Page 102 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Damn right we can.” Aaron grinned.

“I remember it like it was yesterday.”

“Didn’t you sacrifice the playoffs, Dad?” Sofia asked.

“Just because I didn’t play all the games, doesn’t mean I don’t remember what it was like.”

“Your father did a very commendable thing covering for Jase.”

“Coach Ford was a badass back in the day,” Aaron said.

“He’s still a badass,” Poppy corrected him. “Don’t think for one second he won’t make your life hell if you ever break my heart, Aaron Bennet.”

He hooked his arm around her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. “Good thing I don’t ever plan on breaking it then.”

Mr. Bennet cleared his throat, but Aaron ignored him, kissing Poppy again.

“For the love of God, Son. Put the girl down and eat your breakfast.”

“I can think of something I’d like to eat,” Aaron murmured, low enough that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet didn’t hear him, but I did.

I shot him a bemused look and he smirked back.

“Has Jase unveiled his plans for senior’s night yet?”

“Nope, he wanted to focus on the playoffs first,” Aaron said.

“He’s cutting it a bit close, isn’t he? Your last home game is in three weeks.”

“I’d be happy with a barbecue at Coach’s house and some quality time with my girl.”

“We’ve created a monster,” Mr. Bennet grumbled to his wife who smiled.

“You won’t be saying that next year when they all leave for college and we’re all alone in this big house.”

“Sounds damn near perfect if you ask me. I won’t have to worry about how loud I make you scream.”

“Dad!” Sofia shrieked and I almost choked on my orange juice.

“And you wonder where he gets it from.” Mrs. Bennet rolled her eyes, tucking into her breakfast like it was just a standard family breakfast. And I realized that for them, it probably was. Their house was so full of love and laughter. It was a privilege to witness it, but also a stark reminder of everything I’d never had.

“Hey, you okay?” Sofia gripped my knee, commanding my attention.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Has anyone heard from Ezra and Ashleigh?”

“Yeah, he video called to give us the tour yesterday,” Aaron said, shoveling two pieces of bacon into his mouth.

“College,” Mr. Bennet said wistfully. “Some of the best days of my life.”

“Hell yeah. I can’t wait for next summer,” Aaron added. “Football, my girl, maybe even an off-campus apartment.”

“No,” his parents both said in unison.

“But come on, guys. Poppy will be over at my place all the time anyway. It makes sense to get a place together.”

“You owe it to yourselves to have the full college experience, Son. Dorm rooms, roommates, all that stuff.”

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