Then there are the two guys tossing the ball around, both looking like they could be Calvin Klein models—ripped, rugged, and just plain hot. Christian, with his darker, broader features. Randy, all blonde hair and sculpted definition. It’s like the cool table at school, the group you always hoped would invite you over.
People shuffle past us, their glances lingering. The women on campus have no problem blatantly ogling the tight, long-sleeved shirts that show off every curve of muscle.
“So how was your date?” Dani asks.
I catch the smile tugging at Trixie’s lips beside me. She’s already had the full rundown on just how perfect the date was.
Shelby cuts in, grinning. “Am I allowed to tell you how nervous he was before the date? I’ve never seen him like that before, it was adorable. He must have changed shirts at least five times.”
I smile because I can’t help it. “Well, that’s probably still less then how many outfits I tried on. But I had a great night, he picked me up from my house and we went to a restaurant just out of town. We were tucked away in a corner and did nothing but talk and eat, it was perfect. I didn’t expect him to be so well known around town. On two separate occasions, kids came up to him wanting photos and autographs, it was really cute. He made them so happy.”
Dani chews the last bite of the carrot in her mouth, and wipes at the side of her lips.“It’s hard to imagine that man nervous. He has always had too much ego to let insecurities slip through. Even before big games all the wayback to high school he would still drip swagger and confidence.”
Trixie drops her sunglasses to the point of her nose, watching Randy throw his last past perfectly at Christian’s chest. “Well, he’s got the goods.” She smirks.
I smile over at her as she appreciates the man who has brought me so much happiness these past few weeks.
“Oh, did he meet Sam and your parents yet?” Letti asks.
“No.” I shake my head. “My parents took Sam out for dinner. I’m just… not quite ready for Randy and Sam to meet. No offense to Randy, I just don’t want Sam meeting anyone unless it’s serious.” My shoulders lift as I watch the girls nod their heads in agreement. “Although, I can’t think of anyone I’ve dated who’s been significant since Sam’s dad,” I say, looking at Trixie for confirmation.
“I don’t think you have either, you have gone on a few coffee and movie dates, but nothing serious, and you got them to pick you up from our dorm.”
“Where is Sam’s dad now?” Shelby asks, running her nails through Dani’s blonde hair, which spills across her lap in soft waves. “I mean, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“No, it’s fine. We were both young, both sixteen, and he wasn’t ready to be a dad. He was going off to college in Chicago and didn’t want the responsibility. He signed his rights away to Sam. He met him when he was first born, but left for college soon after and hasn’t seen him since. He calls every now and then but beyond that, he doesn’t have any involvement.”
Shelby smiles, her words filled with quiet sincerity. “Well, Sam is lucky to have you.”
“No.” I pause. “I’m lucky to have him.” I smile back, reaching for a strawberry. “He’s, my baby. My world. And I would be lost without him.”
Dani lets out a small laugh, catching up. “Okay, I’m a little behind; so you have a son named Sam?”
“Yes,” I happily fill her in. “I do—he’s four.”
“Oh, that’s cool. Do you have a photo of him?”
I open up my photos on my phone then pass it to her, watching the three girls as they gush over my baby.
“He’s beautiful. He looks just like you,” Dani says, passing the phone back to me.
“Thank you!”
“Oh, speaking of baby’s, there’s mine,” Letti states, standing and wiping the grass off her pants.
Following her gaze, we watch as an undeniably attractive man strides toward us. He flashes a smile, lifting a hand in greeting to Christian and Randy, who casually motion back. He’s tall, athletic, effortlessly handsome. Randy sends a long ball hisway, and with a few swift steps, he catches it with ease, returning the pass.
“I’ll be at your room at 2,”Letti says to Danias she picks up her belongings.
“Sounds good,” Dani replies.
“It was really nice to meet you, Trixie!”
“You too,” Trixie replies.
Letti waves goodbye and turns to jog over to her man. He waves to everyone and takes Letti’s hand as they turn toward the parking lot.
“Are you coming over tomorrow for New Year’s?” Shelby asks us. “Us girls are meeting at the guys’ house around 2, we figured we’d get ready together and start the celebrations early. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
