Solo (21 page)

"I usually do, but I was hunting someone down today."

"Sorry about that."

"Don't be sorry, I got my homework done. So, what did you need?"

"Do you still want to pick me up in the morning?"

"Sure, I'll be there around seven, but I'll wait in the truck this time."

"I don't blame you. I'll see you in the morning."

We said our goodnights.

I didn't need the alarm, I woke up at five. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I figured I'd get ready for school early. Since I had extra time, I decided to straighten my hair; something I didn't do often because my hair was so long. I pushed the front back with a headband.

I sat on the porch steps a few minutes before seven waiting for Lucas. Mom joined me. "Don't feel like you need to rush home after the baseball game."

"Okay, Mom."

"Does the team get together after the games? I know they did when I was in high school."

"I don't know. This is my first baseball game. I'm not sure what they do."

"I'm glad you're finally going to school activities. I want you to have a good time. Just be home by nine or ten; it's a school night."

"I'm sure I won't be that late."

Lucas' truck pulled into the driveway. Mom gave me a kiss and told me to have a good day.

"Good morning," I said, walking toward the truck.

"Good morning." He opened my door. "Your hair is different."

"Wow, good observation. Most guys don't notice things like that." I climbed into the truck.

"It looks nice," he added.

"Don't get used to it. I don't straighten it very often. It takes too long."

"I guess I'll have to enjoy it while it lasts."

Lucas helped me out of the truck at school. In the same spot from the day before, he leaned in for our morning kiss. That was my favorite part of the day.

We made a quick stop at my locker and then headed to Lucas'. The atmosphere seemed normal. I hoped everything had blown over from the day before. Casey was at her locker talking to Jack when we entered the junior hall.

"Good morning, you two," she said in her usual perky manner.

"Hey, there." I stayed to talk with her while Lucas went to his locker.

"Are you still coming to the baseball game this afternoon?" she asked.

"Yeah, is it all right if I sit with you?"

"Of course it is." She paused, and tilted her head. "Wow, your hair is straight."

I grinned. "Do you like it?"

"I like it a lot. I didn't realize it was
so
long."

Lucas walked back to us and we chatted until the warning bell. He kissed my cheek and told me he would see me at lunch. Then he and Jack took off.

"It's kind of weird seeing Lucas and Jack talk," Casey said, watching them walk away. "It's been years since they hung out."

I turned to look. "They're not in junior high anymore. I think they've both grown up."

"Yeah, it would be nice if
everyone
grew up."

I knew she was referring to Sasha and Evan. "But that would make things perfect, and we don't live in a perfect world, do we?"

Casey laughed. "So true. So true."

Sasha was absent during second period and Jack sat beside me. Casey waited for us after class. The day seemed to get better as it went on. Lucas played with my hair during lunch. I couldn't believe how nice the day flowed. Then I saw Sasha from the corner of my eye. Now I would have to deal with her during gym; there went my perfect day. She tossed her usual glare in my direction.

Lucas must have noticed me staring at her, because he leaned over to block my view. "Don't give her the time of day."

"It's hard; she's so evil."

Lucas gave me a gentle peck with Sasha still staring, which made me nervous. I could only imagine the crap I'd have to deal with during gym.

He kissed my forehead. "I'll see you later."

I was surprised when Sasha didn't make any snide remarks in the locker room. For a brief moment, I hoped she was done terrorizing me.

Gym actually went by with ease.

I changed quickly. "I'll see you after next period," I told Casey, before taking off to study hall.

"All right. See you later."

I was excited about getting to spend an entire study hall with Lucas. We could sit and talk the whole time. When I entered the library, I didn't see him. I walked to my empty table and pulled out my iPod.

"I hope you don't plan on listening to that."

I turned to see Lucas standing behind me. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't be here today."

"I got out of class a few minutes late; otherwise I'd have beaten you here."

I put my iPod away. Lucas sat across from me and leaned back in the seat to get comfortable. I laid my head on the table and he started playing with the ends of my hair.

"How was your day?" I asked.

"Pretty much the same as every day; except I couldn't stop thinking about my girlfriend going to her first baseball game." He winked.

"I bet she can't wait to see her boyfriend in his uniform." I winked back.

"Well, I hope she's going for more than the uniform. The games are actually pretty entertaining. If she only stares at the uniform, she might miss something good."

"So, are you saying you're good?"

Lucas smiled. "I guess—I
am
on the team."

"How many touchdowns do you get each game?" I grinned.

"You're kidding, right. Do you know anything about baseball?"

"Lucas, I'm joking—touchdowns are in basketball, right?" I feigned an innocent look.

"Well, you are a girl," he teased. "I can see how you wouldn't understand a man's game."

"Those are fighting words. I feel a flag football game coming on. I bet if I could get enough girls together we'd cream you and your
guys."

Lucas cracked up. "Hun, you're too cute. You need to leave the
real
sports to us
guys."
He pulled my chair closer to his.

I stared into his eyes "You're not being serious, are you? I hope you're not saying football is only for guys."

"Okay, I'll tell you what, if you can get enough girls that aren't afraid to break a nail, we'll organize a flag football game for this Saturday. The winner gets to choose the evening's activity."

"What evening's activity?"

"Oh, I assumed we'd be doing something Saturday night," he said, twirling my hair around his finger.

"Okay. If the girls win, we're going to see whatever chick flick is playing at the movies."

"All right. If the boys win, which I'm ninety-nine point nine percent sure they will, I get to take you to dinner anywhere I choose."

"That sounds more than fair. Let's shake on it to seal the deal." I stuck out my hand.

He grabbed my hand and pulled my body closer as he leaned in for a kiss. "There, the deal is sealed," he whispered. "Now you have to find enough girls to play."

"Let me worry about that; you just focus on hitting the puck this afternoon."

Lucas did a double take. I had to really emphasize that I was joking about the puck before he believed me. He said he would get the equipment needed for a flag football game as soon as I rallied enough girls to play. He had his doubts that any of the girls in this school would actually do it.

When the bell rang, I was eager to meet up with Casey to see if she would join me in my quest to prove that girls were just as good as boys when it came to sports. I pulled Lucas behind me as I made my way to her locker. I skipped all small talk and got straight to the point.

"Hey Casey, do you have plans for Saturday afternoon?" I asked enthusiastically.

She looked at Jack. "Jack and I were going to hang out. Why? Do you guys want to do something together?"

I looked at Lucas. His hand discreetly covered his smirk. I turned back to Casey. "Well, Lucas and I had a little debate earlier about girls and sports. We want to get a girls vs. boys flag football game together for Saturday. I wanted to know if you'd help me recruit a team of girls."

Casey started to laugh. "Are you serious? You see me in gym; do I look like I enjoy playing sports?"

My hope started to fade as she continued to laugh. I knew if she wouldn't play, I'd have a hard time convincing anyone else to.

"I think it would be fun," Jack piped up to encourage Casey. "I'll play if Casey plays."

"Come on Casey, I'll owe you one," I begged.

Casey mulled over the idea and let out a long sigh. "All right, but if I break a nail, I'm done."

I looked at Lucas. He was fighting back laughter. He threw me an "I told you so" grin.

"Thanks Casey, two down six to go. Who else do you think might be willing to play?"

"I'm not sure. We'll have to discuss our options during the baseball game so our rivals won't hear." She glanced at Jack.

Since we had time to kill before the game, Casey and I went to the general store to buy drinks. I took the time to thank her for having my back with Sasha. I knew it had to be hard for her to stand up to a friend she'd known all her life. Casey confided to me that she'd had some second thoughts about Sasha before I moved here. She said the way Sasha treated me had pushed her to say what was on her mind.

Back at the baseball field everyone was laughing. I could tell they were getting excited about the game. I smiled and tried to look as enthused as the rest of them.

Lucas stood near the dugout stretching his legs. I saw him glance up and scan the bleachers until he spotted me. The game started and Casey began talking about the flag football game. She figured we could ask Rachel and some of the other cheerleaders. I was a little hesitant, but I knew we'd have a hard time finding six more girls. Casey searched the crowd. I assumed she was looking for Rachel.

"I'll talk to Rachel tomorrow," she said, and turned back to watch the game.

I looked up to see Rachel sitting at the top of the bleachers with Sasha and Emily, and some of the other girls. I'd hoped Sasha wouldn't be coming to the baseball game. I went back to watching the game, locking my eyes on Lucas. He looked amazing in his uniform.

I tried to stay focused, but Casey kept rambling about prom. I tried to change the subject a few times, but somehow we wound up talking about prom again. I think I would have been more excited, but the impending conversation with Lucas about prom night still hung over me like a rain cloud.

Our boys won the game by four runs. Casey and I were waiting on the bleachers for Lucas and Jack when Rachel and the other girls passed by. Rachel stopped to say hello, while Sasha and Emily continued to the parking lot.

"Hey, you two, good game, huh?" Rachel said.

Casey replied, "Yeah, our boys are unstoppable. Rachel, what are you doing this weekend?"

"I was going to Eugene to get a few accessories for my prom dress. Why? What's up?"

"Well, Eliana and Lucas want to get a girls vs. boys flag football game together for Saturday. We need six more girls. Are you interested?"

Rachel grinned, "I'm not very good at football, but any chance to kick Lucas' butt—I'm game."

"Do you think any of the other girls will play?" I asked.

"With the exception of a one," Casey added, raising her eyebrows.

Rachel thought about it for a second. "I'm sure I can find five more girls. If they have a chance to hang out with the guys, they'll be all over it."

I said, "Perfect, we can meet Friday afternoon to practice. I'll give you directions to my grandparents' house tomorrow."

"Sounds good; we can go over the details later. I'll see you tomorrow." Rachel continued on to the parking lot.

"I knew if we got Rachel involved, we could get enough people," Casey grinned.

We waited for the guys to finish their after-game meeting with the coach. We cheered when they made their way toward the bleachers. Even after the long game, they looked ready to celebrate.

"So, who's up for going to the diner?" Jack asked, and leaned in to kiss Casey's cheek.

"After you clean up, I'm in." Casey pulled back holding her nose.

Lucas and I laughed. He kept his distance as we headed toward his truck. Before getting in he wiped down his arms and face. "We don't have to go to the diner if you want to go home," he said.

"It's up to you. I don't care what we do."

"Just to let you know,
everyone
will be there."

"Oh." I knew he was talking about Sasha and Evan. I really didn't want to occupy the same air space with the two of them.

"If you want, we can get an ice cream and walk the strip."

"That sounds better than going to the diner."

We pulled into a parking spot alongside the strip.

"I should get you something to eat," Lucas said.

"I'll be fine. My mom said she'll have leftovers in the fridge."