I nod. “It’s okay. We should go, though, so we’re not late for the box.” I quickly change the subject, hoping that she’ll just let it drop.
“We’re in the box?” She asks, taking the hint and not saying any more about it.
“Yeah, I thought it would be fun to go and sit in the box with Drew,” I throw out there casually, watching her eyes widen a bit as I deliver the news of our seats.
“Will your dad be there?” Her voice comes out small and I hate the way her playful tone has quickly changed.
“No, he won’t be there. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t put you through that without full warning and your say-so first,” I promise her. “I know that he wouldn’t be your favorite person to spend the evening with either.” She nods, digesting the information. “I mean it. He’s not coming.” I punctuate every word with a kiss.
“Does your brother…” her voice trails off.
“Does my brother what?” I ask her. My hands gently run up and down her arms as I wait for her to say the words.
She sighs and looks away from me for a beat before continuing. “Does he know about college?”
I nod, confirming it. “Yeah, he’s heard your name before. So, he will know exactly who you are. And he’ll be just fine with it. I already told him that you were coming and he was cool with it.”
“Are you sure?” Her voice is so small. I hate how concerned she sounds.
“Yes, it’s going to be fine, Hen. He’s not liked my father either, despite having been raised by him.” I hesitate for a second. “He’s not as fun-loving as I am, but he’s cool. You’ll like him, I promise.” She nods. “I wouldn’t take you to a game where my brother would ridicule you or hurt you. Promise.”
Hendrix smiles widely at me, and her jitters appear to be gone.
“You’re right, I’m sorry I doubted you.”
The stadium buzzes with that easy summer nighttime fun. Kids are waiving foam fingers, the smell of popcorn dances in the air and every few minutes, the crack of the bat echoes.
Of course, we were late to the game. I knew Drew was going to give me shit for this because I am never on time. But I don’t care. I hold her hand and lead the way into the owner’s box, where we will soon find my brother.
Drew spots me as soon as the doors open, and like the Blaze box, it’s half empty. Neither of us are good at letting people in or being surrounded by crowds.
“There they are!” he calls out to us. “The owner of the Blaze and his keeper!” he shouts out.
“Don’t,” I say, holding my hand up in protest.
“We’re not—” Hendrix begins from behind me.
Drew grins and laughs at us. “Relax, I know, I know.” He looks around me. “He told me all about you when he confirmed that he was bringing you tonight.”
Drew grins at her. “Fine. The power acquaintances.” I get ready to smack him, but he goes on. “Or how about my brother and the woman that is too good for him?”
Hendrix snorts, laughing at him, then covering her mouth immediately. “That first one is worse. I like the second one better.”
“Exactly!” Drew says, handing her a beer. “Drink this. You look like you haven’t had any fun in a month.”
I shoot Drew a look. “Subtle, man, real subtle.”
Drew just grins at me. “I wasn’t trying to be.”
I shake my head and we hug quickly. He’s wearing that same jersey that Hendrix has on, but his is with a pair of khakis. I grin. That is so my brother—putting his hair down but not really.
I turn and see Hendrix grinning at us. “You two look a lot alike,” she says just to me in a hushed tone.
I lean over and give her a quick peck on the cheek. “Told you, you would like him.”
“Thanks,” Hendrix says, holding the beer up.
“You’re welcome. Like the Blaze, we’ve got a pretty well-stocked bar back there as well as some good food options, so please help yourselves,” Drew tells us.
