Page 105 of Fighting Fate

"Maybe we should go say hi," he suggests. Milli's watching us, her playful salute morphing into concern. I reassure her with a smile before agreeing to Dad's plan.

As we start to move toward Coach Lockhart, Milli stands up, all mock-serious, then winks at me. I grin. Her little gestures, her unspoken support—they mean everything.

But then, Dad steps squarely in front of me, blocking my view of her. His eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that's rare for him. "Don't even think about it, Miles," he says, and I realize he's not just talking about approaching the coach. He's seen the exchange between me and Milli, and his warning is clear.

The full weight of expectation and my own aspirations crash into each other. This evening isn't just about the dazzle of the gala, the game of football, or the noble cause of breast cancer awareness. It's a microcosm of the greater challenge I'm facing: charting my own course amidst a sea of external expectations.

Dad's words cut through my thoughts, his voice firm. "Your focus needs to be here," He taps his temple, emphasizing his point about football. "No time for distractions, especially not girls."

But he doesn't get it. Milli isn't just a distraction, she's...well, she's Milli. But in Dad's world, where my life orbits solely around football, she's invisible. Our talks never veer away from the field, each conversation a reminder of the path he's carved out for me.

Stealing glances at Milli over Dad's shoulder, I see her concern, her gestures trying to lighten the mood. She's my solace in this whirlwind, yet here I am, trapped in a conversation I don't want to be in. Dad's light tap on my face snaps me back, and I catch the alarm in Milli's eyes. I quickly reassure her with a hand on Dad's, signaling that it's alright, he's just trying to make a point, not hurt me.

"Let's go see Coach Lockhart," I suggest, steering the conversation back to safer waters.

His smile, that proud, football-focused grin, makes me wonder. What if I shared my real dream with him, my ambition to be a doctor? Would that smile fade? Would his love or regard for me change?

These thoughts swirl in my head, filled with doubt. What if I never get to pursue that dream? What if . . .

Shaking off the wave of anxiety, I remind myself to focus on the now. Tonight is about something bigger than my personal struggles, and I need to keep it together, at least for now.

Milli

I can't shake this nagging feeling that Miles needs an escape right now, a break from the weight of expectations. It's something I resonate with, caught up in my own whirlwind of midterms, tutoring, and dance commitments. And the Hanmann sisters! Their success in the dance competition has been a bright spot in my hectic schedule.

But just as I'm contemplating how I might offer Miles that much-needed respite, the evening's agenda takes over. "Please make your way to your tables," announces a voice over the microphone. Clutching another Shirley Temple, I navigate toward my assigned seat.

At the table, I spot Brooke, my parents, the Chasens, and Luke...and, wait, is that Payson next to Luke? That's unexpected. Could she be the one Luke was talking about? My curiosity is piqued, but my mom's not-so-subtle side-eye at Payson suggests she's less than thrilled with this pairing.

As I sit down, neatly adjusting my dress, I feel Miles' eyes on me. He's looking dapper in his suit, his hair styled just so, giving off that irresistible aura. And then there's the color coordination—our attire matching in shades of pale pink. It's a small detail, but one that makes my heart flutter.

I try to keep my expectations in check, though. Flirting with Miles is one thing, but deciphering what lies beneath is another. Yet, when I lick my lips and hear his low groan, I can't help but giggle at the fun of teasing him this way. A way I have always imagined, but never thought would be a reality and, now that it's happening, I don't want it to ever end.

As I'm about to take my seat, I feel a sudden, bold grip on my ass, making me jump. I turn to see Miles grinning that mischievous grin of his.

"What a tease," I whisper, trying to keep my composure as he leans in, his breath warm against my ear. "Takes one to know one," he retorts with a wink.

The night progresses with speeches and recognition of the cause we're all here for. The gala is more than just a social event; it's a platform for change and support. As volunteers commit to helping, I'm not surprised to see Miles' name among them. His dedication is a given, as deep-rooted as his connection to the cause.

Then comes the moment for a volunteer speaker. The room buzzes with anticipation, and I lean over to Miles. "Any idea who's speaking tonight?" His response is laced with that smoldering look that sets my nerves alight.

Before I can react, the announcement comes, "Miles Chasen, come on up."

He stands, leaning close to me, his words sending a thrill through me. "Guess we just found out, huh?" I roll my eyes, but inside, my heart races with excitement.

I hear the familiar giggles and whispers from our table corner. Our moms have been eyeing me and Miles ever since I sat down. Their glances are too telling; they see us as a couple, decked out in matching attire and lost in our flirtatious world. But they don't know half of it. They'd probably be thrilled if they did, though. It feels like they've secretly hoped for this all along, and now that it's happening, their excitement is almost palpable. And Luke's glares? I just shake my head and bite my lip, letting them slide off me.

Miles makes his way to the front, and I let my eyes linger on him, admiring every confident step.

"Looking at something?" Brooke teases, nudging me gently.

I try to suppress a laugh, but fail miserably. Why hide how Miles makes me feel?

She leans in closer, her voice a whisper of knowing. "I always knew something would spark between you two in college."

I roll my eyes, but inside, I'm agreeing. Brooke's always had a keen sense for these things.

As the room falls into a hush, Miles takes the mic, and a hushed, "Shit," slips from his lips, breaking the silence. "Public speaking isn't my forte," he confesses, triggering a wave of laughter across the room. He stands there, slightly awkward but utterly charming, admitting his reluctance about speaking tonight. "When Coach Kreft asked me to speak tonight, my gut reaction was a flat no. Why me, of all people? I'm not the guy for this job," he shares.

---