Page 91 of Biggest Player
“So. Don’t act like an angel when you just wanna be in bed by eight.”
I understand his wanting to be home, where it’s quiet. I’m the same most nights, but usually only get that way during the season. Our season hasn’t started yet, so I can go crazy and stay out until ten! Ha.
We give one another hugs, say our goodbyes to everyone else. Darkness has arrived by the time Margot and I step outside; it’s a stark contrast to how bright it was when we arrived.
“Feel like going out?” I ask, ’cause I’m still hungry and getting hungrier by the second.
“It seems like all we do is eat when we’re together,” she says sheepishly. “When you’re not busy scheming to ruin dates, or breaking things inside my house.”
“I brokeonething! And I don’t even think it was my fault—your pipes were fucked before I even got there. Plus, I’m not a toolman.” I could go on defending myself against her accusations.
Is she going to bring this up for the rest of our lives?
Probably.
She’s a shithead.
Margot rolls her eyes but can’t hide her smile. “What did you have in mind for food? Nothing fancy, I hope. I’m dressed for flirting, not a nice steak house.”
I have her covered because I’m not in the mood for fancy either. Hardly ever am—not when a juicy burger is the cure for most ailments.Or dessert, which is even better. Carrie is the only one keeping me honest. And healthy.
“There’s this new place I saw on Instagram with the craziest shit,” I say, pointing in a vague direction of the restaurant since we’re already in the downtown area. “They have these insane milkshakes. You won’t believe what they stick on top of them.”
She raises her eyebrows to tease me. “Burgers?”
Dammit, how did she know?She ruined the surprise.
“Yes, but notjustburgers. Also doughnuts, cookies, pretzels—pretty much everything.” Rubber ducks. Candy. Entire pieces of cake.
All depends on which shake you order.
I want one so bad.
“I’ve seen those.” Her eyes widen in horror. “They look like a literal heart attack in a glass.”
“Yeah, but they also look fucking delicious.” I grab her hand and begin pulling her along. She laughs again, her giggle easily becoming one of my favorite sounds. “There’s only one way to find out.”
If we can find the place.
With my free hand, I pull up the walking directions, relieved to discover it’s not that far from where we’re standing, only three city blocks.
Win!
We walk the few blocks, sidewalks still bustling, the neon lights of the Sugar Ice Cream Shack beckoning.
“Shoot.” Margot groans as we approach. “There’s a line.”
Pfft, please. “This is where it comes in handy to be a douchey football player.”
The dude at the door spots me when I approach him. I understand his silent message: “You guys want me to let you in?”
I nod, giving Margot a tug. “Come on.”
“What are we doing?” She is frantically looking around, hissing, “We can’t skip all these people! I won’t be able to look anyone in the eye.”
We can and we do.
Damn right, we skip the line.
