Page 28 of The First Play

“China.”

“Wow.” I bulge my eyes and lean back in my seat.

“To each their own, right?” She giggles, licking the back of her spork before finally slumping back in her seat with a groan. “I think that’s all I got.”

I look at the mound of sugary sweetness and shake my head with a grin. We didn’t even finish half of it.

“Can we take the rest to go, though? My parents will love it.”

“Sure.” I raise my hand to get the waitress’s attention, and she takes the dessert away with a knowing smile.

“That’s okay, isn’t it?” Sienna gives me an uncertain smile. “Or do you want to take it home to your parents?”

I snicker and shake my head. “My dad thinks sugar is evil, and my mom is always on some kind of diet. If I take that home, I’ll get lectures on gut health and insulin spikes and how high-performing athletes should treat their bodies like a temple at all times. Blah, blah, blah.” I roll my eyes.

“You do have a very nice body.” She blushes and looks to the floor. “Just make sure you treat yourself every once in a while. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, too, you know?” She tucks her hair behind her ear. “I mean, I get and totally admire the discipline it takes to be a top performer in anything. But I just… well, sometimes I wonder if it’s all worth it. I mean, if you seriouslylovefootball more than anything, then you should give it your…” She tips her head. “I was going to sayall, but I don’t know if I mean that.”

I gaze at her, wondering if she even knows where she’s going with this. There’s something so mesmerizing about her face and her voice and?—

“I don’t know if there’s anything in life you should give yourallto. Like… where’s the balance? Life can’t be work all the time. You’ve got to be able to have fun too. And you definitely should be able to enjoy sweet treats.” She winks at me, licking a spot of chocolate off the corner of her mouth.

I watch her tongue move, only just taking in her words.

Balance. Huh.

Yeah. I get it.

Don’t work too hard.

Make sure I have fun.

That’s what I’m doing right now.

I’m having fun, and…

Shit, I can’t even remember when I had this much fun. Since I was old enough to hold a football, the pressure’s been on.

But right here, in this moment… I’ve never felt lighter.

Leaning forward with a smile, I brush my fingers down her arm. “You ready for the next envelope?”

Her eyes sparkle, and it takes everything in me not to kiss her smile.

“You bet I am, Mr. Quarterback.”

The rest of the night is filled with arcade games, a movie, pizza on the hood of my car, and finally a game of catch in the park near my house.

It’s dark by then, so we play near the streetlights.

I go easy on her, only throwing light passes, but she catches almost all of them, laughing and dancing around between throws. She seems drunk on joy, and I could seriously watch her for… shit, I could watch her for forever.

The lights above us make her hair glow, and I swear if angels were real, she’d be one.

Damn, that is so sappy and romantic. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me, but this girl is…

“Thanks for the best date ever.” Our hands swing together as we walk up to her front door.

The compliment makes my chest warm.

---