Page 51 of Rival Summer

"Pretty sure she's waiting outside," I called after him.

He paused, then without turning back he threw the words. "Nah, I’m good," and he disappeared around the corner.

The locker room emptied, and I followed, heading for my truck. She was there, by her car. Her smile widened as I approached.

"Hunny, you were great!" She wrapped me in an embrace.

"Thanks, Mom. Glad you could make it."

"Me too," she said, pulling back. "I love seeing you play, but that game was too close for comfort."

I noticed her gaze drifting past my shoulder, searching. I knew exactly who she was searching for. "Mom, I don't think he's ready to talk yet."

She nodded, a touch of sadness in her eyes. "Oh, I know. Not rushing it. I’ll be here when he’s ready."

"Are you doing okay back at home? Remembering to eat?" I asked.

"Oh, you know me, I do just fine," she said, but the look in her eyes told me that she probably relied on takeout more than she should. I was used to being the parent most of the time, but there was only so much I could do from Bayside—and it would do me no good to worry about it.

"Alright, well, I gotta get outta here. Got somewhere to be," I sighed.

"Okay, hunny. See you at the next game," she responded, giving me another hug before stepping into her car and driving away.

As the taillights faded into the distance, I took a deep breath, ready to shift the night's focus—to Chandler.

I made a quick stop to grab a few things and then navigated towards Willow’s. The thought of seeing her drove all other thoughts out of my mind.

She was sitting on the porch steps, a damn goddess in white. Her bright hazel eyes caught mine, and even from a distance, I could see a smirk on her face.

"Hey," I called out as I stepped out of the truck. “You see my date anywhere around here?”

"Sorry she wasn’t able to make it," she laughed, standing up. "You had her stressing during that game."

"So I keep hearing," I grinned, closing the gap between us. I reached for her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. "But damn," I looked her up and down. "You look... stunning in that dress."

"Thank you. You look good too, Boston, but what kind of date are we going on if you're wearing that?" She eyed my casual attire—a cutoff shirt, backward hat, and jeans.

"Girl, you've never been on a date with me. Hop in," I replied with a wink, leading her toward the truck.

It was a short drive, filled with easy banter and comfort that comes from knowing someone your whole life.

As we veered off the main road, the landscape opened up to reveal an isolated spot where the world seemed to hold its breath. We could see the lake, a serene mirror reflecting the sky, and the trees stood silent all around us. The sun was dipping below the horizon just as we pulled in.

"Is this where we're going?" Chandler said, barely containing her excitement as she peered out into the stillness that surrounded us.

"Give me a sec," I said, hopping out of the driver's seat and making my way to the back. I opened the tailgate and laid out the thick blankets I’d brought, trying my best to create a cloud of coziness. I flipped a switch and the twinkle lights strung up around the truck bed burst to life, casting everything in a warm, starry glow. Fancy restaurants weren’t my thing, but creating a special moment for her—that I could do.

I opened the passenger door and reached for Chandler, guiding her gently from the truck until she was safely on the ground.

Chandler's gasp filled the space between us when she saw it. Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes sparkling bright. "This is beautiful… This setup... This place..."

"Nah, you haven’t seen anything yet—wait till the stars come out," I said. I knew how incredible it was from sitting there so many times before, thinking, reflecting, and letting it bring me peace.

She turned to me, her smile wide and full of wonder. "I can’t wait."

She hopped into the truck bed with ease, immediately making herself comfortable in the cushions and blankets, but then curiosity must have gotten the better of her as she started rifling through the cooler.

"Is there anything you didn’t think of?" she teased. “You’re making all my other dates look like hot garbage right now.”

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