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"Do you think the sky is blue in the world that Murphy lives in?" Chloe smirks at her own joke.
"Come on, Chloe. Do you need a ride? I'm heading out." Sebastian reaches down, pulling on one of Chloe's braids. Hmm. I can't help but wonder if there is more to that right there.
Placing his palm out for my hand, Brady asks, "Ready?"
Not even a little bit.
"Sure. Just let me text Cooper to tell him I'm leaving."
* * *
It's odd to be walking home from a party. I don't think we've ever lived in a town that was small enough to walk anywhere besides the mailbox and back before now. The houses are spaced far enough apart that there is plenty of privacy, but there is this cozy feel here that I think I could love. I have this overwhelming sensation that this is precisely where I'm supposed to be, and I'm suddenly grateful that Dad got this job.
Brady and I are walking along a dark sidewalk. The dull streetlamps are lighting our way. It feels strangely intimate.
“So, tell me about yourself, Little Sinclair.”
“Only if you stop calling me that, QB.”
“Done. What’s your favorite ice cream?”
“What?”
“Ice cream,” Brady speaks slowly like I didn’t understand him. “Mine’s vanilla with rainbow jimmies.”
“Mint chocolate chip. This can’t be one-sided, QB. I want a question for every one you get.” Brady nods his acceptance. “Favorite thing to do, and you can’t say football.”
“Hmm. That’s a good one. I like to ski. You?”
“I’ve never skied before. We’ve gone to Vale a few times, but my mom and I usually just went to the spa while my dad and brothers did the skiing. It was her version of bonding.”
“We’ll have to all go skiing this winter. We can day trip to the Poconos. I’ll get you out on the slopes. Favorite smell?”
“A warm chocolate chip cookie. Just out of the oven. They smell so good. You?”
Brady groans. “You’re making me hungry, woman.”
“Hey, you didn’t answer. Favorite smell?”
“Oh, that’s easy, the smell of the ocean when we cross the bridge, driving down to the shore. It’s… I don’t know, I love that smell.”
“That’s a good one. Chloe asked me to go to the beach with her next week. Then Murphy and Sebastian decided it’s a party. So maybe I will get to smell that soon. Hey, what's the story with your sister and Sebastian?”
“No story. Chloe and Bash have known each other since he moved to town
in fifth grade.” He must belatedly understand my question because he laughs a second later. “Nope. That's not happening. Chloe doesn't swing that way. She's more likely to be into you than him.”
“Really? I wonder if I'm her type.” I smile up at him, and the look he is giving me is priceless. “I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Your sister is beautiful. As soon as I saw her walking toward me at the party, I knew instantly we were going to be friends, which is strange because I don't make friends easily. She's great. I wasn't sure if I wanted to come tonight, but I am so glad that I did.”
Coming to a stop, Brady angles his head down at me and grabs my hand. “Why didn't you want to come tonight?”
“Cooper and I had dinner with our dad. I told him I wanted to take a break from ballet, and he called me a quitter and told me how disappointed he was in me. It was a brutal dinner.”
“Sounds bad. I'm glad you came, though, and that your night got better.” He is still holding my hand as I bring my eyes up to his.
“That's very sweet of you, QB.”
“Damn, you look beautiful when you smile, Natalie.” Brady’s fingers find mine as he twirls me around in a circle, my dress spinning out around my legs, while we stand under a huge, old oak tree on the edge of this quiet street. The cicadas are causing a constant, dull thrum in the background, and the fireflies are lighting up the night’s sky.
