“I’ll tell you what from now on, the night before a game. I’ll show the other team’s stats and give you the odds.”
“Okay, I’m not sure it will keep me from chewing my nails, but it will help.”
“Good.” Ford kisses my nose.
“I think I’m ready for you to show me what this amazing city has to offer.” I slide my lips along the line of his jaw, up to his mouth, and dart my tongue out against his lips.
“I’m an excellent tour guide.”
It’s almost midnight when the bus pulls into our high school parking lot. “I’m hungry,” I complain as we pile off the bus.
“Me too,” Aubrey says.
“What’s open this time of night?” Piper asks.
“Taco Bell is,” Beckett says as the guys pull their football bags out.
“Yuck. No.” Leah shutters.
“The Lake Side Diner is open.” I glance at Ford. “We could go there?”
“Yeah, pancakes sound great. I’ll text Ty and have him and June meet us there.” Jack rode with Ty to the school tonight, so he shoves his football gear in my car along with Ford’s gear but then rides with Leah to the diner.
“Ugh.” I roll my window down, sucking in the fresh air. “My stinky shoes have nothing to your sweaty, dirty football gear. It smells like death in here.”
“What are you talking about? That’s the smell of victory.”
I give Ford the side eye and scrunch my nose. “We’ll agree to disagree on that one.”
Ty and June beat us to the diner and are sitting at a big round waiting for us. Ford and I order pancakes and a huckleberry milkshake again. I love hanging out with everyone like this. We’re all paired off into couples, but we are all friends, so it’s not weird. I never thought I’d be friends with Ford’s friends, especially Beckett and Cameron, but I’m glad I am.
“I can’t believe next week is homecoming,” Leah says.
“I’m excited about spirit week and dressing up. It’s like an entire week of Halloween.” Piper jumps up and down in her seat.
“Ford, are you still willing to help coach the powderpuff game next week?” Beckett asks. “There’s a meeting Monday at lunch, then practice after school, and Wednesday is the game.”
“Yeah, we’ll be there.” Ford nods.
Beckett turns to me. “You’re going to play, Clark?”
I glance at Ford, but then look away. “Uh, nope.”
Ford shifts his body, so I have to look at him. “Why not? It’ll be fun. Out of all the girls that’ll be playing, I guarantee you know the most about the game.”
“I’m going to play.” I stare at June like she’s just sprouted a second head. She’s the most unathletic—wait, is that a word, maybe nonathletic is better—whatever, it doesn’t matter. She hates sports. “I know what you’re thinking, but it’s just for fun, and I want to be a part of the homecoming activities.” She’s only doing it because Tyler probably signed up to be a cheerleader. But good for her. I’m glad she’s putting herself out there and doing more.
“See, it’ll be fun.” Ford rubs a hand up and down my back.
“We’re all playing.” Leah points to her, Aubrey, and Piper. “But we’re on the opposing team, so we’re better off strategically if you don’t play. Ford’s right, you’d wipe the field with us.”
“Nice try, Leah. You’re trying to use reverse psychology to get me to play.” I narrow my eyes at my friend.
“Am I, though?” She smirks.
“If Clark is out? Does that mean you are, too, Ford?” Beckett asks.
“No, I told you I’d coach. I’ll be there.” Ford’s hand slips under the table. He glides it up my leg and under my cheer skirt.
