“I gotta grab my sweatshirt from Anna!” I hollered. But Mom shook her head, insisting. I glanced at Anna and held up a finger to let her know I’d be a second. She nodded, patiently waiting fifty yards away.
My fingers drummed against my thigh as I jogged to Mom.
Mom put a hand on her hip. “Mom always gets the first hug. Do you hear me?”
I chuckled. “Yeah. Okay.”
“Such a great game, Blue Boy.” She wrapped her arms around me.
“Thanks, Mom.” I hugged her back. “Sorry I’m so sweaty.”
She pushed my bangs out of my eyes. “Mommas don’t care about that.” She pulled my face into her hands. “I’m just happy there were no injuries.”
“Where’s Colt?” I asked, glancing around for my ten-year-old brother.
She tipped her head toward the concessions stand. “Lining up for popcorn.”
I chewed my bottom lip and frowned. They always handed out leftovers at the end of the game. Which was…whatever. Lots of people lined up for it. It was the fact that we couldn’t afford the two dollars for him to eat it during the game like a normal kid that bothered me.
“I’ll see you at home?” Mom asked.
“Uh, yeah. Hope so.” A normal fifteen-year-old would’ve known if he was going to be home to sleep. But with my dad, it wasn’t a guarantee. If he got it in his head that it was my night to sleep at his house, then it was my night. Whether it actually was or not. And after a game? He always wanted to watch “tape” and analyze my every move. My only hope was that he’d be too tired to do it tonight.
Mom frowned knowingly. “You need a ride?”
I shook my head. Getting a ride with her meant I’d have to leave ASAP. “I gotta get my sweatshirt from Anna. I’ll find a ride.”
“Okay.” Mom smiled, a twinkle in her eye. “You get thatsweatshirt.” My mom was no dummy. She knew I’d been trying to kiss Anna for a while now.
“I’m trying.” I fought back the blush that was attempting to take over my face.
She tipped her head toward my gorgeous girlfriend, who waved when we looked over. “Tell her hi for me. Go on ahead now.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I took off again. And almost groaned ten feet later, when Mr. Dupree, Anna’s grandpa, called my name. I sighed but turned and walked over wearing a smile.
He had his hand out, ready for a shake. “Great game, Blue. Great game. You should be proud.”
I returned his strong grip. “Thank you, sir.”
“You keep throwing like that and Seddledowne won’t be able to keep you. Some big city school will try to recruit you.”
“Aw, thanks. But I’m happy right here.” And I was. Especially now that Anna was mine.
Anna’s granny was next to him. “Really good game, Blue. I know Anna’s proud of you.” The three of us glanced at her. She smiled and waved. And then waved for me to come on.
“Looks like you’d better go,” Mr. Dupree said. “You’re coming over tomorrow to ride horses?” They’d invited me earlier in the week.
“Wouldn’t miss it. See you then.” I nodded and took off, my eyes trained on my beautiful girl. I was not stopping again. For anyone.
But then Silas stepped in front of me, blocking my view. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Not so fast there, Romeo.”
Thankfully, his wife, Lemon, walked up just then. “Babe.Let him see Anna.” She winked at me from behind his shoulder, holding a large black trash bag. Then she twined her fingers from her free hand through his. “She hasn’t even told him good game yet.”
Silas’s eyebrow rose skyward. “Fine. But she needs to head straight over to help pick up trash. You tell her that.”
“Yes, sir.” But I didn’t miss Lemon shooing me on.Get your sweatshirt, she mouthed.
I stifled my laughter until I was a few feet away. Finally, I was through the gate. Anna squealed and threw herself into my arms. Her hands slid around my back. I held her tiny waist as I kissed the top of her beautiful head.
