“Fine. Whatever works.” He grabbed a six-pack out of the fridge and went to join his friends.
I wrinkled my nose and fought down a very un-Penelope-like urge to flip him off.
Our guests didn’t seem to notice me as I got my purse out of the hall closet. My hoodie would be warm enough—I didn’t need a jacket—but I took my green and white knit beanie off the shelf and stuffed it in my purse. With a quick glance at Sean, who was busy talking to his friends with a beer in his hand, I left.
The sudden onslaught of people in the house had raised the temperature, so the crisp fall air was refreshing. I took a deep breath and went to my car, smiling at my stroke of genius.
Getting in and turning on the engine, I took out my phone and found the number for Home Slice Pizza.
“Home Slice, can you hold?” someone answered.
“Sure.”
Surprisingly soothing piano music came on. I waited for a moment, swaying in my seat, until someone at the restaurant picked up again.
“Thanks for waiting.” The same voice—a teenage boy maybe?—prompted, “Can I help you?”
“Yeah, I’m going to need six large pizzas. What’s the wait looking like?”
“Oh man.” The poor kid sounded stressed. “Pickup or delivery?”
“Pickup.”
“That’s going to be at least ninety minutes. I’m really sorry, we’re slammed.”
A big grin stole over my face. “Ninety minutes is great.”
“Really?”
“Yep. I can totally make that work.”
“Okay. What can I get you?”
I ordered four pepperoni, an all-meat, and a veggie pizza. Still smiling, I ended the call and put my phone down.
“That’s a pretty long wait,” I said aloud. “Whatever shall I do in the meantime? Oh, I know.”
I pulled out my ponytail and fluffed my hair, then grabbed my green and white beanie and put it on. It matched my hoodie. Then I backed out onto the street and headed toward the high school.
The stadium lights glared in the evening sky, and I could hear the crowd as soon as I opened my car door. With a tingle of excitement in my stomach, I got out and hurried to the entrance.
Showing my staff ID at the gate, I went in and made my way up the stairs to the packed stands. The scent of popcorn filled the air, and the pep band played a quick tune while the kids in the student section cheered.
Following the railing, I looked down onto the field. The game was in progress, but it must have been a time-out. The players were circled up, listening to Theo.
Coach Haven, that is.
A little smile crossed my lips. He was dressed in slacks and a half-zip fleece with the Timberwolves logo embroidered on the left side of the chest. I was too far away to hear what he was saying, but his expression was intense as he gave direction to his players. They clapped once in unison and ran back onto the field.
Willing him to turn around and look in my direction, I practically leaned out over the railing.
And then he did.
He turned and looked right at me, as if he knew I’d be there.
The smile that stole across his face made my belly flutter like a girl with a crush. I scoffed at myself. Obviously, I didn’t have a crush on Theo Haven. He was just my work bestie. That was why I was so happy to see him. He was a great teacher, sure, but I knew football was his passion. I just liked seeing him in his element. Totally a friend thing. Nothing more.
He stretched out his fist. I did the same, then we opened our hands and made a little explosion sound. Long-distance fist bump.
