French Fries with a Side of Guys

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  “I just need to put my guitar up, then we can go have a seat until halftime.” Jake motioned her to follow him.

  By the time they’d made it back to their seats, the Tigers were already up by fourteen points.

  “You guys did great,” Neal said as they sat down next to him and Matt.

  “Thank you.” Jake bowed with a grin. “You should see our halftime show.”

  “Right, I get to go out on the field and make a fool of myself,” Payton said. “And you guys better not have voted for me for prince either.”

  They shifted their gazes, refusing to meet her eye.

  She groaned. “You guys. Come on, this has to be the most embarrassing thing ever.”

  “All we want to do is see you win so you can make a fool of Kibby. She deserves it. And I think you’re the one who needs to make it happen.” Neal shrugged while pulling up a blanket to keep the wind off. “Want some?” He held up a corner of the cover.

  “Yes, please.” She snuggled close to him for warmth. By halftime, she was frozen and glad to get up and walk around, even if it meant having to go out on the field. Luckily her brothers would be down there too, wearing their jerseys, while all the girls got to wear their formal gowns. Well, all the girls other than her. There were also a few guys who didn’t play football who got to wear tuxes.

  “Okay, line it up,” Mr. Thompson, the guidance counselor, ordered everyone. He cast her a glance she couldn’t quite read, but she made sure to look sorrowful, hoping he’d regret not talking to Kibby about her behavior.

  Jake was behind her, and Chance behind him. Unfortunately for her, she got to stand right next to Kibby, as her escort.

  “Better be ready to smile pretty,” Payton mumbled to Kibby. She offered up her arm and waited in line for their names.

  “For the freshman-class court, we have Kibby Carlton, being escorted by Payton Carter,” the guy in the announcer booth said.

  They stepped forward onto the track, getting a few catcalls and howls. Karma must’ve been on Payton’s side, because within a couple steps, Kibby tripped over her long dress and fell face-first onto the cement.

  Payton did her best to keep a straight face, and even leaned down to offer the other girl a hand up. She peered up just in time to see it’d been her brother Elway’s foot Kibby had tripped over. He gave her a wink but diverted his eyes back toward the stands.

  “Just leave me alone.” Kibby jerked away from her, hefting up her skirts and stomping toward the front of the track, her face the same shade as a strawberry.

  Payton turned to see Jake snickering as he came to line up next to her.

  “And the freshman prince and princess are Kibby Carlton and Payton Carter!”

  Payton groaned but stepped to the front of the track to receive her crown and wait for them to announce the rest of the grades. When it came to the seniors, she jumped up and down because they called her brother Marino’s name as king.

  “Well, folks, it looks like the Carters have swept the royal court.” The commentator chuckled while the crowd went wild. “Now what do you say we get back to some football?”

  Having survived the embarrassment of being crowned prince, Payton couldn’t wait to get back to the stands. She smiled when the newspaper guy clicked off a couple pictures.

  “I know you had something to do with this,” Kibby said from between clenched teeth as they walked off the field.

  “No, I didn’t, but you know what? After making sure my name ended up on that ballot, you definitely deserved it. So, next time, try not to be a bitch and maybe shit like this won’t happen.” Payton shoved past her and went to find Neal, Matt, and Jake once more.

  “Don’t be mad, but you were the prettiest prince out there,” Neal teased, moving over for her to sit down.

  “Thanks, I think. It was definitely fun. And by fun, I mean horrifying.” She rolled her eyes, taking some of the blanket Neal offered to her.

  “Hey, Chance.” Matt stood, nearly knocking Payton and Neal over as he waved at their teammate. “You want to sit with us?”

  Chance caught Payton’s eye and held her gaze for a moment, then peered over his shoulder at his approaching dad, who was walking with Kelly. “Probably not a good idea.”

  “Hey, boys.” Mr. Montgomery stopped. “And Payton—that was some game you guys had yesterday.” He gave them a wave, but as he walked away with Chance and Payton’s ex-best friend, she heard the barely audible command, “Stop cavorting with the enemy.”

  “What a jerk.” Neal glared at his back. “He’s just pissed because you keep beating his son out of everything.”

  “Maybe. But it’s bullshit that he treats Chance so badly.” She sighed, watching Kelly put her arm through Chance’s.

  Not wanting to get dragged into their drama, Payton turned her attention back to the game and watched as Marino went back for a pass. He ended up getting the ball to Bradshaw, who caught it and made it to the five-yard line. She jumped up and down and hollered out the fight song with her friends.

  “That was another thirty-five-yard gain, a pass from Marino Carter to his brother Bradshaw Carter.” The commentating booth came alive once more.

  The Tigers huddled up again before walking back to the line. This time, Marino went to the end zone, and Craig caught the ball for a touchdown. Payton yelled his name and watched as he ran past the sideline. Then he jumped up onto the fence in front of her.

  “Come here!” He grinned.

  “What are you doing?” Payton moved closer, shivering against the cold. Wisps of smoky breath streaming from her lips.

  “It looks like Helton has decided to celebrate his touchdown with the Carters’ younger sister,” the announcer stated. “Does he know she has four older brothers?”

  The crowd laughed as Craig lifted his helmet. “That one was for you.” He gave her a quick kiss.

  Everyone let out a cheer as he made his way back to the sideline. With warm cheeks, Payton sat back down next to Neal.

  Okay, it was safe to say that she was over Chance Montgomery.

  “I hope your dad didn’t see that.” Jake tugged on her hair and then snuggled under the blanket with everyone.

  By the time the game ended, Aller Falls was up 28–13. Craig had two touchdowns, as did Bradshaw.

  Payton waited by the fence for the varsity players to run by. “Great game!” she shouted to her brothers.

  “Thanks!” Brad grinned at her then followed his team.

  Craig, on the other hand, pulled off his helmet and came over to where Payton stood with her dad. “Hey, I just wanted to tell you good night. I’ll pick you up tomorrow for the dance.” He leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek.

  Payton was sure it wasn’t on the lips due to the fact that her dad was standing there like a brick wall.

  “Bye.”

  “Let’s get home.” Her dad ushered her out to the parking lot.

  One more day until her first dance.

  Payton paced in the living room waiting for Lily to get there. She’d been practicing walking in her heels all week and hoped she wouldn’t face-plant on the dance floor, or worse, break her leg. And besides that, this would be the first time anyone had seen her in a dress—at least since her mom’s funeral.

  When the doorbell rang, she rushed to the door and let Lily in.

  “Hi. Come in. Dad says we can use his bathroom since it’s bigger and more private.”

  “Hi, sweetie.” Lily carried in a big makeup case along with hot-rollers and curling irons. “I’ve got that jewelry for you in my makeup case. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up.”

  Payton took one of the cases from Lily and led her up to her dad’s bathroom, where she already had her dress and shoes waiting.

  “Okay, why don’t you have a seat, and I’ll do your hair first?” Lily plugged in the hot-rollers, while Payton sat down on the toilet. “Your bruise is almost gone.”

  “It’s still kind of yellowish-green, but not as bad as it was. Remin
d me next time not to get into a fight until after homecoming.”

  Lily worked through Payton’s thick hair, curling each strand. She pulled it up into a pile of curls, pinning it in place with hairpins and bobby pins. Then she sprayed it down. Next came the makeup. Lily rubbed in the foundation and cover-up, working meticulously to hide the bruise.

  After two hours of applying makeup and working on Payton’s hair, Lily finally finished. “If you’d like, I could show you how to apply your own makeup sometime,” Lily offered.

  “I’d like that.”

  Payton stood and took off her button-up shirt and sweats while Lily pulled the formal dress off the hanger and helped Payton tug it over her head. Then she zipped it up.

  Payton wasn’t allowed to look in the mirror yet. Lily wanted her to wait until she was completely dressed. At last she had on her high heels.

  “I’ve got one more thing for you.” Lily reached down and grabbed a white jewelry box out of her case. “Go ahead, open it.”

  With trembling hands, Payton slid the lid off and gasped. There, nestled in white wrapping, was a pair of dangly, blue sapphire earrings and a matching teardrop-shaped necklace. It definitely wasn’t the fake kind either. “Lily, these are beautiful,” she said, trying not to tear up.

  “No crying, you’ll ruin your makeup.” Lily patted her cheek. “These weren’t doing me any good just sitting in my dresser. Besides, they match your dress perfectly.”

  Once the jewelry was secured, Lily finally stepped back and told Payton to turn around.

  Payton gasped, barely recognizing herself. Her blue eyes looked huge, and her cheekbones were actually visible. The dress was cut low enough to show that she had boobs, something most people wouldn’t notice beneath all the sweatshirts she wore. Her long hair was piled on top of her head in curls, shining and shimmering as she turned her head from side to side. For the first time ever, she felt pretty. Like the kind of girl guys actually took notice of. And it felt kind of nice.

  From downstairs, the doorbell sounded. Payton’s heart skittered. Okay. She could do this. She just needed to take a deep breath. There was no reason to be nervous. This was Craig. She’d known him forever.

  “Wait here a second. I want to make sure your dad has his camera ready.” Lily hurried out of the bathroom.

  Payton took another glance in the mirror, making sure she wasn’t dreaming. Sure enough, the same face peered back. Finally, Lily yelled for her to come on down.

  With her legs quaking beneath her and her pulse thundering in her ears, Payton walked out of the bathroom and made her way down the hallway, stopping only when she got to the top of the stairs. From below, she heard her dad whistle, and when she looked, he was tearing up.

  “Payton.” His voice was thick with emotion. “You look just like your mother.”

  She needed no other compliment than that. Her mother had been one of the most beautiful women she’d ever known.

  Payton chewed her bottom lip as she peered around at her brothers and saw them gawking. “Wow, sis,” Brad said, already decked out in his tux for the evening. “You better behave, Craig.” He turned to his friend, a hint of a warning in his voice.

  Payton gulped air when she saw her date. Holy crap. He looked freaking hot. And he was staring at her like she was the most gorgeous person he’d ever laid eyes on. Somehow she managed to make it down the rest of the stairs without killing herself.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, taking her hand and sliding a corsage onto her wrist. It consisted of white- and blue-dipped baby roses and a silver ribbon strewn throughout it.

  They posed for several pictures, then Payton and her brothers lined up for family shots as well.

  “Daddy, don’t forget to drop my stuff off at Neal’s.”

  “I won’t.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown up. Just have fun tonight.” He smiled then spun toward Craig. “You better take care of my little girl, Craig.”

  “I will, Mr. Carter. Payton’s in good hands,” he said.

  Craig led her out to the Mustang, which his dad had loaned him for the night.

  Payton felt shyness pour over her. Why the heck was she so nervous? This was so unlike her. When they pulled up to the school, Craig came around to open her door and held out an arm to her. “I’ll be dancing with the prettiest girl in Aller Falls.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

  “You don’t look too bad yourself,” she teased.

  Payton was amazed by the transformation of the gymnasium. There were flower petals on the floor, as well as silver and black balloons. White Christmas lights were wrapped and draped all around, making it appear like they were walking in the night sky.

  “Payton, oh—my—gosh.” Neal’s mouth dropped to the floor. “You look amazing.” His gaze traveled up to her face.

  “Really?” She chewed on her lip.

  “Yeah, trust me, you’re hot.”

  Matt soon joined them, nearly dumping his punch on himself. “Whoa. Payton?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Yes. Geez, you guys act like this is the first time you’ve noticed I’m a girl.”

  Neal chuckled. “Well, I always knew you were a girl. Matt, though, I’m not so sure—I don’t think he notices anything unless it has a candy wrapper on it.”

  Payton laughed, feeling the nerves ease away. Neal always had a way of making her comfortable in her own skin.

  Her friends from the football team were the most impressed and made sure to tell her several times that she made one hot quarterback.

  “Let’s find a table.” Craig finally managed to free her from the small crowd that’d gathered. He brought her to a place near the dance floor. “Your friends can join us if they want.”

  So Payton flagged both Matt and Neal over, and her brothers soon arrived.

  “Want to go dance?” Craig whispered in her ear.

  “Sure, as long as you know that I might damage your toes at least once tonight.” Her gaze met his.

  “Trust me, I don’t mind.”

  She let him lead her out onto the floor, where a slow song spun a magical, love-binding spell around them. Craig held her close to him, resting his forehead against the top of her head. “I’m glad you decided to come with me.” He smiled.

  “Me too.” She clung to him for support. As they swayed back and forth she caught sight of Chance Montgomery dancing with Kelly. She swallowed hard, trying to avert her eyes to other people or things. But when he looked up, she saw the surprised expression and couldn’t tear her eyes off of him. His blondish strands were more tame tonight, and he wore his dark-blue suit like a movie star at an awards show. She felt the same sizzle she had the night they’d hugged in his room.

  Payton forced her attention back to her date. She needed to just let go of things with Chance. He’d made his choice his first week here. And she didn’t need to be dragged into his drama. She lifted her face to stare at Craig.

  “Would it be presumptuous of me to ask for a kiss?” Craig tilted her chin upward.

  “You’re asking now? The last two times you’ve kissed me, you haven’t asked for permission,” she teased, linking her hands behind his neck.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” His mouth covered hers in a quick kiss.

  “You do realize you’re making out with a prince, right?” She winked when the song ended, and they went to sit back down.

  “Believe it or not, I don’t mind.”

  “Craig, would you mind if I stole your date for one dance?” Neal stood nearly as tall as Craig, looking gorgeous in his black tux and tie. His brown hair was cut short, revealing his tanned face and dark, chocolate-colored eyes.

  “Go ahead, but you better bring her back. And no trying to go in for a kiss.” Craig chuckled.

  Payton let Neal weave in and out of the dancing couples to find them a clear spot. “You look nice tonight.” She reached her hand up to fix his tie for him. “Not that you don’t every other day.” She le
t her head fall against his chest, catching the scent of his cologne.

  “You too. I knew you would though. I wasn’t as surprised as I pretended to be.” He laughed. “Your dad called today to have me come in for an interview.” He twirled her out and then back toward him again.

  “Hey, where did you learn how to dance?” she asked as he dipped her backward.

  “Don’t tell anyone, but my grandma made me take lessons when I was younger.”

  “You’re kidding!” Payton watched him, trying to discern whether he was lying or not.

  “No, really.” He led her across the dance floor using numerous moves. “Matt and I wondered if you wanted to get a group photo taken in a little bit? I think he was going to see if Chance wanted to be in it with us.”

  “Sure. I’ll probably buy one too, just let me know when.” Payton nearly regretted the song ending. She felt so comfortable in her friend’s arms. She left to join Craig and her brothers and their dates, taking a seat on Craig’s lap. They went out and danced to several more songs, until the DJ came on and announced everyone had to clear the floor so that the homecoming court could have their dance.

  Payton groaned but trudged forward. She was relieved to see that Kibby was nowhere to be found, even after the DJ called her name on the microphone a few times.

  “Okay, boys, is there a freshman who’d like to volunteer to dance with the lovely prince?”

  Payton was glad to see Neal come out onto the floor and take her in his arms. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “I guess you got the best of Kibby. She wouldn’t even show her face for her first dance as princess.” He spun her around.

  Payton threw her head back with laughter and then hugged Neal tightly. “How come you didn’t bring a date?” she asked.

  “I didn’t want one.” He shrugged, letting his hand brush one of her curls out of her face. “Plus, I’m dancing with the most gorgeous girl in here. Which, if I had a date, I wouldn’t be able to do.”

  Payton blushed and turned her attention to the other dancing couples.