“He’s on the team. He’s the one who invited me to come. That’s how I got the idea to invite you.”
Will’s pace slows. “He invited you to watch him play?”
Crap. That did not come out well. “No—I mean, not in that way. He—” I pause, realizing I can’t tell Will the truth about why Dev invited me without revealing that I enlisted him to help me date Will. “He, um, just knows I’m interested in cricket.”
“Huh. How nice of him.” Will points at the few metal bleachers that line one side of the pitch. The crowd is sparse, maybe twelve others in all. “Is... that where we’re going?”
“Yeah. I guess they don’t get big crowds for the games.” I laugh, but it comes out like a squeak. “But at least we’ll be right up front!”
We climb the bleachers, which end up being a little rickety. I trip on one of the steps and Will’s hand shoots out to steady me before I can lose my balance.Swoon.
“This should be an interesting day.” He takes my hand and we shimmy-step down the bench.
My knee won’t stop bouncing after we sit. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea for a date. I mean, last Saturday Will surprised me with reservations to the fanciest Italian restaurant in Northampton. Why did I think this would be equivalent? On impulse I lean over. “I know this isn’t what you’re used to. Sorry I couldn’t invite you to something cooler.”
“No apologies.” He lays his hand on my leg and shivers run up my back. “Truth be told, I’m not really here for the cricket.”
“That makes two of us,” Frank says.
“Don’t you mean three?” Huan adds.
At that moment the two teams of Emberton students come onto the field and we clap and whistle politely. Unfortunately, Dev was right about the game. Even with my limited knowledge, I can tell it’s slow and boring. On the professional teams, the bowler will throw the ball at almost a hundred miles per hour. Here it’s looking like ten.
“So...,” Huan says slowly. “I don’t get it. Is it like a weird version of baseball?”
Will huffs. “You must be putting us on.”
Frank clasps his hand over Huan’s mouth with wide eyes. “Shhhh.We mustn’t question cricket in front of you know who.” He jerks a thumb toward Will dramatically. “We just smile and nod as if it makes sense.”
I laugh. “Have you gone to a lot of games together?” I ask Frank.
“A few.” He and Will smile at each other. “You can’t be mates with Will without having a little cricket in your life, but I try to wiggle out of it whenever I can. Though... I do make exceptions.”
“I don’t want to poke the bear, but what’s the point of the sticks behind the batter?” Huan asks.
“That’s called a wicket,” I say. “The bowler from the other team tries to hit it with the ball to get the batsman out. Or, if the batsman manages to hit the ball, one of the fielders will try to catch the ball to get him out. So, I mean, I guess it’s a bit like one of the bases in baseball, but I’m not sure cricket fans would agree.” I sit taller, proud I remembered all that even if I still don’t find it interesting.
Will stares and I expect him to argue or correct me. Instead,a surprised smile spreads across his face. “Impressive,” he whispers, and kisses me behind the ear. “And I thought you couldn’t be sexier.”
He thinks I’m sexy?Because ofcricket? Dear god, I’m going to have to buy Dev a Cadbury bar as big as his head to thank him.
His eyes shine. “How did you learn about cricket?”
“I just, you know, wanted to learn. So I studied up.”
“Brilliant. Now we can watch all the games together.”
I nod enthusiastically. I know that’sa lotof cricket, but warmth still bubbles up in my chest. I’m so glad he wants to share one of his favorite activities with me. “I think Emberton will be doing more matches like this. You could come watch them all with me.”
He laughs and gestures to the pitch. “Well, that might be a bit much even for me. And don’t forget I’ll be leaving for Belgium soon.” He swats at the air, a sour look marring his face. “I didn’t tell you—Father just backed out. Something always comes up last minute.”
“Oh no.”
“Actually it’ll be nicer now. I can have a bit of a lie-in after all the work I’ve been doing.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close. “I’ll miss seeing you, though.”
“I’ll miss you too.” An idea occurs to me and I shift to see his face. “Wait, isn’t Belgium known for its beer?”
“Why do you think I agreed to go?”
