I was so caught up in doing everything he did. I loved getting to hang out with the coolest guy in school, or at least that’s what it felt like at the time.
Now I just realize he wanted to show off most of the time.
“There’s my two favorite people!” Jameson calls out, standing near the ticket booth. He’s standing with a man that I don’t recognize, but I can only assume is Gunnar.
The two of them could not be more opposite. Jameson is a rainbow in human form, while Gunnar…well, he looks like a storm cloud is hanging over his head.
I’ve heard enough about him these last few weeks that I’m excited to finally meet the man who has swept Jameson up.
“Uncle Jameson!” Lydia drops my hand and makes a beeline for him. “Can you make me a balloon amnamal tonight?” She stutters over animal, the word always giving her trouble.
“Sorry, baby girl. I don’t have anything to make one for you tonight, but I promise the next time I see you, I’ll make you an extra big one, okay?”
“Okay. Maybe a really big dog.”
“A giant dog just for you.”
Jameson sets her down and turns to the man next to him. “Lydia, would you like to meet my new friend?”
Lydia casts a wary eye to the man next to Jameson. His dirty-blond hair is effortlessly styled. The angle of his jaw gives him a serious look. But his eyes give him away. The deep brown pools are looking at Jameson like he hung the moon.
Good. He deserves someone who will treat him right after the trail of losers he’s dated.
Lydia beckons Jameson to her level with a wiggle of her finger. “Is he your best friend?”
Jameson stands, giving me a warm smile. “You’ll always be my best friend, Lydia.”
“Ouch. Good to know I’m so easily replaced,” I tell him.
“Well, your kid’s really cute, so it’s easy to replace you,” he tells me. “But let me introduce you to Gunnar.”
“Sutton, it’s nice to meet you.” Gunnar sticks a hand out to shake. I return it, noting how firm it is. I always notice a good handshake. It’s something I’ve always been taught—you can’t fake a good handshake and the impression it gives off.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Sutton,” Gunnar tells me.
I smile back at him. “I’ve heard a lot about you too.”
“And he’ll get to meet Derek later, right?” Jameson asks.
“After the game.”
Jameson links one arm with me before grabbing tight to Lydia’s hand. She holds her free hand out to Gunnar, and he doesn’t hesitate before taking it.
“He just won her over,” I whisper to Jameson.
“It’s not hard to do.”
Jameson looks just as lovestruck as Gunnar does.
Walking toward the entrance, I pull up the tickets Derek emailed me and get us all scanned in.
Even with so many people still in the parking lot, the bleachers are filling up. Concession stands, which look to be managed by high school kids, have long lines snaking around the ramps.
We find our gate before walking down the concrete stepstoward the metal bleacher seats. Not the most comfortable for a night, but I can manage.
Both teams are on the field warming up, and from what I can remember, they’ll be heading back toward the locker room so they can make their grand entrance.
Friday night football is all the rage.
