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“You think being involved in football will help Corey?”
“Yeah, I’ve already seen it. They have to have a certain GPA to participate. That’s why Corey hasn’t fought me on the after-school homework club he’s in.”
“That’s great.”
“And they started this weight-lifting regimen. Corey’s really motivated to build muscle mass. It’s giving him a goal, something to work toward. And it keeps him away from the kids who’re just looking to get into trouble.”
“It makes sense to keep him busy.”
“If he’s focused on sports, he won’t have time on his hands to be screwing around.”
Hailey reached over to touch my forearm. The muscles flexed under her soft skin, the warmth shooting up my arm directly to my chest. “In case you need to hear it, you’re doing a great job.”
Then she pulled away and returned to her seat, looking away like she hadn’t meant to touch me.
“I do like to hear it.” Especially if it was accompanied by her touch.
There was a line of cars heading into the parking lot of Rebel Sports. It was a combination indoor/outdoor facility, so there were baseball, soccer, and football fields outside, basketball courts and soccer fields inside.
Finding a spot to park, I got out and waited for Hailey to join me. I wanted to take her hand, but instead, I stuffed them in my pockets. Nothing good could come from touching her. She wasn’t mine and never would be. She didn’t want to get involved with me and the shit going on in my life.
Still warring internally, I finally compromised by resting my hand lightly on her lower back. It served the purpose of keeping her close so I wouldn’t lose her in the throngs of people headed toward the stadium.
Hailey looked around with wide eyes. “I didn’t think it would be this crowded for rec football.”
“Youth sports is popular.”
“I can see that.” We were quiet for a few minutes, going through the ticket line, security, and finally finding our seat.
She sat tall, watching the teams on the field warm up for the game. Looking over at me, she asked, “Do we have time to grab some snacks before it starts?”
“Before kickoff?” I asked, and when she nodded, I glanced at the clock. “I think so.”
The truth was, I wanted to do whatever it took to make her happy and keep a smile on her face. I led the way up the steps to the level for the concession stands. Getting in line, I asked, “What do you want?”
She looked up at me, and her smile pierced my heart. “A pretzel and popcorn.”
I leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “You’ll have to settle for water instead of beer since this is a kids’ game.”
She waved me off. “It’s too early for beer anyway.”
Her enthusiasm made me want to take her to a professional game. I’d never spent time with a girl who felt so much pleasure with simple things. The thought sent a pang to my heart. She was genuine. Most girls I’d been with, including Tiffany, were only looking for a good time.
Hailey stood in front of me in the long line, occasionally brushing against me. It kept every nerve in my body on high alert.
Occasionally, a strand of her hair would catch on my chin. I enjoyed the proximity, knowing being this close to her might not happen again.
When we got to the front of the line, she ordered, then waited for me. She didn’t protest when I pulled out my wallet. I appreciated that. When I invited a woman out, I always paid. Although it was my son who’d done the inviting in this case.
I carried the tray of goodies back to our seat.
When we were seated again, Hailey said, “Oh, good. We didn’t miss anything.”
“You know this is twelve-year-olds playing football, right? Not the pros.”
She practically bounced in her seat when she answered. “I know, but it’s still exciting.”
I found myself smiling more when I was around her. I needed more of her energy in my life. I sat back in my seat, content to observe her as she sat on the edge of her seat, watching the field.
