My nerves begin to shake as I take one more look in the mirror before ambling out to the living room to get another opinion on my outfit.
“You’re going out in that?” Levi’s incredulous voice has me rethinking my outfit wondering if maybe I went too far with it.
“Hush, Levi. Your daughter looks beautiful.” Sarah whacks my dad in the leg as she takes a seat next to him on the couch with a cup of tea in each hand. “You look beautiful, Hun. Ignore your dad.” His grunt in response has me trying to hide my smile at his annoyance.
“Thank you, Sarah.” Hearing the doorbell ring, I start my way to the door only to be stopped by my dad.
“I’ve got it. A lady never opens a door for her date.” Levi shoos me away before turning the knob and opening the door to a nervous looking Beau standing tall on the front porch.
“Hi s…sir. How are you? I’m here for um…for Makayla. My name is Beau.” Reaching a nervous hand out for my father to shake, Levi takes a moment to stare Beau down before grabbing Beau’s hand for a shake.
“Nice to meet you, Beau. I expect you to have my daughter in this house at midnight and no later. There will be no drinking, no drugs of any kind, and the utmost respect for Makayla.”
“Levi, let the poor boy in.” Sarah sneaks her way under my dad’s arm and welcomes Beau in a hug before gesturing him inside. “Welcome, Beau. It’s so nice to meet you. Here’s our numbers if you need anything, anything at all. Keep our girl safe and be a gentleman or else I’m sending the muscle on you.” Laughing to ease the tension, Beau relaxes enough to smile in return. My amusement must show as Levi grins at me tossing me a wink, before letting the scowl overtake his face once again.
“Let’s head out, Beau.”
“Wow. You look hot.” Levi clears his throat and Beau retraces his words. “I mean, you look…you look beautiful, Makayla.”
“Thanks. You ready to go?” Beau nods as I follow him out. I expected to be embarrassed by my dad’s behavior, however, I found it quite amusing. It wasn’t until Beau pulled onto the main road that he finally relaxed.
Beau takes me to a cute little mom and pop restaurant in town that I’ve driven past, and once we are seated, he informs me that the restaurant is his parents and he wanted to find a place that would be comfortable and light, leaving out the pressure of first date jitters.
After ordering our food, Beau and I chat, throwing questions back and forth with ease about our likes, dislikes, plans for college, and how I like it here in this tiny town. I’m not sure how a first date is supposed to go, but this one seems to be going well, I just can’t seem to find it in me to like Beau as more than a friend.
Beau is charming, funny, and easy to talk to but those butterflies everyone talks about just aren’t happening. There are no sweaty palms, embarrassment, or even nerves setting me off, making me believe I’m attracted to Beau. There isn’t the urge to kiss him into oblivion or snuggle into his arms, so he can keep me safe, warm, and maybe even kiss the top of my head with affection. Instead, all I feel is a deep sense of longing, but for Austin. Secretly I wished Austin were sitting here across from me telling me about his life, his likes and dislikes, and where he wants to go to college. I want Austin’s kiss to burn onto my lips like a branding. I dream of Austin’s arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders while I pull him close to inhale his scent and feel him kiss my forehead with adoration. But Austin is probably out with someone else, most likely Evangeline, giving her his kisses, letting her steal his heart and I have to just be ok with that because it was my choice to continue on my date with Beau. Anyways, it’s isn’t fair to Beau that I am wishing it were Austin here instead. Beau doesn’t deserve that, and he’s been a gentleman and made my first date memorable and enjoyable so far.
“I have to be at the locker rooms in an hour so we better head out. It will take me at least forty minutes to get to the field.”
“Ok. Let’s head out. I’m stuffed anyways. Your parent’s food is really good.” I haven’t had this good of a meal in a long time from a restaurant. It’s as if they cook the food here with pride. They make the extra effort to make it taste just perfect.
“I’ll let my mom know you said that. She will be so pleased.” Beau grins before leading me out of the restaurant by the hand to his two-door work truck in the first row of the parking lot.
On the way to the field where our school is playing against some other school that I have never heard of, we listen to country music and just enjoy the scenery. The silence isn’t awkward, but at the same time, it’s glaringly obvious we were better meant for friendship than anything else. I just hope he agrees. By the time we make it to the parking lot of the rival school, it is filled with cars, while students, parents, faculty, and other fans make their way to the bleachers.
“Wow. Everyone really gets into football here.” I muse.
“Yeah. Out here, football is basically life. Most of us have either played football since we were kids or watched it.” Bobby says as she looks around us while fans file in.
“Ah. Well it’s definitely a sight to see with all these people showing up in support. The same couldn’t be said for my old school.”
Beau beams before climbing out of the truck and rushing around to my side to help me out.
“I’ll meet you after the game at the bleachers, then we can head over to the party.”
I nod my head as Beau takes off to the locker rooms. Texting Bobby to let her know I am here, she messages me back saying she’s saved me a seat on the first row in the middle of the stands.
Walking in the direction that she said, Bobby is easy to spot as she stands on the bleacher and waves her hands above her head to gain my attention. She’s crazy, but I love her. I think she could be a great friend and I am so glad she ambushed me into being her friend.
“There you are. So how was your date?”
“It was good, but I realize now that I can’t be more than Beau’s friend. There’s no spark so I hope he can understand.”
“Awe. Sorry Hun.” Wrapping an arm around me, I watch as everyone finds their groups and take a seat on the bleachers to watch the game that starts in just under twenty minutes. The visitors side is packed but looking to the home side, they have even more of a crowd than we do. Bobby and I chat about my date before being interrupted by the roar of the crowd.
“Look. There’s Beau and Austin.” Looking to where Bobby points, I can see the line of players as they wait to be announced as the visiting team. The announcer goes on about the new school year, how excited they are that it’s football season, and asking everyone to shout for the home team. The screams are deafening as the rival team runs out onto the field, smashing through a paper banner with their school name on it and set themselves up on the home side of the field.
After everyone settles down, our school is announced and the shouts from our side may not be as deafening, but they are still loud enough to hear ringing in my ears. Our team runs onto the field seeming to be in the zone as they huddle together and discuss their game plan once they reach the sidelines.
“Beau is number four and Austin is number eight.” Bobby mentions as she points to the field. Searching the jerseys for Austin and Beau, I spot them just as the huddle breaks. Both have their backs turned toward the stands as they talk to their teammates. Austin looks back searching the stands for someone before stopping, seeming to look right at me. He doesn’t wave or make any indication that he notices me before turning back around. My heart thunders in my chest wishing he were looking at me. It’s more probable that he was searching for someone else however, and my heart plummets. Beau turns around a moment later doing the same before settling his eyes on me and raising his hand in a small wave. I wave back, and he turns away to focus on the game. Now we just wait for the whistle to blow.
Once the game starts, it’s a whirlwind of tackles, throws, running, and whistle blowing that has me completely confused and riveted at the same time. I have no idea what is going on or why cal
ls are being made, but the atmosphere is exciting and loud. Fans on both sides scream and cheer for their team, joining in on the go, fight, win chants, and booing the refs over a bad call. I join in with the crowd even though I have no idea what is happening. It’s been the most fun at a football game that I’ve ever had.
“Oh my god. Our team totally kicked their butts. Did you see how great Austin was out there? And Beau, I have a feeling he was showing off.” Bobby’s excitement has me chuckling. I have never known a girl to be so excited about a sport in my life unless they play it and Bobby doesn’t play sports.
“I don’t have anything to compare it too, but he did seem to dance a lot in the end zone, or goal line, or net.” I utter a little confused. I try to remember what Bobby explained to me throughout the game, however it’s so confusing.
“You have no idea about football, do you?” Bobby laughs at my lack of football knowledge.
“Not a single bit, no. I just know they gotta make a score of some sort, someone throws a ball somewhere, and we cheer.” Bobby throws her head back and laughs.
“Oh my god. You’re hilarious. Didn’t you ever watch the games at your old school?” Bobby questions.
“No. I usually stayed home unless my best friend Lacy dragged me out. Then I would just sit on the bleachers playing on my phone, drinking hot chocolate, and zoning out.”
“Well if you plan to date Beau or Austin, you’re going to need to know a little more about football then the fact that the teams need to score.” Shrugging, Bobby bumps me in the shoulder followed by a laugh and a shake of her head.
“I’m meeting Beau after they change, and I am getting a ride with him to the after party. Will I see you there?” I ask Bobby as she begins to walk towards her car.
“You know it. I never miss a party. I’ll see you there.” Bobby waves her hand before skipping off to her car while I head back to the entrance of the field. It’s not long before Beau runs out in just his football pants and no shirt. If it weren’t for the fact that I decided Beau was just friend material, his abs would definitely win me over.
Smirking Beau starts. “Like what you see?” Beau wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.”
“Don’t get all cocky on me. You know you look good.” Winking at me, I can’t help but giggle a little.
“I have to go back to my parent’s restaurant after I shower and change. I guess two people called out and now they are short staffed.”
“Oh. Well, isn’t pretty much the whole town here?” I ask confused.
“Yeah,” he sighs. “But when everyone gets back to town, the place will be jam packed. I don’t want to spoil the fun, so Austin is going to take you to the party and I’ll meet you there. I won’t be long, I promise.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me. I can just get a ride from…” I turn to point to where Bobby was parked only to see her car is already gone. “You know what, I can just go with you and have my dad pick me up from the restaurant.” I suggest. I’m not sure I want to go to a party now that Beau isn’t going with me. I have nothing against parties, I’m just not sure I want to be so close to Austin. He already makes me nervous as it is.
“No, no. Please don’t do that. I really would like to spend time with you, I just have to do this first. Just hang out with Austin or Bobby until I get there. I promise you will have fun either way.”
Looking out toward the grassy field that’s light by the bright halogen lights, I contemplate if I should go or not. Deciding Beau’s right, that I probably will have fun, I suck it up and agree to let Austin take me to the party.
What could possibly go wrong?
“Great!” Beau leans in and kisses my cheek. “Austin will be out in a few.”
“Ok.” Beau jogs back toward the locker rooms leaving me to wait for Austin to come out.
It’s not long before I see him and my heart stutters in response. Austin’s hair is still wet and slightly messy, but he looks oh so yummy. I gulp while I pray I don’t say or do anything stupid.
“Hey there beautiful. Ready to party?” He calls me beautiful like it’s my name and I can’t help the swooning sensation as I lean toward him before catching myself.
“Um. Yeah. Ready when you are stud.” I cringe then clear my throat. “I mean…”
Chuckling, Austin continues as if I didn’t just completely embarrass myself. “Let’s go. My truck is right over here.” I follow behind Austin staring at his jean clad thighs and butt. He has a nice butt. His pants mold perfectly over each plump cheek. Looking over the rest of him, his dark button up long sleeve shirt hugs his muscles and back deliciously. I’m sure if he were to take it off his body would be like a damn cover fitness model. God, what am I thinking? I need to stop this train of thoughts. Shaking myself off my ogling, I finally glance up to a monster of a truck. Being short, just about any vehicle that isn’t a car is already a feat. This enormous thing requires a dang elevator. It’s so high I think the tires are taller than me.
“How do you expect me to get in that thing?” I ask incredulously. Austin laughs, and I give him a death glare. I find nothing funny about this.
“I’ll just help you up.” Opening the door after hearing the click of the locks, Austin throws his bag in the back seat shutting it before opening the front passenger side door for me.
“Yeah. Not happening.” Taking a step back and shaking my head, Austin reaches out lightning fast, grabbing my elbow gently and pulling me forward causing me to lose balance.
“What the…”
“Up you go.” Austin’s hands grip my waist and lift me easily into the cab of his gigantic black truck. “There you go little lady.” Smirking at me, I try to be irritated but end up giggling instead. I wait with a smile on my face as Austin strolls around the front of his truck before hiking himself into the driver’s seat.
Watching Austin drive, he looks so in control. Hanging his hand on the top of his steering wheel casually while he flips through the stations on his radio with the other, it’s as if nothing fazes him; as if touching me and lifting me up meant nothing to him. As for me, I can still feel the tingles where his grip on my hips handled me with such ease and care as he hoisted me into the passenger seat before following in after me to buckle me up. The rub of his bicep against my stomach while he clicked the belt in place, the sweet smell of his cologne that I whiffed when he wasn’t paying attention causing me to feel light headed with need, and the butterflies from having him sitting so close yet so far away have me feeling all confused. I have no idea how to react with him. I’ve never felt like this toward a guy before and I can see already making a fool of myself in front of him. And why is it that I am worrying so much about what a guy thinks of me? Is this what all girls with crushes feel like? Because if so, I freaking hate it.
“How was your date with Beau?” Startling me, I jerk in my seat hitting my elbow on the door.
“Owe.” Yelping, I rub my elbow where it hit.
“Are you ok? I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Yeah, I’m ok. I was just thinking, and you’ve been so quiet, so I hadn’t expected you to break the silence.”
Austin glances at me with curiosity in his eyes before I remember he asked me a question that I hadn’t answered yet.
“Oh. Well, dinner was good. We talked, and it was easy…”
“But?”
“How did you know there was a ‘but’?”
“You made it seem like there was more.” Looking out the window at the passing farmland, I contemplate if this is something we should be talking about. I mean, Beau is Austin’s best friend from what I understand, and even if that wasn’t the issue, Austin asked me out and requested I cancel my date with Beau. Doesn’t that mean that confiding in him would be wrong?
“But…I’m just not sure if Beau could be anything more than a friend. Don’t get me wrong. Beau is cute, nice, and funny, but I just don’t feel that…that spark or that need for more.”
“Need for more what?”
“For more of him. More of his touch, his looks, maybe an um…” I pause unsure if I should repeat all of my thoughts when Austin prompts me to continue. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”
“Tell me. I promise I won’t make fun of you or tell anyone. I’m just curious. Beau is my friend after all.”
“About that…If Beau is your friend, why would you ask me to cancel my date with him to go out with you?” I honestly need to know what prompted him to do such a thing to his friend.
“I needed to make sure you were serious. I don’t want anyone to hurt Beau. He’s a great guy, but sometimes girls can’t look past his fun and flirty behavior to the insecure guy he actually is. If you had cancelled your date with him and then agreed to go out with me, then I knew you weren’t worth his time.” The hope I secretly harbored that Austin had feelings for me instantly deflated at his words. I knew he couldn’t possibly have wanted to date me, Kayla, the wallflower loner. Of course, he was looking out for his friend. That’s what friends do. If I were in his position, I would want to make sure that whomever my friend was going to have a date with was worth their time, too.
“That’s very noble of you to watch out for your friend like that.” The sadness in my voice catches Austin’s attention.
“Oh, it’s nothing on you. I would have done that for him regardless whom he was going out with. I think you’re a nice girl and I didn’t think you’d intentionally hurt him. I just had to be sure. I’ve been wrong before and Beau was devastated.” My ears perk at this news. That could explain why Beau uses pickup lines to get girls. He’s showing girls that he’s not serious to avoid finding a girl who is serious and inevitably breaking his heart. How do I know this? I read a lot of books.
Counting Goodbyes Page 10
