“No, I’m not.” I make a feeble attempt at defending myself. “I’m just taking in the whole experience. Go football!” I wave my hands up in the air with the forced cheer and immediately feel foolish.
Roman throws his head back in laughter and I sit, forcing myself into time out for a few minutes while LA has the ball. Bethany sits next to me and nudges my shoulder with hers.
“We’re giving you a hard time, you know,” she whispers. “We are both over the moon to see you so happy.”
I sigh. “Me too. It’s stupid, but for the first time in a long time, I have something to look forward to.”
“Is Hayes staying in town after the game?” Bethany asks before taking a sip of her drink.
I glance at her and nod before looking back at where Hayes is conferring with his coach on the sidelines. “He is, then flying home late Tuesday to pick up practices for their game next weekend.
“What are you guys going to do?”
I roll my lips together, ignoring the way my cheeks heat again. “I’m not sure.”
My friend snickers next to me, seeing right through the ruse. “Sure. Is that the new code for hooking up?”
“No!” I say way too quickly. But all I can think about is what Hayes texted me last night.I’m going to kiss you tomorrow.
The addictive anticipation has been building ever since.
Bethany rolls her eyes but gratefully doesn’t bother me anymore about that topic, leaning close to the edge of the box, to get a closer look at what’s going on below.
I’m grateful these two agreed to come with me today. With Hayes playing in Los Angeles, I knew without a doubt I’d be here, but so far, it’s shaking up to be much more enjoyable with friends. Surprisingly, Roman hasn’t needed to feed me information on the small details related to the game, but it’s nice to know he could since he’s here. Though I have a baseline understanding of the sport, I know there’s a ton of small rules that I have barely brushed the surface in comprehending.
The play has turned over again, and I lean forward, watching as Hayes slides his helmet onto his head and jogs out to the field. His team huddles around him and then they break before getting into position.
“And this is called the line of cribbage?” I ask my brother again, feeling mischievous.
He groans. “The line ofscrimmage.”
Bethany snickers to herself while I gloat a bit. I can’t help but give Roman a hard time. Heisa Lightning fan, after all.
My attention returns to Hayes and I watch with interest as he hollers something out to the line before positioning himself close to the guy crouching in the middle and leaning forward to catch the ball. The line breaks as the other team struggles to get to him to take him down. My spine straightens and I lean forward to get a better view.
He’s nothing short of astounding.
They run a few more plays, until they’re right in front of the?—
“Where are they on the field?” I ask Roman.
He glances at me quickly before looking out at the players again. “Second and goal. Ten yards from the end zone.”
“And that is the area where they score baskets?” I ask, remembering the term from my earlier studies but having too much fun ribbing my brother.
“Yes.” He rolls his eyes.
“And that will put them ahead by seven points?” I confirm.
Roman shakes his head. “Six. And then they’ll kick for the extra point.”
“Oh, right.” I bob my head.
“Any more questions?” Roman asks me with an eyebrow raised. “Or can I watch again?”
I laugh and shove his shoulder. “Hey, I’m trying to learn here. You’re my designated football guru while Hayes is on the field.”
“Lucky me,” he teases and rolls his eyes again before zoning back into the game.
