Page 26 of How We Fooled

He takes out a cooler that has little oranges, grapes, and sandwiches for both of us.

“You’re quite the Boy Scout, aren’t you? Always prepared.”

“Nope, not a Boy Scout. I’m just an athlete with a lot of experience of trying to eat while playing baseball in the summer. You have to grab food while you can, so I’ve learned what to bring that’s quick and easy. Are you hungry?”

I shrug. “Sure, we can eat now.”

I unwrap the sandwich that’s not just flat slices of meat and cheese. No, this thing looks like a deli sandwich with thinly sliced turkey that’s piled up with cheese, salami, and even sliced avocado on top.

“This is some kind of sandwich,” I state in awe as I take a bite.

“I told you, years of being at tournaments, you learn what you like to bring to eat,” he says with a laugh.

Once we’re done with our lunch and everything is put away, he gives me a playful smirk. “Want to go race around on the Jet Ski again?”

“Hell yeah!” I respond, making him smile as he jumps to his feet and holds out his hand to me.

“We can just leave our stuff here.”

We put our life vests back on and walk to the water, where he hops on first, then helps me climb behind him.

“Hold on tight, just make sure to not let go, okay?”

I instantly think, I’m never letting go of you, then hide my grin in his back as I wrap my arms around him.

Before he starts the engine, he holds my hand against his body in a way that makes me think he feels the same way, then starts the engine, turning the Jet Ski to leave the cove.

When he squeezes the throttle, I yelp in glee, loving how free everything about this day has made me feel.

CHAPTER TEN

Eli

My phone ringing wakes me up the next morning. Yawning, I reach for it, then look at the time—nine in the morning. I get a jolt of energy when I see it’s Liza calling me.

“Good morning,” I answer sleepily.

Her giggle makes me smile. “I’m sorry. Were you still asleep?”

I run my hand down my face, rubbing my eyes. “Yeah, but no worries.”

“Did you have a late night?”

“Nah. Just hung out at Ben’s. I didn’t have practice today, so I slept in. What did you do last night?”

“I was exhausted after the lake and crashed not long after you dropped me off. I can’t believe you went out after that.”

“Yeah, Ben’s house is chill though. We just watched the Yankees game.”

“Do you have plans today?”

“You’re finally awake!” Ava says, running into my room and jumping on my bed.

I hide under the covers from my little sister’s tickle attacks. “I’m awake. I’m awake.”

“Ava,” Mom yells after her. “I told you to let him sleep.”

“He’s awake. I heard him talking on the phone,” she replies.

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