Page 61 of A Scoring Chance

“Cooper usually has them pick us up at the house on game days, but since we had to bring you some clothes, it was just easier for him to arrange it from here instead.” Alise pours herself a glass of champagne before leaning back into the seat next to me.

“To drive, what? Ten miles?” I giggle, finishing my glass of champagne and handing it to Alise. I haven’t drunk anything more than a wine cooler since getting completely wasted with Alise at The Pit Stop on my twenty-first birthday, so this is going straight to my head.

“We aren’t that far from the arena, but my boys say they feel better knowing exactly where I am and with whom.”

“Do they have LoJack on you or something?”

Alise shakes her head before handing me a full glass of champagne. “Probably not the best way to make friends with your future mother-in-law.”

“Probably shouldn’t be talking about someone being my future anything with her sitting right here.” I bring the glass toward my lips, but Alise snatches it back quickly.

“Damn. I forgot how much of a lightweight you are.”

“I’m nervous.” I sag back into my seat, turning my head to look out the window.

For a ten-mile drive, this sure is taking a long time. I turn to look out the window. We’re moving at a snail’s pace. I know the Timberwolves are popular, but I didn’t think there’d be this many people trying to get to the game. I guess it was a pretty good idea that Cooper sent this limo for us. At least this way, we’ll be there at the start of the game instead of still trying to walk to the entrance from the parking lot.

“About?” Ms. Melanie leans forward and rests her hand on my knee, giving it a small squeeze.

“Going to the game. Meeting the team. Wearing this?” I pluck at the jersey Alise and Ms. Melanie browbeat me into wearing to the game today. Cooper said he wanted to see me with his name on my back, but I think this is taking it a little too far.

They could’ve grabbed any jersey from a sporting goods store, or I could’ve picked up the one from the will-call desk Cooper left for me, but no. Those two had other plans, claiming to want me to “stand out.” I don’t like standing out. I prefer blending in, if I’m being honest. That’s one reason I’m freaking out more than usual.

“I think it’s perfect. I knew I’d need it at some point in life, just not so soon.” Ms. Melanie smiles brightly, clearly pleased with her genius idea.

“But this isn’t even his number or the team colors. It’s an old Redwood Falls jersey from when Cooper was in high school.”

“Trust me. That jersey is one of his most prized possessions. I’m sure he will be thrilled for you to wear it to the game today.”

“You always said you wanted to be original,” Alise chimes in from her seat, raising her glass slightly in my direction.

“I’m talking about not wanting to see my clothes on every person walking down the street.”

“If you don’t want to wear it, then you don’t have to. I just wanted to do something special for you to make you feel welcome.” Ms. Melanie turns to look out the window, her shoulders sagging.

Oh, no. I know what Ms. Melanie is doing. Ma does the same crap to me all the time when she’s trying to get me to do something for her. And just like with my ma, I’m powerless to resist it.

“I do. Thank you so much for thinking about me.” I place my hand on top of hers and squeeze. “This is just a lot for me to handle. I literally met Cooper two days ago, and now I’m riding to a Timberwolves game with his mother in a stretch limo.”

“It’s okay, you’ll get used to it, sweetie. And I’m nothing to be worried about. You’ll make an amazing daughter-in-law.”

Alise winks at me before sharing a toast with Ms. Melanie. “See? Told you it was going to be okay.”

“I seriously can’t with you two.”

Darius is practically vibrating with excitement when we pull up to the arena. We’ve driven by here a few times and even took pictures with the mascot at an event a few years ago. Instead of dropping us off at the front of the arena, our driver takes us around to what I assume is a back entrance. We all thank the driver before piling out and being ushered inside.

Once inside, we head down a long hallway before coming to a stop in front of a small desk with a woman about my age standing there. She greets us immediately, a genuine smile on her face. “Welcome to the Timberwolves arena, Mrs. Hendrix. We’re happy to see you again.”

“What have I told you about calling me Melanie, Rachel? I’ve been coming to games here for years. We are practically family now.”

The girl’s cheeks pink slightly. And I can’t help but feel sorry for her. I reach my hand out and grip hers. “Don’t worry. She did the same thing to me when we met earlier today.”

“Rachel, I’d like you to meet my son’s girlfriend, Ramona.”

The fact Ms. Melanie doesn’t say which of her sons’ girlfriend I am doesn’t escape my notice. I had a feeling there was an ulterior motive to my surprise from Ms. Melanie and Alise. Instead of grabbing the one Cooper left for me at Will Call, I’m wearing his high school jersey. All this woman knows is I’m wearing an unfamiliar jersey with the last name Hendrix on it. Sneaky, Ms. Melanie. Very sneaky.

If Rachel is surprised by my introduction, she doesn’t show it. “It’s nice to meet you.” She turns her attention to Darius, who is standing quietly on the other side of Alise, wearing his own Timberwolves jersey, but with Beau’s number instead of Cooper’s. “And who might this young man be?”

---