Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 69198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
And I wasn’t the only one.
My ears perked up when the middle-aged woman sitting a couple of feet away hummed an appreciative, “Wow, Coach J is looking hot today. I may be married, but I am not blind.”
The mom in front of her chuckled in agreement and inclined her head meaningfully toward the first row. “Neither is his girlfriend.”
“Is she here? I thought they broke up. Oh! Shoot, I think my kid just scored.”
The women howled with laughter.
Me? I craned my neck to see who they were talking about and sure enough, it was the girl from the coffee shop. A good nine months had passed since I’d seen her with Blake, but I had an excellent memory. I remembered her long blonde hair and golden skin. She looked like a model. Together, they made a stunning couple. The women next to me agreed.
But listening to their effusive commentary about their looks, talent, and how their future progeny were destined to be Olympians chafed my hide. For no good reason. I couldn’t be jealous. I had no right to that emotion. I was Blake’s gay friend. I think.
That wasn’t a good reason. Or maybe it was, but I wasn’t being a good gay example. Was I? I couldn’t think straight…pun intended…with so many clothes on.
I pulled the beret from my head and shrugged off the coat, letting it fall to the bench beside me. Then I slipped the beret and notebook into my bag. I uncapped my emergency water bottle, guzzled half the contents, and wiped my brow on my forearm with gusto.
“Oh, honey, I’m so glad you took that off. You were melting before my eyes,” the lady next to me said. “Do you want more water?”
“No, thank you. I carry two water bottles for such occasions,” I replied matter-of-factly.
“Good thinking. It’s best to be prepared.”
“I agree. I might be overly prepared today. I have snacks, sunscreen, and a portable charger for my cell in the unlikely event I were to run out of battery.” I winced. That sounded geeky to my own ears. Play it cool, Asher. I gave my friendliest “normal person” smile and tried again. “I’ve never been to a cross game. I didn’t know what to expect.”
“Lacrosse,” she corrected kindly. “I’m Susan, by the way. This is Karen.”
I waved to the woman in front of her and cleared my throat before offering my hand in greeting. “I’m Asher. Pleased to meet you.”
“Who are you here to see, Asher?”
Okay, this was it. The reason I was here.
“Blake Johnston. We’re friends and um…I’m helping him with a project.”
“Oh, are you in grad school too?”
“Yes, actually, I am. I’m an aerospace engineer with an emphasis in avionics. Although I dabble in robotics as well.”
“That’s fascinating! I have a cousin who worked for NASA for years.”
And that was how I made my first lacrosse friends.
I shared almonds and sunscreen with women my mom’s age and in turn received a short tutorial of what was happening on the field. Three more goals for our team, saves, penalties? None of that stuck, and I didn’t have the heart to tell them it wouldn’t. I just went along for the ride and enjoyed myself much more than expected.
Happily, Blake’s team won. His animated voice carried as he praised his athletes and pumped them up for the next big game. They hooted and cheered in reply, pausing to give high fives and fist bumps.
I said good-bye to Susan and Karen and carefully navigated the steps to the field. I waited for Blake at the far side of the bleachers while he wrapped up his “good job” speech.
“…impressed with your passing today. I even saw a couple of well-executed BTBs, girls. Nice.” He clapped enthusiastically, pointing at a tough-looking young woman with a thick braid and a mischievous grin. “And Carly, once again, we couldn’t have done it without you. Great game. See you all Monday after school for practice.”
A few parents came by to shake his hand and offer congratulations. Blake was cordial and friendly, but his gaze wandered my way. I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to join him, but then again, skulking in shadows defeated the purpose of this experiment.
I stepped forward with my hand raised, a smile on my face, and my down jacket tucked under my arm…just as his ex approached.
Geez, I’d almost forgotten about her. That must have been why the renewed surge of unreasonable jealousy caught me off guard. I made myself snap out of it and enjoy the eye candy…because they really were striking together.
Blake was tall, dark, and dreamy and his ex was his female counterpart…with blonde hair. They were of another breed of people. An uber-beautiful species who recognized each other as worthy. In case you’re curious, I did not fit that mold.
“Hey, there.” Blake motioned me over.