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It's late afternoon when my phone rings, and I smile when I see it's my little brother. Who is only three years younger than Ryan. This is spelling out trouble over and over again. My family's opinion matters to me, and I can guarantee that Ryan's age would be of concern to them.
“Hey, Owen. How's it going?” I answer.
“Good. School sucks as usual, but things are good,” he says.
“Still keeping up good grades?”
“Of course. I can't play football if I don't. That's why I was calling.”
“Oh yeah?” I question, already having a feeling of where this is going.
“Yeah, we have a game tomorrow against our rivals. Mom and Dad have some dinner party thing, so they won't be there. Think you'll be able to come?” He sounds hopeful, and I can't blame him.
We're a close family, but work has kept me from going to most of his games. This is the first Friday I've had off in a while, and I feel guilty that I chose a girl before thinking about him. I wonder if Ryan would be up for a high school football game. We can always do something afterwards too. My parents won't be there, so I don't have to worry about my mother thinking I'm robbing the cradle. If Ryan doesn't want to go, then we'll reschedule. My family comes first. If Owen wants me there, that's what I'm going to do.
“I will be there,” I confirm.
“Great. It starts at 7:30, but people usually get there early. As early as six, sometimes.”
“I was once in high school too, you know. I played football. I know how it goes.”
Owen laughs. “Yeah, but you're so old,” he jokes. “I didn't know if you remembered.”
“I'll see you tomorrow,” I chuckle before hanging up.
Now to find out what Ryan thinks. I call her next.
“Twice in one day? I think someone is smitten with me already,” she answers.
I laugh. “It's possible. I'm calling because something has sort of come up.”
Her voice turns suspiciously curious. “Sort of?” She questions.
“Do you like football?” I ask instead of directly answering.
“That I do. I don't watch it religiously or have a favorite NFL team or anything, but I'm always up to watch a game.”
“That is just want I wanted to hear. My baby brother plays with his high school, and I haven't been able to see many of his games this year. He called, asking if I would come watch. Does that sound okay to you? We can go out afterwards.”
Silence is on the other end. Did I lose her? I pull my phone away from my ear, but she's still there. Just as I'm about to ask, she speaks.
“Sorry, I don't have a good excuse for that silence. My mind started thinking. Anyway,” she drags, “that sounds fantastic. I'm excited. What time should I be ready?”
“Quarter to seven?”
“Can't wait! See you then, Gabe.” I can hear the smile in her voice, which makes me excited too because she has a beautiful smile.
* * *
At precisely 6:45, I'm standing outside of Ryan's apartment door. She texted me earlier today to let me know which one was hers. I knock twice, faintly able to hear music playing. After the music stops, a moment passes before she answers the door, wearing dark blue jeans and a white strapless bra with a lace design over the cups, and she's currently brushing her teeth.
“Are you ever fully clothed?” I ask with a forced chuckle, trying my best to be a gentleman and not look at her cleavage.
“Sorry,” she mumbles around her toothbrush. Ryan steps aside so I can come inside and runs to finish getting ready. I hear water running and then she calls out, “You shouldn't have had to see that. I should have warned you that I'm always late. Let me throw on a shirt and shoes, and I'll be ready.”
While she does that, I subtly look around her apartment. Books, clothes, and empty bottles of Sunkist are scattered about. It's clean, though. Just a little messy.
“Okay,” Ryan says entering the living room. “I'm ready.”
