Page 32 of Touchdown
Ivy
A cupcake shaped like a football?
Me
Why would I pick anything else?
Ivy
I grinned.
Then I got to work, watching tape and poring over stats until my eyes started to glaze.
In the afternoon, I took a much-needed break. Before I thought better of it, I ordered a cookie to be sent to Ivy. One shaped like a football helmet. Hand-decorated with my team colors.
An hour after that, I grabbed a glass of water and sent her a small box of frosted sugar cookies shaped like the New York skyline—with a little edible banner that read Nighthawks 4 Life.
I couldn’t muster up the energy to do any more work, so I was checking my email when an ad popped up for an item that made me snort into my water when I saw the image. I added it to the cart without hesitation. It was perfect.
A message from Ivy popped up right after the cookies were delivered.
Ivy
I think you’ve made your point.
Me
Maybe.
There was a pause, the three dots dancing and disappearing several times before she finally hit send.
Ivy
You’re going to keep sending treats to mark your territory, aren’t you?
I chuckled, anticipating her reaction when she received my last gift.
Me
Nah. I sent something even better.
When it was delivered, my phone buzzed again, but this time it was a phone call.
“Hey, sunshine,” I answered casually.
“A life-size cardboard cutout of you?” she replied drolly. “Seriously?”
“Just making sure everyone knows who you belong to.” I didn’t bother to hide the amusement in my voice.
Ivy let out an adorable little growl before she muttered, “You realize the girls will never let me live this down.”
“Carboard me will tell them to knock it off.”
There was silence for a few beats, then, “You’re impossible.”
“Yet,” I practically crooned, “you’re still gonna go home with me tonight.”
There was no response at first, but she didn’t hang up, so I leaned back in my chair, waiting.
