Playing to Win

“Dramatic? Do you know how much balls it took to ask out my Coach’s daughter?” he asked.

“Seriously? You didn’t act like it.”

He glanced at me. “Are you kidding? I thought everyone could see me shaking that first practice after we’d been making out in the backyard and your dad flipped the lights on and off. I thought for sure I was a dead man.”

“I think it helps you live so close. He knows where you sleep. And you know he knows.”

Asher’s mouth dropped open a little. “That’s terrifying.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s too late to lose your nerve now, buddy. So, buck up.”

The park had already filled with people by the time we arrived. Bands had been scheduled all day, but the more popular groups had been scheduled for the evening. Apparently, Breakout was a crowd favorite.

Asher parked on a side street and then held my hand as we walked toward a cluster of tents set up behind the sound stage.

“How much longer until you meet the guys?”

“I need to go straight there. Are Natalie and Kelly here yet?”

I checked my phone for messages. “Yeah. They’re over by the t-shirt vendors.”

Asher kissed the side of my head. “It’s called merch.”

“Oh, excuse me.” I bumped him with my hip.

“I’ll walk you over to them and then go find Jarom.”

“It’s okay. I can find them on my own. You’re getting antsy. Just go and I’ll see you when you get done.”

Asher hesitated. “I have enough time.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m fine. I know you have stuff to do before you guys go on.”

Asher pulled me to a stop. “You’ll be front and center so I can find you?”

“Screaming my head off like a groupie.” I slid my arms around his neck. “Kiss for luck?”

“If you’re offering.” He lowered his head.

“I a-” his mouth covered mine.

“Meet me by that blue tent when I’m done?” he asked much too soon.

“Mmhmm.”

He kissed me with his smile. “I have to go.”

“Okay, okay.”

We split, Asher to find the rest of his band, me to find my friends. Natalie had a game earlier and Kelly had a meet. I would have gone to the volleyball game, but we had a game, too.

“Hey, girl!” Natalie called out as soon as she spotted me.

“How was your game?” I asked.

“We won.”

“We did, too,” Kelly said, holding up a black shirt with a logo for an indie band on the front. “I think I’m gonna get this one.”

“How about you? Did you guys win?” Natalie asked me while Kelly paid.

I nodded. “Yeah, we wiped the ice with them. Three to zip.”

“Nice.”

“You excited to hear your boy sing?” Kelly asked as she tucked her new tee-shirt under her arm.

“I hear them sing almost everyday.” I heard Asher everyday, at least.

“This’ll be different. Live music with all the equipment and the crowd. It’s incredible,” Natalie said.

I shrugged. I had no idea if it would be different or not. I knew I’d love it no matter what.

“I’m going to get some cotton candy. I’ll be right back.” Natalie squeezed her way through the crush of people to a stand selling bags of cotton candy. Several people waited in line. She’d be a minute.

“How are things going with you two, anyway?” Kelly asked.

“Who? Asher and I?”

Kelly nodded.

“Fine. Great. Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know. It’s been awhile since we talked and I just, you know, wondered…” her voice trailed off and I felt myself get a little edgy.

“Wondered what?”

“It’s nothing. I’m happy for you.”

I turned to face her, frowning. “Kelly, what are you talking about? Why would there be anything wrong between Asher and I?”

Kelly bit her lip, looking worried. “I shouldn’t have even said anything. We just haven’t talked in so long.”

I put my hand on my hip and glared at her. “Kelly!”

She held up her hands in surrender. “It’s just I have a few classes with him and I see him in the halls. Your schedule is so different, you’re never nearby. He’s always got girls hanging all over him. I don’t think he encourages them, but he doesn’t really push them away, either.”