunt Jenny and Uncle Jeff coming?” Maggie asks.
“They’re here. They just went down to grab a drink. I’m surprised you didn’t pass them,” Sue tells her.
“There’s trouble,” Jeff calls out.
This causes us all to turn our heads and see who he’s talking about. That’s when I see Zane striding up the bleachers, his long legs eating up the steps. He could easily be Barry’s brother. Same height and build, although Zane’s hair is darker. I’ve always sort of crushed on Zane. Well, when I was younger, that is. Sure, he looks like Barry, but it was always different when he was around. Of course, that ship sailed long ago.
Zane squeezes Maggie’s shoulder as he steps past her, winking at me and then taking his seat next to Tom. His parents are right behind him, so we have the entire row occupied.
The game starts and we all focus in. I watch Barry as he paces on the sidelines. He’s always been passionate about football and teaching. My heart smiles for him knowing that he’s doing what he’s always dreamed of.
I was never that focused, really. I knew I wanted to do something business related, but I didn’t have it planned out like Barry and Maggie. I’m just floating by, waiting for my opportunity. Shaking myself out of my mental woes, I focus on the game and supporting Barry.
“Hell yeah!” Zane exclaims as the clock hits zero, ending the game.
Garrison brings home the win 28–3. We’re all on our feet, clapping and cheering. Barry looks up and his face is lit up like a Christmas tree. He’s stoked, as he should be. This is his first year as assistant coach; his first two years he wasn’t officially a coach, but volunteered his time. He’s earned his spot, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
“Where we going to celebrate?” Tom asks.
“You name the place and we’ll follow you,” Jeff says.
“Right behind you,” Dad agrees.
“I’d say they’ll all be at the pizza place across the street. Let’s go on over and
get a table before it gets busy,” Maggie says, looking left and right at our entire row. “We’re going to need a big table.”
“I’ll text Barry,” Sue states, standing. We all follow suit and make our way down the bleachers.
“We’ll see you there,” Maggie yells over her shoulder as we walk to her car.
The drive is literally right across the street. Thankfully we beat the crowd and are able to get a table for ten. The waitress didn’t bat an eyelash. We come here a lot and she knows we’re good for a decent tip.
I take a seat at the far end of the table, Maggie grabbing the one beside me. The others file in and we get ourselves sorted while we wait for Barry. As soon as drinks are delivered, he comes strolling in with what looks like most of the team. The place erupts in cheers as we all celebrate a win for the home team.
“Hey hey,” Barry says when he reaches our table. He takes a seat between Maggie and me at the head of the table. “Where’s Zane? Did he not stay?”
I turn to scan the room. I thought for sure he was with us. The table jerks, causing me to look back at Barry. Zane’s standing behind Barry with his arm around his neck, rubbing the top of his head.
“I thought we stopped giving noogies in grade school.” Maggie laughs.
“You’re next, cuz.” Zane winks at her.
Maggie holds up her hands in surrender. “Don’t even think about it, Zane.”
He laughs, releasing his hold on Barry and taking the only remaining seat next to Maggie.
“Good game,” I say to Barry.
“Thanks, Berklee. The guys played hard.”