He focused his attention on the field as the crowd roared with cheers and applause for their beloved, former star quarterback who’d brought home the state championship his senior year. Drew had been destined for college and professional football greatness before a tragic car accident had changed his life forever. Nolan let out a shrill whistle as his younger friend waved to the crowd. After the hall of fame athletes were introduced, the former Homecoming Queens paraded across the track in convertibles. He realized why Sean Sullivan and the Patricks were sitting together when the former queens were announced. Sean’s daughter Morgan had been queen for the Class of 2011, and Barbara Jeanne Patrick for 2012. Come to find out the girls had been best friends since elementary school.
Following the pregame events, Nolan barely noticed when Barbara Jeanne and Morgan joined them in the stands, sitting right in front of Sally. He settled in to watch the game, not really paying attention, since he couldn’t get his mind off her. He was scrolling through his phone when Sean elbowed him in the side.
“Sean! What the hell, man?”
“I’ve been talking to you the last few minutes and you haven’t heard a word I said.”
“I heard you, man.”
“Okay, what did I say?”
“You told me, uh…”
“Exactly. I hope whatever is going on in that head of yours is important.”
“Yeah. Yeah, it is. I just gotta figure some things out.”
“Okay, man. I’ll leave you to it. I’m gonna run to the snack bar. Want anything?”
“No. Thanks. I’m good.”
“Okay, back in a few.”
Nolan took advantage of Sean’s departure, deciding to send a text while no one was looking over his shoulder. He clicked on Sally’s name and started typing.
Hey, city girl. Truth is, I miss you.
Nolan leaned forward slightly to try to get a look at Sally to see if she checked her phone. She must have felt the vibration, since he watched her pull it from her coat pocket and open the text. She looked at it briefly and placed the phone back in her pocket, continuing her conversation with Barbara Jeanne and Morgan. Nolan felt a twinge of disappointment at her seeming rejection of his outreach. He was able to forget about it for a few minutes as he noticed his friend Drew was once again on the football field. This time he was dressed in a kilt, playing the part of the school mascot, the Highlander, during the halftime show. He grinned in amusement at the sight.
* * *
Later that night, as Nolan was preparing for bed, he heard the ring tone for an incoming text. Could it be Sally? He snatched it from the charger and looked at the screen. Sure enough, her name appeared. He opened it up and read:
The French say tu me manques: you are missing from me. I feel the loss of my friend.
Nolan kept the phone with him as he climbed into bed. He lay down, propping his head up on the pillows, and stared at the screen, trying to think of an appropriate response. She’d extended a lifeline and he intended to grab it. With gusto.
I wish I were kissing you instead of missing you.
Nolan waited, holding his breath in anticipation of a response. Seconds later, he got his reply.
They say time heals all wounds, but all it’s done is given me more time to think about how much I miss you.
He expelled the breath he’d been holding and let out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t run her off with his suggestive text. He decided to up the ante. He’d had plenty of time to rethink his earlier foolish reaction when she suggested friends with benefits. If she offered that deal again, he planned to jump on it.
A wise man once said: I’m in my bed, you’re in yours. One of us is obviously in the wrong place.
He grinned as he read her response:
Touché, country boy. Meet me for coffee and quotes and we’ll see what happens.
Chapter 22
Nolan’s hands shook slightly as he unlocked the door to his house. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been that nervous. Maybe when he’d lost his virginity on the bench seat of his old pickup at seventeen. Sally stood silently behind him. Even though she didn’t speak, he could feel her presence. The scent of her spicy perfume surrounded him in the small space. It wasn’t too strong, but it invaded his senses just the same.
“Nolan?” Sally asked hesitantly. “Did you change your mind?” He turned to her then and saw her hands were clasped together in front of her, and she twisted her rings nervously.
“No, oh, no. Never.” He took her hands into his own, lacing his fingers with hers. Bringing them to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles. “To be honest with you darlin’, I’m just nervous. Come on, let’s get you inside.” He brushed his lips across her cheek, loving the softness of her skin under his lips.
