“How’ve you been?” Connor asked.
“Really well.”
Ben hadn’t listed Connor as one of the school employees who had a crush on Leah. But, in this moment, that didn’t put Sebastian’s mind at ease. It could be that Leah viewed Connor as a friend but that Connor, like Ben, viewed Leah as more.
“I was just talking with Ben earlier this week,” Connor said, “about what you guys went through back in El Salvador.”
“He’s a good one to talk to about it.”Unlike me.
“I grew up here, so I have clear memories of watching the news coverage. For days, my mom was either praying about it or sitting in front of the TV set, waiting for updates.”
“Thank your mom for me,” Sebastian said.
“I’ll do that.”
Leah gave Sebastian a questioning look. “Are you going to sit with me this time or with the Colemans?”
“With you this time.”
“Good. Let’s get settled before the second half starts.”
They said good-bye to Connor. To lighten her load, Sebastian carried the popcorn as they walked up the ramp.
She had on the same jersey he’d seen her in at the last football game. Because of the colder late-November temperatures, she wore a white shirt beneath. She’d stuck the round pin of Dylan to a jean jacket.
“I’m jealous,” he said.
She stopped at the bottom rail of the bleachers. “Why?”
“Connor has something I want. He gets to be around you all week.”
“Ah. Well, the answer’s simple. Quit your job and become a teacher at Misty River High.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“Don’t temptmewith all this—” she waved a hand at his face— “handsomeness. Honestly, Sebastian. It’s too much.”
“I want to make out with you.”
“No. We’re surrounded by hundreds of people.”
She was right. They were standing in view of the spectators. One of them would be Ben, and Sebastian wouldn’t do that to his friend. It’s just that it was way harder than expected not to touch her. He hadn’t seen her in days.
He followed her up the bleacher stairs.
She pointed to the side. “I’m sitting over here with Tess and Rudy.”
“I’ll say hi to the Colemans, then I’ll join you.”
“Excellent.”
He passed back her popcorn and made his way to the Coleman family section. They welcomed him with their usual loud enthusiasm.
“You’re joining us for church and Sunday dinner at the house, right?” CeCe demanded.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“If you stand me up, I’ll be after you with a shotgun.”
