Page 86 of The Longshot

“What, why?” I frown. “Your siblings love you, and don’t even get me started on your parents. You’re totally their golden boy. They’re so proud of you, and I mean, they have every right to be. You’ve done amazing, Gary, seriously. We only just met, and already, I’m proud of you…”

Dinner brought more than just some laughs and awkward moments. Tonight, I got to hear all about not only Gary’s upbringing but also how hard he’s worked to get where he is today. Very few people in this world possess such determination at a young age, but for Gary, it’s like it was built into his DNA.

It comes as no shock to me that he’s achieved each of his goals—his dreams so early on in life. But something tells me that there’s so much more in store. This is only the beginning. It has to be…

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re flirting with me again, Chelsie.” Gary narrows in his stare, chewing on the inside of his cheek to suppress the smile that I’m aching to see.

“Call it what you want, Gary,” I tell him, nudging him playfully as we come to a set of traffic lights. “I’m just telling you the truth. That’s all.”

With his free hand, he brushes through my hair. “Thank you, Chels.” He nods, and for some reason, the look on his face reads as if he’s never had a sincere praise in his life.

Sure, at his games, the fans go wild when it comes to expressing their love towards him, but it’s like no one has ever complimented him like this before—admired him on the soft spots of his heart—his family.

“I try my best,” he tells me, talking to the road as the light turns green. “My family is everything to me. So to hear you say that… it means a lot. It does.”

As Gary finally basks in my praise, the sun disappears into the night sky, and now the only light source is the street lamps that line the road and the moonlight that shines down from above.

“Hey!” I point against the glass as we seemingly drive past Crawfield’s stadium. “We’re near the field?”

Gary peers down to take in the view. “Sure are. It looks a whole lot different when all the lights are off, though, doesn't it?”

“Absolutely.” I nod. “Though I didn’t get a chance to see much of it last time I was there. I would’ve loved a tour.” I can’t help but remark as the stadium fades into the darkness.

Gary’s silent, yet his actions speak louder than words as all at once he abruptly turns the car around and speeds back towards the stadium.

“Gary!” I cry out, clutching onto my chair as he pulls into the car park and pulls his keys out of the ignition. “What are you doing?!”

“What?” He exits the car, racing towards my side to open up the door. “I’m going to give you a private tour.”

“Now?” I’m reluctant to unbuckle my seatbelt, looking around at the empty parking lot. “But… no one is here.”

He holds his hand out for me to grasp it. “Hence the term ‘private,’ Chelsie. C’mon.” He gestures his hand out once more. “Don’t be shy. I don’t bite.”

I playfully roll my eyes and clasp onto his hand. Once I do, stepping out of the car, he closes my door shut and eagerly guides me towards the front entrance.

“Isn’t it locked up?” I can’t help but question the logistics of his plan, hugging myself in comfort, not warmth. “I mean, how are we even going to get in?”

Gary toys with my question before an answer seemingly hits him. “Ever hopped a fence?” he asks, a look of pure mischief in his eyes as he looks back at me.

Panic immediately sets in.

“Gary, no,” I remark as I watch him effortlessly climb the fence and linger at the top with a leg dangling over either side. “Aren't there security cameras? Won’t it… set off an alarm or something?”

“Between me and you, love.” Gary leans down, dropping his voice to a loud whisper. “It’s broken. So, if there ever was a perfect time to trespass, it’s now. Besides…” He shrugs recklessly. “What’s the worst that could happen? Coach kicks me off the team? Yeah, right,” he scoffs, waving his hand before reaching out for me. “I’m his favorite. Now, let me help you up.”

Resistant to the plan I hold onto myself even tighter. “Gary, no. I can’t. This… this is a bad idea. We’re going to get caught.”

Steadying himself in place, Gary slumps his shoulders. “Do you trust me, Chelsie?” he asks.

I stutter. “I… uh…”

“Hmm?” He prompts me again, extending his hand that much further. “It’s a simple question, my girl. Do you trust me?”

I toy with an answer, though it’s abundantly obvious as it rests on the tip of my tongue. Of course I trust him. He’s never given me a reason not to.

I gulp, dwelling on the thought once more until finally, I accept his hand. As I do, I’m reminded of the emotion he evoked when we danced on top of the hill last week. That feeling of freedom… confidence… fearlessness that I’ve never felt with anyone but him.

“I promise I’d never steer you wrong.” Gary pulls up on my hand, helping me as I climb my way to the top, the two of us now sat face to face. “You know that, right, baby?”

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