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“Almost every single one.” This seems to get her attention and she peers up at me a second time.
“Seriously?”
“Since I started playing in Kindergarten.”
“But I thought you said you were from Michigan.”
“I am. They fly out on the weekends to see my games. Wherever I’m playing, that’s where they fly.”
“Wow. I mean, my parents are great and all, but you’d have to drag my father here kicking and screaming. He hates flying.”
“They’ve never visited you on campus?”
“It’s too far to drive and besides, can you imagine traveling all that way with a six-year-old?” She shakes her head beneath the hood of my jacket.
“You know, you could meet my parents if you wanted to,” I offer.
“Huh?” There’s the look again—you know, the one where she looks at me like I’ve grown a second head.
“I’m just saying. The project is to get to know me better. What better way than to talk to the people who raised me?”
“I don’t know. The project isn’t really about going to outside sources. It’s more about the person you see and how your perception of them changes.”
“Fine, you don’t have to meet my parents. But shouldn’t you at least come to a game?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Oh, come on. I’ve watched you in action. Maybe it’s time you watch me.”
“Is that so?” She tries not to laugh.
“It is.” I slow once we reach the corner, Hank’s pizza directly across the street from us. “So then it’s settled.”
“What is?” She pulls to a stop next to me, turning to face me fully.
“You’ll come to the next home game. We’re away this weekend.”
“Archer, I—”
“Before you say why you can’t, remember that it’s a big part of who I am, and I think it could really help you make your project that much better...” I lay it on thick, not really sure why I want her there so badly. But then again, that’s not exactly true, is it? “I’m not going to take no for an answer.”
She considers me for a long moment.
“I’ll think about it. That’s the best you’re going to get right now.”
“I’ll take it.” I smile, running a hand through my damp hair, the rain barely a drizzle now.
“Here.” She moves to unzip my jacket.
“No, keep it. You might need it for the walk home.”
“But I—”
“You can give it back to me on Tuesday.”
“You’re sure?”
“I am.” I nod toward the restaurant. “Guess I should let you get to your date.”
