Page 39 of Zone Protection

“Now, see, why can’t the rest of you say that? Y’all just walked in without saying hello and sat down, waiting on me to serve you.”

“Hey now, Boss. I came right over to you and said hello properly.” Beck winks at her.

“Yeah, we all saw that, dickhead,” Casey snipes.

Charlie giggles. “Okay, I mean, except for Beck.”

Since no one is making a move, I grab the spatula that’s sitting next to the pan and scoop some lasagna out and onto my plate. Leaving the spatula in the dish, I move to the salad, and with the tongs, I drop some bunny food into the bowl at my place setting. Then I hand it to Pitz on my left.

I sprinkle some cheese on the top, then add some dressing to my salad. I practically shove the food in my mouth, anxious to get to Emma now.

“Bro, Arch, you in a hurry?” Beck asks.

I chew and nod.

“Where you going?” he asks.

After swallowing, I say, “You my mom or something?”

“But seriously, Arch, where have you been?” Casey lifts his chin to me.

Liam clears his throat and has a smirk on his face, seemingly in a better mood than he was in the locker room.

“Well, King, if you must know, it takes some maintenance to look this good. I need to get my balls waxed every two weeks, and then I need to check in with my barber on the regular to trimmy hair and beard. Then I work out, which you would know if you came to the gym more.”

“Hey! I’m there every day, same as you.” Casey points at me.

“Right, right. And then I have class and practice. But since we’re asking about my whereabouts, where have you been spending time, King?”

“Yeah, Case, where have you been lately?” his sister asks him with a smirk on her face. “We all know where he’s been. He’s with Noelle probably as much as I’m with Beck.”

“You know what? I don’t have to answer to any of you. Y’all suck.” He throws down his napkin, laughing.

Everyone laughs and keeps talking. They chatter about the movie they’re going to watch and what kind of candy Charlie bought. Casey asks her to keep some stashed for us and not give it all out, so we can have some after the game.

With my last bite shoved in, I stand and pick up my plate. After I finish chewing and swallow, I check to make sure the dishwasher is dirty, and then I rinse and load my dishes.

“All right, fellas and Chuck, I’m out. Have fun tonight.” I get a water bottle out of the refrigerator.

They all say goodbye as I leave the kitchen.

I grab one of my baseball hats from the hooks by the front door and put it on. Then I pull my keys out of my front pocket and pull the door open.

I get into my truck and text Emma.

Archie: You need anything before I get there?

Emma: I’m good. See you soon.

The streets are starting to get busy with kids and college students alike all dressed in costumes. It makes me smile when I see a little boy dressed in a Walker football uniform and he’s wearing my name and number, so I honk and wave.

I wonder if we’ll have a boy or a girl. I’m good with either, but my family is largely male. Even on my mom’s side, she’s the only girl, so chances are high that we’ll have a boy. I wonder if Emma has a preference.

When I pull up to her building, I see her roommates walking out. All three are dressed up in a glittery bikini top under a vest, bottoms under silver chaps, white cowboy hats with rhinestones on the band, and white cowboy boots on their feet.

I grab my water out of the cupholder and step out of my truck. “Ladies.” I nod at them. “Let me guess. Space cowgirls?”

“OMG, no way did you guess that on the first try! I told you it was too easy,” Mia whines.

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