Nineteen
Rayne
The Playground Arena was packed, as usual. Adults love the chance to act like children without the risk of being scrutinized. If everyone is acting immature, who can cast a stone?
I got there at eight-fifteen and ran straight toward the ball pit, kicking off my shoes on the way. I jumped in and immediately started a ball fight with two stringy-haired white girls that appeared to be college age. That was the most fun.
We plummeted each other for a good twenty minutes and, other than getting sideswiped by a red one right in the eye, I was all into it. I wanted to get my adrenaline going so I’d be hyped up before Yardley got there. Then again, I was already hyped up. I had been all day, wondering if he was still coming. I’d finally convinced myself to relax. Either he showed or he didn’t but after the way he’d flattered my ass the day before, I told myself that he’d be there.
Just as I told myself that for the hundredth time, I heard a slice of heaven.
“Having fun, Rayne?”
I was about to launch an all-out war with an armful of balls when I looked up and saw him standing there in a pair of black sweats and a white tee. Damn shame how the simplest of clothes can make a fine man look even finer.
I cleared my throat and stared at my playmates. “I have to run, ladies. My date’s here.”
I climbed out of the ball pit. Yardley was standing there with his arms crossed and a gigantic grin on his face.
“Oops, did I say date?” I asked bashfully.
He started laughing. “Yes, I believe you did.”
“Well, you know what I meant.”
“Hey!” Yardley threw his arms up and slapped his chest. “Calling it a date was my preference in the first place.”
I poked him gently in the arm. “Then let’s call it a date.”
Yardley blushed and I started searching for my shoes amongst a pile of them on the floor. I found the first one and then paused. “Before I put these back on, did you want to play in the ball pit?”
Yardley shook his head. “No, no thanks. I don’t like playing with little balls.”
“What about big balls?”
He chuckled. “Sure, basketballs.”
I located my other shoe and put them both on while Yardley allowed me to lean on him for balance. After I was done, I told him, “For the record, I enjoy playing with all kinds of balls.”
I winked at him. I was sure he got my drift.
“So, Rayne, what would you like for me to wh
ip you in first?”
“Very funny!” He had to be kidding. “How about laser tag?”
“I’ve always wanted to play laser tag.”
“So why haven’t you?”
“My buddies think they’re too grown to do something like that, I suppose.”
“Have you ever asked them to play?”
“Good point,” he replied. “I never have.”
“Well, after I give you a beatdown, you probably won’t ever want to play again anyway.”