“Wait. You’re cheating.” She balled up her fists and started running up the stairs. “No fair. You jumped the starting line.” It had been a long, long time since she’d run stairs in high school, but she charged up despite the fact that his stride was twice as long as hers.
“Fine.” He stopped. “I’ll take a penalty stop. Get going, slowpoke. Counting down three seconds. Three-Mississippi, two-Mississippi, one-Mississippi.”
“Not cool!” She gave it her all and was one step behind where he stood challenging her.
He slammed his sneaker against the next seating plank and they were neck and neck, all the way to the top.
She squealed as she touched the back wall just a nanosecond before he did.
They burst out laughing.
“That was unexpected,” she said.
“You’re fast. That’s what was unexpected.” He laughed. “I had to really hustle.” He lifted his hand in a high five.
She clapped his hand. “Well done.”
The air up here was so cold that they could see their breath, the condensation lifting in puffs as they panted.
She put her hands on her knees. “If I’m sore tomorrow, it’s your fault.”
“You look like you’re in good shape. I think you’ll be just fine.”
“I’m no firefighter, but I do try to stay in shape.” She turned to the field, quickly realizing why he’d raced her to the top. “This view, it’s phenomenal.”
“Yeah. It is. It’s fun to walk the field, but it’s a whole other experience up here. Isn’t it great?”
“It is.” She lowered herself to the seat, retracing the paths they’d walked earlier. “Candy Cane Lane. I didn’t even realize there were color changes in the aisle lighting. You can see how it’s mapped out way better from up here.”
“You can. The kids over at the community college came up with that idea when they were creating the new maps for the event. It’s the first time we’ve done it. I think it really adds to the experience. They were hoping it would drive more people up into the stands to kind of even out the traffic. This place is filled with people during the judging.”
“Smart marketing.”
“There’s a people’s-choice award too. And this year, not only will the team win the award and a free dinner for the whole team at Trout and Snout, but also everyone who voted is entered into a drawing for a free dinner for two as well.”
“I hope I win. I’m not a picky eater, but I haven’t had one bad meal down at the Trout and Snout. I love that place.”
“Who doesn’t? What’s your favorite food?”
“My favorite Italian restaurant closed last year, so I haven’t had much Italian lately. I miss that.”
“You’re in luck.” He snapped his fingers. “It just so happens I make the best lasagna around.”
“I believe you are bragging.” She leaned her shoulder into his.
“Maybe a little.” His neck reddened. “Can I make some for you one night?”
“That’s a lot of work. You don’t have to go to all that trouble.”
“I’d like to. Come on. It’ll be fun.”
She hesitated.Why not?“I think I’d enjoy that.” She lifted her chin.Enjoy the moment.She plopped down onto the bleacher. “When would you like to cook for me?”
“I’m off Wednesday through Friday morning, so let’s do Thursday. Unless something catastrophic happens, there won’t be any interruptions.”
“Okay.”
“It’s a date, then.” He looked pleased with himself.
