For a September evening, it’s a little chilly. The air has cooled and a breeze is blowing through, so it’s the perfect night to wear a Flinton State hoodie. It’s also perfect for Saturday night football.
For the first time ever, I have decent seats at a home game. I’m not really sure if it’s because of Isaac or because of Jack, but either way, I’m not complaining. Fifth row at the forty-five-yard line for free beats the heck out of nose-bleed seats I pay for any day.
As the team makes their way down the field, following the line of scrimmage, my eyes can’t help but gravitate toward the assistant coach. He’s wearing a white polo and black pants, with some headphones over his ears. He stands with his feet apart, arms crossed over his broad chest, always chewing that gum. Is it weird that I find him sexy like this?
My eyes stop their perusal and lock on the small bruise on his temple, causing me to giggle under my breath remembering how he got it.
After Jack showed up at my job and I opted to give him another chance, he made good on his promise to take me out. Not only did we go to dinner that night, last weekend he really surprised me by signing us up for juggling classes. He said kids love it when clowns juggle, and it would be one more skill I can pull out of my pocket to keep them entertained.
I disagreed with his thought process, based on the fact that I don’t plan to juggle anything in a small restaurant with children crowded around me. That’s just asking for someone to get hurt. Nor do I ever plan on show-boating when I become a teacher. But still, it sounded like fun so I agreed to go.
We spent four hours learning the basics of juggling. First with two balls. Then with three. Then they had us juggle different items like plastic cups and stuffed animals. We both did pretty good. The problem came in when Jack decided to try his hand at bowling pins.
He wasn’t ready. I knew it. The instructor knew it. Everyone in the class knew it. But Jack was determined to get it right. All was well for about ten seconds, and then he lost his concentration. Before his brain could catch up with his hands, and he could stop the tossing, the pins crashed into each other, ricocheting around and smacking Jack right in the face with the hard edges.
When I finally stopped laughing, I realized one of the pins had knocked him so hard, he had the beginning of a nasty bruise on the side of his face. Naturally, I started laughing again, while pulling a portable cold pack out of my purse. He then started laughing over the randomness of my having a portable cold pack with me.
He and my brother Greg are going to bond over my giant purse of surprises someday. I just know it.
Despite his injuries, we had a wonderful time that night. Shortly after he knocked himself silly, the class ended, and we went out to dinner again. This time at an authentic Thai place. We ate real Krathong Tong followed by Lad Na, which had this amazing gravy. If I didn’t already enjoy Jack for his witty conversation, I’d probably still date him just for the fantastic restaurants he finds.
Just like before, Jack walked me to my door that night, but didn’t try to come in. Instead, he gave me a sweet, lengthy kiss, his tongue barely sweeping against mine when our lips connected. In some ways, I was hoping he would have kissed me harder, but I also appreciated he didn’t want to put on a show for my neighbors. That’s not my style.
Of course, the texts and phone calls haven’t stopped. And as worried as I was in the beginning that he would distract me from my goals, he doesn’t. He asks about my classes all the time. He asks about my projects and tests. Whenever I get nervous, he shifts into coach mode and encourages me. It’s really sweet. And really cute. And I now understand why Isaac likes him as a coach so much.
My last assignment for the week was turned in this morning, so my mind has been on this football game all day. I’ve been looking forward to it. Seeing both my men on the field, without the aid of binoculars, has made me practically giddy.
“Can you believe how close we are?” Mia screeches in my ear.
Well, I was giddy. Then I arrived, and I realized I was sitting next to Chatty Cathy. I have no idea how she scored her seat, but I suppose since she hangs out with the team, someone had an extra.
I nod politely in agreement with her. It’s not that she’s here. In all truthfulness, she’s a sweet girl. She’s just a lot for someone my age to take in sometimes.
“Oh, there’s Isaac!” She begins tugging on my arm. “Are you going to call him? Maybe he’ll see us!”
I shake my head in amusement. I’ll give her one thing—at least she’s honest. Even if it is to a fault.
But while she’s batting her eyelashes at Isaac, I’m watching Jack. Compared to the other coach, who is pacing and screaming and banging on a clipboard, Jack is that steady calm I love. He doesn’t say much, but when he speaks, his players stop and listen. It’s fascinating watching how respected he clearly is. He really is a Viking. Not just to me, but to others as well. That is so endearing to me.
Suddenly, as if he feels my eyes on him, he turns, and we make eye contact. It’s only for a second, but I see his lips quirk up briefly as he winks at me. I give a quick wave back, not holding back my smile.
He turns his attention back to the game, but the player standing next to him looks at me quizzically.
Isaac.
Who apparently thought my wave was for him, if his slow wave back at me is any indication. He looks confused, and I don’t blame him. I’ve never once waved at him from the stands. But right now, I’ll let him come to whatever conclusion he wants. Mia starts shrieking “He sees us! He sees us!” and I burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. How many incorrect assumptions can be made at once?
It appears my other Viking, and this time I am referring to the mascot and players, may need to come have a sit-down conversation with me soon.
Pride & Joie: The Continuation
Coming in just TWO WEEKS!