Page 51 of Third and Ten

“Oh, I wasn’t sleeping, I was just resting my eyes,” he fibs with a mischievous smile.

I laugh and readjust his blanket over him. “Can I get you anything before I head out to Ethan’s game?”

“I’m fine, and I’m sure your mama’s going to take good care of me while you’re out.”

Of course she will. Because she was made for it, unlike me.

“Homecoming game tonight, is it?” he asks after an awkward silence.

“Yes, sir.”

“How was our boy feeling this afternoon?”

“A little nervous, but I think he’s ready,” I answer. “He’s been getting more playing time.”

He fidgets a little in his chair, trying to get comfortable again. “He told me Coach has been working with him on a few new plays this week.”

Ugh.

Can I just stop blushing or feeling a flutter in my stomach every time someone brings JD up in conversation? He’s literally unavoidable at this point.

“Yep.”

“Make sure you tell both Ethan and JD good luck for me.”

“Sure.”

“Tenley,” he begins, his voice weary. “I want you to know that I agree with your mom.”

I take a step back from helping adjust the pillows behind him. “You do?”

“I think you owe it to yourself to give JD a shot. What’s the harm, you know?”

I huff. “For the thousandth time, with everything else I’ve got going on, there’s no time left for dating or relationships.”

He reaches out to grab my hand. “Make time.”

“That’s easy to say, but hard to fix.”

“Then you’d better fix it while you still can,” he replies in a more serious tone, patting our joined hands. “Besides, I’ve always liked that kid.”

“JD?” I ask, trying not to laugh at the thought of him as a “kid.”

“Well, yeah. He’s a hard worker. He’s never minded helping with Ethan. And he’s done a hell of a job with the lawn, don’t you think?”

“Hmm?” I squeak, immediately ready to die of embarrassment. Has my dad been watching our interactions all this time? I expected him to cite JD’s football records as a credential before mentioning his topless grass-cutting services.

He’s still smiling when he continues. “You know, your mom and I aren’t just trying to set you up with a nice guy in the hopes he’ll get you to settle down. JD is young, but he understands some things that you haven’t learned yet, that I had to learn the hard way. Careers and freedom are nice while they last, but they’re only temporary and unfulfilling on their own.”

“Oh,” is all I can say.

“Promise me you’ll think about it, at least?”

“Okay, Dad.” I lean down and press my cheek against his. “I’ve got to go. Love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I debate whether I want to talk to my mom again, but I know I’ll feel guilty if I walk out before settling things. “I’m leaving for the game,” I announce in the kitchen. “Dad’s awake.”

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