Page 11 of A Game as Old as Time

“I am not starting this tonight with Bridgette.” Juelz seemed fed up with this party already. “You’ve messed around with enough of my friends, and you hate her, even if you are drunk!”

True.

Gunner followed her around to the sunroom, where a few of her other theatre friends had gathered.

“Hold up, Juelz. I’m notthatdrunk, and you really think I would do something with Bridgette?” His voice rose, and all the eyes in the sunroom turned toward them.

“Not now!” Juelz fought to stay quiet and pushed him forward. “You guys all know Gunner.” She had tried to play it off, but the awkwardness that followed had him yearning for the crazy eyes of his ex-girlfriend outside.

These people hate me.

He recognized some of the kids from school but was struggling to remember any of their names.

“Gunner, I wanted to introduce you to a new senior who just moved here from California.”

Gunner’s eyes fell on the girl who had been walking the dog.

“Gunner, this is Hailey.” He could tell she recognized him right away, as she smiled slightly and nodded.

No way she’s in theatre.

He wanted to say something, but his eyes were stuck to her pink skirt. He swallowed hard and tried to prevent himself from staring too much at her white top, in which she fit so perfectly. Unlike Charlotte, she was dressed comfortably and looked relaxed. Hailey stood with a confidence that Gunner was unable to match and that had him struggling to catch his breath.

She’s not hot, she’s beautiful.

“Hailey, this is Gunner. He plays football with my brother but is one of only a few that I like!”

He smirked and nodded.

“You are too nice, Juelz. But I think we---I think we ran into each other once already. Your dog really liked the smell ofmy football bag.”

Her eyes shifted to the floor.

“Yeah, sorry about that. My dog is always getting into trouble.”

That voice…

Gunner was still struggling to regain his composure, and he could now feel his face getting warm.

Pull yourself together.

She anxiously took a drink of the soda in her hand, bringing his attention back to her perfectly toned legs.

Damnit, Gunner! Don’t be weird!

She seemed uncomfortable as he continued to stare, but his mind was wandering uncontrollably.

“G!” He heard Emilio call from behind. “It’s Bailey! The little shit could not hang with the big boys, and it’s ugly. I need el capitan right now!”

Gunner put his finger up, trying to wave off Emilio, but he just kept yelling, now in Spanish.

“I thought you only invited seniors?” Gunner asked, shooting an annoyed glare at Juelz. The fact that he had to leave Hailey’s gorgeous hazel eyes for a drunk underclassman made him clench his jaw.

“You know my brother. He invites the whole damn team.”

Gunner forced a laugh and then hugged her. The gesture was mainly to play off the awkwardness and the annoyance he was trying to hide.

“I should probably go help. I guess I’ll see you all Monday.” The group nodded forcefully, clearly ready for him to leave.

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