No kiss. Just analmostkiss, which is seven hundred times worse.
Then I remember the other reason I’m here; Deaton. “So, are you coming?” I smirk at Chelsea as I jog onto the field to help hand out the new uniforms.
“Like I’d miss it,” she retorts, following behind me.
I have to say, the quality is second to none. I don’t play around with fabrics; it’s gotta be comfortable as well as wash n’ wear, and wrinkle free. Plus, I know a guy, and he was more than happy to help at short notice.
The kids are all bouncing around with glee when they get handed their summer and winter kits. I can’t say I’ve honestly felt prouder than I do right now. I didn’t want anyone to know that I had anything to do with coming up with the rest of the funds because, frankly, donating money was the easy part. It’s not like I partook in any of the activities throughout the year, so that wouldn’t be fair. But seeing the kids’ faces light up is enough for me.
I notice Chelsea watching me, and when I catch her eye, she smiles warmly and mouths, “Thank you.”
I give her a chin lift, our connection broken when my phone chimes. When I pull it out, I almost divert answering it, but I see it’s Noah, and I missed the last two times he called me earlier. “Sup, bro?”
“Finally,” Noah’s laugh on the other end tells me it’s not an urgent call, nor is he annoyed I haven’t been answering. “You’re still at soccer practice?”
“Yeah, the kids have just finished.”
“I need you to get over here when you’re done,” he says.
“Really, how come?”
“I think I’ve just scored a huge client. You’ll never guess who it is.”
I run a hand over my hair as I watch the kids all pulling their new kits out of the packaging, everyone is excited. “Ok, I’ll bite, who?”
“Come to Dad’s and I’ll tell you.”
“Cryptic,” I mutter.
“Trust me, it’s huge. And I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag just yet.”
It’s just like Noah to think that maybe, just maybe, his phone could be tapped or some shit. He’s superstitious, and I know I won’t get it out of him even if I try.
“We’re ordering burgers if you want one?” he adds.
“I’ll take two,” I snicker. “And who’s ‘we’?”
“Josh and Lexi are here, Dad as well. I think Ali and Clementine are coming over later.”
“Fine, I’ll be there. Extra pickles in my burgers.”
“I’ll get right on it,” Noah quips sarcastically. “Anything else?”
“Chilli fri?—”
He hangs up before I can even get the words out. So, I fire a text.
Me
Chilli fries too bozo, extra salt
Noah
Like I’d forget to order fries, duh
Me
See you in 15. This better be worth me leaving Chels and Deat
