Page 27 of Sneaking Around with the Player
“I haven’t met him yet,” I admit, then proceed to tell Lonnie how I ran into Stella at the airport, not knowing who she was.
“Wow!” My old teammate runs a hand over his disheveled red hair. “Small world.”
I study him for a beat. “That’s all you have to say?”
He shrugs. “What else is there to say?”
“You don’t think he’ll want to punch my face in?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. What does your girl say?”
“She thinks it’ll be cool.”
“But you’re not so sure?”
“I wish I was.”
He leans closer and points across the room. “You see that guy in the white hat just walking in?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“Toby Malcolm.”
“The kicker for Leewood.” Another high school team we battled against every year.
“Me and him got into a fist fight junior year because we both showed up at the same party.”
“I remember that. He kicked your ass.”
“I got a few good punches in.” He puffs out his chest, which makes me laugh.
“And now you’re friends? How’d that happen?”
“Yeah. We both go to ASU. We had a class together last semester and I got to know him. He’s cool.”
The story, however incomparable to things with me and Felix, gives me hope.
“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy for me.”
“Take it from someone who has been away from football for a couple of years, it’s not that serious, man.”
A laugh escapes my lips.
“Worst case, the guy pops you one and then you’re cool.”
“And best case?”
“You pop him first.” Lonnie winks. “I’m gonna grab another beer. Want anything?”
“No.” I shake my head.
My buddy gets up and crosses the room. I watch as he approaches Malcolm and the two slap hands and hug.
Standing, I pull my phone from my pocket and read the last text from Stella. They’re going to some party at a ski resort up in Flagstaff tonight. She sent me a photo of her dress options, laid out on a bed. All different colors and styles. All satin and lacy. All short. Damn, I wish I were going to see her all dolled up. I wish I could see her, period.
Me: Which dress did you decide on wearing?
Stella: Red, I think. I don’t know. I’ve changed like five times.
