Page 19 of The Perfect Game

“Why not get a bigger car or truck? You deserve one that will fit all of you.” Serena looked up at me, her eyes bright with laughter, and I stumbled a bit, catching myself before we both went down.

A bunch of reasons passed through my mind as to why I couldn’t get a different vehicle. “I have to save just about everything I make here for gas and insurance. My dad is very into the idea of being self-sufficient. He bought the truck for me, but I have to take care of the rest. Sort of like a rental, I guess.”

I opened the passenger door for her and then placed the crutches in the bed of the truck. When she was in, I shut the door and hurried around to get behind the wheel. For the first time in a while, I didn’t slam my knee against anything when getting in.

“Your head practically touches the ceiling,” Serena said, laughing. She leaned over and put her hand on my head, flattening my hair. Her touch sent chills through me. “You’ve got an inch or so. How do you even see out the windshield?”

Hunching over, I said, “Like this.” I turned and flashed her a grin.

“If I were you, I’d request something different, citing future scoliosis problems.”

I waved my hand. “Yeah, then he’d just send me to work earlier to get that problem fixed by John.”

Serena laughed even hard than she’d done before, and I matched her, tears sliding out of my eyes because I couldn’t control them.

She directed me to her house, and as we drove down her cul-de-sac, I recognized the area.

“You live by Nate Everton?” I asked as I pulled into her driveway and put the gear in park. I was sad the ride couldn’t be longer.

She unbuckled her seat belt and turned to me. With a nod, she said, “Yeah, he’s lived there since before we moved in, and that’s been about eleven years, I think.”

I chuckled. “Well, that works out because I’m heading over there right now. We’re having a guys’ night.”

“Thank you—for the ride, for listening to me jabber on, for everything,” Serena said, pink tinging her cheeks. “And thanks for making me laugh. I definitely needed it today. Hopefully, you don’t get scoliosis.”

“I think my abs might be sore tomorrow from all the laughing.” I patted my stomach, feeling self-conscious suddenly. I was basically a tall, awkward teen, not someone Serena usually went for with big muscles and washboard abs. “I hope you feel at least a little better. Let me know if I can help you out at all, maybe send a meme when you’re in pain.”

She sat there for a few more seconds, her face relaxed with a slight smile, before pulling the handle on the door.

I shook off the self-doubt and jumped out of the truck and over to her side. One thing my father had always told me was to treat women with the utmost respect. Even if Serena didn’t like me, I hoped she appreciated the little things.

I grabbed the crutches and held out my arm, trying to use every last second to see her before she went inside. She punched in a code on the large garage, and I walked her up to the door, slow enough to let her take one step at a time. I opened the door and helped her through the hall and into the large living room. I’d never seen a room so big in my entire life. Our house was a decent size, but it could probably fit in that space alone.

“This is pretty cool.” I didn’t realize my mouth had been hanging open until she reached up and shut it with her fingers.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that. I’m not home often enough to enjoy it. Some say it’s a perk of being the daughter of a pro football player.” I caught a bitterness in her words and wanted to know more.

After helping her over to the couch, I brought a pillow to elevate her ankle and stood awkwardly before her. “What’s it like having a dad in a professional sport?” My dad was so against me playing baseball that I kind of wondered what it would be like to have a dad who’d made a career out of his sport.”

She gave a short laugh. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be, let me tell you. My parents are never home.”

“They don’t come to your games or anything?”

“Not often.” Her tone told me she didn’t want to share more.

I glanced around, trying to see if there was something I could do for her. “Can I get you anything?”

She shook her head. “No, I think I’ll be good. Thank you again for everything.”

I heard a sound coming from the garage and then the engine of a car. We weren’t doing anything wrong, but I suddenly felt like I needed to hide.

“Should I, um, well, garage or front door?” I stammered, my eyes widening.

She must have seen the panic on my face because she started laughing. By the time she settled down a bit, she didn’t have a chance to say anything as the door opened and in walked who I assumed were her parents. The moment I saw her dad in person, my mouth dropped open once more.

Steve Gates was even bigger than when I’d seen him on TV. No wonder they needed such a large space. He looked like he could toss me through the giant windows at least thirty feet away from where I was standing.

“Serena, you’re home?” the petite blonde said as she dropped her wallet and keys on the counter. The only similarities between her and Serena were the pointed nose and the crystal-blue eyes. All of Serena’s other features matched her father, aside from the height and size.

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