Chapter 15 #2
She had the players stop and line up on the sidelines while the small ensemble played the school song, the crowd singing along.
Once the last note finished, they broke into the school fight song, and her players did an easy lap around the court, soaking in the cheers before they headed back to the locker room.
“You did a nice job out there,” she told her team.
“At least during the first and third game. We totally lost concentration during that second game, and that’s got to be shut down.
Now. Don’t let anything during a game distract you.
No thinking of geometry tests to pass. What you’ll wear on the first day of school come Monday.
Which guy you’re going to make out with at a party. ”
The team groaned at her last remark.
“I’ll see you at practice Monday.”
Mila had locked her purse in her car and kept her keys in her pocket, so she walked out to her Jeep now, finding Carson leaning against it. Warmth filled her as he stepped to her and gave her a lingering kiss.
“Need a ride, Coach?” she asked.
“Actually, I do. Lily and I bummed a ride with your parents. She wanted to go with Gina and Bobby now. I told them we’d meet them at Backyard Bites.”
“Climb in, Handsome.”
On the way to the waterfront restaurant, they did a postmortem, something that ran in every coach’s blood. She gave him insight into a couple of players and some particular plays, while he commented on the teamwork he had seen on the floor.
“Annie is really a dominant player. And I liked what I saw of Belinda, too. They’ll be the backbone of your team, this year and next year.”
“No one has earned a college scholarship in volleyball since I’ve been coaching here, but I think that possibility exists this year. If not this year, then definitely next.”
They reached the restaurant, which was owned and operated by Betty Chastain. Her husband Ben owned the Pelican Porch, the bar located next door. Their son had left the Bay years ago. The last Mila had heard, Tyler was a chef in New Orleans.
Once inside, she spotted her family. Carson took her hand in his and weaved through the crowd, reaching the large table.
Everyone clapped as they arrived, and she took a bow.
“Undefeated, Sis.”
“I don’t know how long that streak will last, but I’ll ride the wave and enjoy it while it does,” she told her brother. “Glad you were able to make it today, Michael.”
“I traded a shift with a fellow fireman so I could be here for your first home game. I’m glad I was. I’m proud of you, Mila.”
She had always appreciated her older brother’s support.
“I’ve already ordered nachos and calamari for the table,” Dad said. “Everybody be ready when the server returns so we can place our orders.”
Lily sat between Mila and Carson, and she looked up now, asking, “What should I get, Mila?”
“I think you’d really like the popcorn shrimp. They’re tiny little shrimp, and you can dip them in tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or ketchup. Or just eat them plain.”
“I like tartar sauce,” Bobby said.
“I like ketchup better,” Gina told everyone.
“We’ll get a couple of sauces and see which you like best, Peanut,” Carson told his daughter, rubbing her back affectionately.
The appetizers arrived, and they placed their orders, with Dad telling the server not to rush the next round of food.
Ninety minutes later, dinner concluded, and Gina asked Cecily, “Can Lily sleep over? Please?”
This was a regular occurrence. The three children had become very tight, being thrown together so much over the summer. Lily even kept a toothbrush at Michael’s house and would borrow PJs from Gina sometimes.
“It’s up to Mr. Carson,” Cecily said. “Why don’t you ask him?”
Gina gave Carson a sweet look. “Can Lily please come stay, Mr. Carson?”
“That’s a great idea, Gina. To show my appreciation, I’ll come and pick up you three kids and take you to the diner for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
“Can we get the pancakes with faces?” Bobby asked eagerly.
“Plan on it, Bobby.”
The three children clapped in glee, and Dad flagged down the server, taking care of the bill. She saw Carson try to slip him some money, but Dad refused.
“You can pick up the bill next time,” Bill Perry said.
They left Backyard Bites, heading for their cars, and she and Carson went around the corner to where they had parked. He opened her door and closed it behind her before coming around and taking his place in the passenger seat.
“I was hoping this very thing would happen,” he said, his voice husky. “Because I have plans for us tonight, Mila Perry.”
A shiver danced along her spine. “What kind of plans?”
“The kind that have us with no clothes on and in bed together. If you think the time is right.”
His words surprised her. He had been the one who had insisted they take it slowly, and they had. While things had heated up several times, one or both of them had always kept their head and cooled it down.
She realized he was waiting for an answer from her, and it meant a great deal to her that he was including her in this very important decision and not taking anything for granted.
“I can’t think of a better way to finish off summer.”
“Then let’s set the mood.”
He got out of the car and came back around, helping her from the Jeep.
“Let’s go next door and have drinks in a classy place like adults.”
“You’re on,” she said eagerly.
Carson threaded his fingers through hers and led her inside Pelican Porch. He asked the hostess for a booth in the back. Once Mila slid in, he sat next to her, his arm going around her.
Their server appeared, and they ordered. She asked for a mojito, while he requested a dirty martini.
When their drinks arrived, he clinked his glass against hers. “To a new chapter.”
They sipped on the drinks, music low in the background, and talked a bit about school starting on Monday.
Carson had attended professional development sessions for new hires, and they both had gone to required meetings this past week for all district employees.
They discussed some of the challenges ahead during the coming year, and she shared the first unit her students would be studying.
“I always wanted to teach history, but I never got the chance,” he told her. “I taught world geography. Freshman were a bit of a hot mess, but they were pretty darn lovable once I got to know them.”
“Said no freshman parent ever,” she joked.
The server asked if they wanted another round, but Mila looked at Carson and shook her head. He asked for the check and they left, strolling hand-in-hand back to her car. Anticipation began building inside her, and she was eager to see what coupling with Carson would be like.
“My place—or yours?” she asked.
“Who’s got the bigger bed?” he countered.
“Mine is a full. How about yours?”
“King. I win.” He lifted their joined hands and said, “We’ll both win,” kissing her fingers tenderly.
She drove to his house and pulled into the driveway. “Am I staying the entire night? Are we ready for your neighbors to talk?”
“I think all of the Bay knows we’re dating.” His gaze met hers. “And tonight we’re taking our relationship to an entirely new level.”