39. Go Fish
I’m standing outside this morning, waiting for Ford to pick me up. He texted telling me he was running late, which is very un-Ford-like, but we all have our off days. The talk last night with my parents was rough. I don’t like the constraints they’ve put on our relationship. I feel like they’re trying to control me. I keep telling myself that they want to protect me and don’t want to see me hurt, but it doesn’t feel that way, and I’m not sure why.
When the Range Rover pulls into the driveway, I run to the passenger side and jump in before Ford can get out of the car. He glares at me for an entire half a second before his face softens, and he leans in, kissing me. “Good morning, Baby.”
“Hey, Stud.” I pat his cheek and run my thumb along the dark circles under his eye. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.”
“Good. Are you ready for a great day of learning at Lake City High School?”
“I’m ready for a quiet, drama-free day at Lake City High.” Ford glances at me, smiling, but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes. We both have a lot on our minds lately. I reach over, patting his thigh, then leave my hand there. He covers his hand over mine. We just need to hold on tight, and we’ll make it through today.
“Hey, whatcha doing?” Leah asks when she sees me sitting on the bleachers after cheer practice Tuesday.
“I’m waiting for Ford. He’s my ride. They usually finish up around the same time as us.”
“I thought your parents got you a brand new car?”
“They did, but I made a deal with Ford when we became official. He could give me a ride to school every day. Usually, if I don’t want to wait for him, I’ll take his car home, and he’ll get a ride with Jack, but I thought I’d wait for him today.” I glance at my watch. “Practice should be over anytime now.”
Leah glances around the empty gym before she speaks. “You could get a ride with me. It would give us time to talk.”
I bite my lip, thinking. I want to have some girl time with Leah and talk about the big S word, but I told Ford I’d wait, and I don’t want to ditch him. We need to stick close together until the website mess is resolved. “Yeah, okay, but let me say hi to him before we go. I don’t want to leave and tell him why with a text message.”
Leah smiles, sitting down next to me. “I’m good with that. It will give me a chance to say hi to my super cute boyfriend.”
I try really hard not to make a face, but I’m unsuccessful.
“Hey!” Leah slaps my arm.
I hold my hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry, but cute is the last word I’d use to describe Jack Fitzgerald.”
“Fine. How about handsome, masculine, and hot?”
“Are you trying to make me puke?” I laugh.
Leah rolls her eyes. “I give up. But you get a pass because he’s your brother, and I think my brothers are disgusting.”
The football players trickle into the gym. Most of the player’s practice jerseys are covered in dirt and grass, and they all look sweaty and tired. “It must have been one heck of a practice today. Everyone looks ready to collapse.”
“Do they get this dirty during games?” Leah nudges me with her shoulder when she sees Ford, Jack, Tyler, and the rest of the senior boys walk into the gym.
We stand up, and Ford, Jack, Ty, and Cameron walk over to us. “Where’s Aubrey?” Cam asks, glancing around the gym.
“We didn’t plan this. Leah saw me waiting for Ford, and we started chatting.”
Cam nods, looking disappointed. “Me, Aubrey, June, and Clark are hanging out at my house after this.” Leah’s eyebrows disappear into her hairline, and she quirks a smile.
“I know.” Cameron smiles and heads toward the locker room.
“June’s going to be there?” Ty asks.
“Yeah, she’s coming over after she finishes voice lessons,” I say.
“Sweet. I’ll catch you, ladies, later.” Ty winks at us and walks away.
Ford grabs my hand, leading me toward the end of the bleachers. I give him a once over. He’s covered from head to toe in grass stains and mud. “Did Coach Anderson make all of you roll around on the ground today?” I brush some of the dirt off his jersey. “Everyone’s covered in dirt.”
