Chapter 28 #2
“When you throw a perfect ball, Mase, I can’t help but catch it. Just doing my job.” My brother, always the humblest guy on the team.
“Man, it’s more than that. You’re a goddamn king on the field, man.
I’m proud of you.” I lowered him to his feet as Paige ran toward us and jumped into his arms, locking her legs around his middle, kissing him like he had just won the Big Game.
They exchanged sappy love words, and I blocked them out.
Nah, I didn’t need their lovesickness after we won the game against Castle High.
Up until the last second, our victory wasn’t a given.
We were losing by two points. Chase and I bumped chests, and Sheldon gave me a noogie.
Laughing, I dropped my helmet on the grass and wiped my sweaty forehead with my sleeve.
“We fucking did it, guys. We did it.”
Nothing in this instant could steal my happiness away. I was surfing the greatest high.
My parents walked up to me, my mom hugging me. “My babies did great today.” She stepped back and wiped her eyes with a tissue.
“Mom, are you crying?”
“No. It’s the cold air. It makes my eyes watery.”
I smiled. “Okay. Not crying. Noted.”
“It’s just… My babies are growing too fast. This was your last high school game. I’m not ready for Craig and you to be freshmen in college next year and live elsewhere.”
I stepped forward and hugged her a little longer than I normally did. “It will be okay. We’re not leaving just yet.”
She bobbed her head. “You’re right.”
Dad ruffled my hair. “You did great, son. That last play was fantastic. I think I caught it on video, so you’ll be able to watch it later. You make me so proud. I love you.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
“Come on, let’s leave the boy alone and find Craig.”
“Careful, he’s sucking tongue over there. If I were you, I’d stay far away.” I made a gagging sound. “Super gross.”
Dad clapped my shoulder with a chuckle. “Like you’re an angel, Mason. We know much more than you give us credit for. You should follow in your brother’s footsteps. Paige is good for him.”
“Nah. Hard pass.” I’m trying. Doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. “I am enjoying my celibate life way too much.” If only he knew. I feel all alone these days. I wish I had what Craig and Paige have. “Thanks for coming, old man. I’ll see you at home later.”
He shook his head and left, his lips curving at the corners.
As soon as they were gone, I spotted Melinda standing on the sidelines, her arms around her, smiling when I hurried in her direction.
She was wearing my jersey over a white sweater, a pair of jeans, and brown ankle boots, and I couldn’t look away.
Her brown hair was loose over her shoulders, and she was wearing a navy-blue beanie with the school logo embossed in golden thread on the front.
She was every shade of beautiful as she grinned at me.
“Did you see that?” I asked when I neared her. “We did it.”
“Mase, I’ve always known you were the best.”
I lifted her in my arms, her body molding to the length of mine. She radiated joy today. How could she ever doubt her beauty?
“Aren’t you the one always trying not to indulge my ego?”
She jerked her head back in a contagious laugh. “You can have today. Tomorrow you’re not allowed to feed that gigantic ego of yours anymore.”
“I’ll take all I can get.”
She slid down my front, and we stared into each other’s souls. Her lips parted on an exhale. I leaned forward, unable to resist tasting her for another minute when I got ripped away from her. Melinda landed on her feet, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. Amusement brightened her features.
“Mase, you king of the field.” Three of my teammates lifted me on their shoulders. “No kissing, just celebrating.”
I glanced at Melinda, and her smile widened. “I’m sorry,” I yelled, hoping she could hear me over the roaring of the still-enthusiastic crowd.
“Go.” She gestured to where the rest of my team was. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
My teammates steered me away.
“Are you gonna be at the party tonight?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. It depends.”
“On what?”
She winked instead of answering.
I kissed my fingers and blew her a kiss. “You better be. You’re wearing my jersey. It has to count for something, right?”
She burst into a fit of laugher before I lost sight of her as more people stood between us.
Something clicked into place inside me.
I was exactly where I should be. Once Melinda and I made it official by Winter Formal, every piece of my life would make perfect sense.
“Where’s Mel?” I asked Paige as she poured herself a glass of soda in the overcrowded kitchen.
The loud music pounded in my skull. Today’s State victory still felt surreal.
After our game, we had ridden the team bus back to school.
Before Paige and Melinda left, a bit before we did, we’d all agreed to meet at the party tonight.
We were celebrating at Rusty’s. His dad had ordered enough food to feed an army and promised not to make a big deal if we drank booze as long as we were not driving afterward. Paige had even offered to be our designated driver tonight.
“Home.”
“Home? I thought she’d be here. Was I supposed to pick her up?” In the midst of everything, did I forget about our deal?