Page 66 of Waiting for Friday Night

Quinton easily saw where this was about to go. “I’m going to be there. Working with my two receivers.”

Some of the animosity in her gaze disappeared, but her lip was still twisted. “All you care about is football,” she said to Octavius. She slid her arm through his and tugged. “Come on, let’s go.”

Quinton and Shania watched the two walk away. “What was that about?”

“Octavius’s girlfriend?” he asked. When she nodded he sighed. “Maybe she’s jealous.”

Shania scrunched up her nose. “Of what? I am not interested in him like that.”

“Yeah, focus on studying and football. Not boys.”

Shania rolled her eyes. “What if I’m into girls?”

He held up a hand. “That’s cool, but still focus on studying instead.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You sound like Mom.”

They walked toward the parking lot. “Are you...interested in girls?”

Shania laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “Not particularly, but if I find out later that I am, I’ll let you know.”

He shook his head. “Make it a while out. I haven’t gotten to the dating chapter in the how-to-raise-kids manual.”

They were still laughing when Halle walked over. “What’s so funny?”

“Coach Q thinks Octavius’s girlfriend is jealous.”

Halle’s eyes widened. “What? Did she say something to you? What did she say?”

Quinton held up a hand. “Hold up, Warrior Mother. It’s not that bad. I’m probably off base anyway.”

The fire left Halle’s eyes. “Well, let me know if she starts any girl drama.”

Shania groaned before rolling her eyes. “There isn’t any girl drama. I’m hungry. Can we eat?”

Halle nodded. “Yes. And to celebrate your play, you get a victory dinner of anything you want.”

“McDonald’s?” Shania said.

Halle frowned. “That’s what you want?”

“You said anything. Their Sprite be hitting,” Shania said, rubbing her stomach.

Halle chuckled. “McDonald’s it is.” She looked at Quinton.

A moment passed as the memory of what they’d done jumped between them. How the hell was he supposed to be around her and not let everyone in the world know that he wanted to kiss her again? For Shania’s sake he understood. Her world was turned upside down as it was. No need to make it even more complicated with her parents dating. What if they broke up?

Would you really want to let Halle go?

No. He knew that. But he also knew life had a funny way of kicking you in the balls. Anything could happen that would tear them apart.

“Well, I’ll let you all have your victory dinner,” he said.

“You’re not joining us?” Shania looked expectantly at him.

“You want me to?” Honestly, he wanted to celebrate with her.

“Yeah, plus, half the team goes to McDonald’s after the game. You’ve gotta come. Please.”

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