Page 24 of Love, Literature, and the Linebacker

“Mini-golf,” he says. “Highest bidder wins a mini-golf outing for four, hosted by me and Darnell.”

“Mini-golf?” I blink.

“What?” he says lightly.

“I expected something more… football-related.”

“Like throwing drills?”

“Well, yeah.”

“A couple guys already claimed those.” He shrugs. “Mini-golf was still available.”

“It actually sounds fun,” I admit.

“Planning to bid?” His eyes sparkle.

I shake my head. “Can’t. I’m working.”

“You don’t want to outbid a room full of football moms and cheerleaders for an exhilarating round of mini-golf at Pete’s Putt-Putt?”

We’re standing close enough that I can see the navy flecks in his eyes. Close enough that my thoughts start to wander in dangerous directions.

“I think I’ll let them fight it out.”

“Alright, folks,” the announcer booms, “let’s get to the best part of the night!”

Dylan sighs. “That’s my cue.” His voice drops. “Can we talk after?”

“Sure,” I say, biting the inside of my cheek. “I’ll be around.”

“I’ll find you,” he promises, smiling once more before heading toward the stage.

I watch him go, unable to stop replaying the quiet promise in his voice. I’ll find you.

Just as Dylan disappears into the crowd, Aunt Joss’s bony hip bumps into mine, making me jump.

“Spill,” she whisper-yells, eyes glittering with curiosity. “Who is that hunky football player in a suit?”

I cross my arms as we step away from the tables. “Just a… person.”

“A person who?”

“What’s with the third degree?” I arch an eyebrow, grasping for deflection.

Aunt Joss throws her head back and laughs. “My niece has a secret boyfriend, and he looks like that?”

“He is not my boyfriend,” I hiss. “Don’t you have food to attend to?”

“Amari’s got it,” she says breezily, clapping her hands as the crowd’s cheers swell. “Relax.”

The crowd erupts, pulling my attention toward the stage.

Dylan and Darnell stand beneath the lights, both wearing sunglasses, golf clubs slung over their shoulders like they’re about to headline a concert instead of a charity auction.

And then the bidding begins.

Chapter Six