Page 13 of Changing Lanes

The stadium lights illuminate the night sky as we cheer on our Alma Mater. Torrie is a true football fan; it’s rare to find a girl who knows as much as you do, but she’s good. We yell at bad calls and laugh at each other for singing the fight song. I only did it for her. At halftime, we go to the concession stand to grab some food.

“Hi, Torrie,” a girl yells from the other side of the line.

Torrie stands on her tiptoes to see who it is, then yanks my hand and pulls me through the crowd of fans toward her. “Hi, Christine.” A tall, thin girl stands before us. Short, jet black hair, dressed to kill with heels and all. She drags Torrie into a hug instantly. Torrie then turns to me.

“Christine, this is Brannon. Brannon, Christine.” Torrie makes the introductions like a television game show hostess, waving her hand between us both. I offer mine as a hello.

“Hey, Christine,” I say as she takes my hand.

“Hi, Brannon. How are you?” Torrie mentioned Christine last night.

“Good. It’s a great game, isn’t it?” I hike my thumb over my shoulder to the stadium.

“It is. But I’m drunk, so who cares?” She laughs before shouting at me over the crowd. “No offense. Torrie likes you, so I do too. I should maybe shut my mouth now.” She giggles with a hiccup.

“It’s all good. I knew what you meant.” I wink, flashing her my best smile. Win the friends, score the points.

She returns my smile but looks at Torrie and winks. “Oh, he’s fine.” Torrie laughs as she tightens her grip on my hand. “So, you and Torrie, huh. What’s up with that?” Her brown eyes assess’ me skeptically.

“Well, I like her.” I wink at Torrie this time.

Christine’s brow raises, and I hear her true Yankee come out. “No, shit. But whatta ya like about her?”

Torrie’s face grows red, as I snicker. “I could go with everything, but I’ll get more specific.” Pausing to build anticipation. “Her beautiful soul. The way she drives me mad just by looking at me. The lighter blue specs in her deep blue eyes. And she can play one helluva game of Halo.”

Christine looks from Torrie to me. “Is that all?”

I know what she’s getting at, so I lay it on. “Christine, we haven’t slept together. I have more respect for her than that. Torrie’s not a woman you fuck unless it’s mutual.” Her mouth pops open and squeezes my hand.

“Torrie, your thoughts?” She turns to her and smiles.

“His frankness. He’s a better man at eighteen than most at fifty. He accepts me for me.” I turn to her as she smiles. “We’re gonna grab some food and drinks, the game’s too good to miss. See you later.” Torrie waves at Christine as we walk to the counter.

“Torrie—” She cuts me off.

“I loved it, don’t worry about it. I love her, but she’s too damn nosy.” Torrie kisses me.

I spin her around, hauling her against me. “I’m crazy about you. It may be too fast, but I’ll be damned if I hold back another minute.” Taking her face in my hands, I kiss her the way she deserves to be kissed, all in. Sliding my right hand down to the small of her back, I press her against me. Nipping at her lips, I look at her mischievously as her lips part, and I slide my tongue through. Our tongues tangle as she sighs, and my thumb rubs her neck, exactly where I want my lips.

Pulling away, I ease back, catching her bottom lip between my teeth and then placing a light kiss on it. Torrie slowly opens her eyes, dazed and consumed by my effect on her. People around us are watching, some catcalling, but all I see is her, knowing this is a moment to last a lifetime. The moment I know, we are falling in love.

Hand in hand, we go back to our seats. We watch the rest of the game sitting so close together, not even the popcorn fits between us. She leans in, whispering in my ear, “I’m not sure I can wait much longer. I want you terribly, Brannon. I’m falling fast and hard, country boy.” Her breath grazing my ear, her words warming my heart.

I twist my head toward her, running my nose over hers, I press my lips to hers. No one else exists as we continue discovering new things about one another, even the smallest things become important to know. I have never talked so much to one person, learning so much about them. Although our time has been short together, her soul knows mine.

I love her opening up about her father, but I also adore the little things. She tells me she likes cheesecake but prefers a single piece of chocolate. I explain my love of Butter Brickle, a heavy dessert with toffee in it but it’s so worth it. She’s never been fishing, but she loves tilapia. I’ve never eaten snails, but I’ve fished with them.

Torrie prefers water as her favorite beverage, I prefer sweet tea. She asks for the recipe and swears she’s going to make some. Surf and turf is her favorite meal, we have that in common. We even like our steaks medium-well. History documentaries and old black and white television shows are just a few other common interests we share.

The walk home is chilly, and Torrie shudders beside me. I wrap my arm tightly around her shoulders. “You okay? Need my hoodie?” I ask.

“No, I think this will help.” She slides her arm around my waist, snuggling closer.

“You know, we could spend some time on the beach next summer. If you wanted to?” I offer.

“That sounds amazing. I’ll daydream about my toes in the sand while we walk home.” She shivers.

“You keep talkin’ like you did at the game, and I’ll be happy to warm you up.” I squeeze her shoulder.