Old Enough to Love... (Just One of the Guys) by Kristi Pelton Page B

definitely cross country. I needed to make adjustments.
    Mom said I could go watch the football game if I got my chores done. Ryan and Zach had to be at the school early, so I worked hard and fast.  By the time Dad got home, I’d washed, dried and folded three loads and put my own stuff away.  The dishwasher was empty and, because Mom had a late night, I’d talked Dad into grabbing something at the game. He agreed. Thank goodness.  I left the trash for Ryan and I was good to go.
    I changed and threw on my AHS sweatshirt and a pair of ripped jeans, one of Zach’s favorites, dabbed on some perfume and headed out.              
    Dad and I picked up Ali and arrived shortly before kick-off. Zach was number eighteen and I spotted him immediately. The band was playing the school fight song and the cheerleaders were doing their thing on the track in front of the stands. Looking as great as ever with her mile-long legs sticking out from under her short uniform, Estelle flashed me a lazy smile.
    Though Ryan had played football for as long as I could remember, I’d never been as psyched about games as I was now. About two minutes before half, we had the ball. Ryan took the snap, handed it off to Zach and he rammed through the center for a touchdown.  I screamed, of course, like a maniac. His first touchdown of the year. I was so proud. He was at the bottom of a dog pile getting up way too slow for my liking. Finally, the guy on top of him, rolled off—he pounced up, tore off his helmet and body slapped Ryan.  He searched till he found me in the stands and pointed at me. Ali nudged me in the side. 
    “You are so lucky.”
    I pointed back at him doing my own little victory dance and his smile sparkled from the field. My dad glanced at me and rolled his eyes then took a seat with his buddies.              
    “Hey Mr. Hendricks.” I heard the voice. People were everywhere but I knew that voice addressing my dad. 
    “Hellooo Gorgeous!” The voice was behind me and deep. I spun around, nearly losing my balance on the bleachers, but he caught me. “Whoa, easy Runt,” he said.
    “Austin!” I threw my arms around his neck. “What are you doing here?”
    “Oh, some buddies and I came down to watch your brother kick some ass.”  He shot his thumb in the direction of four other guys. College guys.  They were hot and the girls in the stands were checking them out.
    “He’s doing great,” I bragged.
    “Austin. How’s it going?” My dad stepped up a bleacher and shook his hand.
    “It’s good. We made the trip down from Eugene to watch Ryan.”
    “How was the drive?”
    Leave it to my dad to ask about the drive.
    “It was fine. Do you all want to catch some dinner after the game?”
    My dad eyed me and nodded. “Sure. Em and I haven’t eaten at all and I’m sure Ryan will be famished.”
    My spirits sunk as he spoke. It was my evening with Zach. Austin was a family friend and I didn’t think I’d get out of it. I turned around to see Ali glaring at me with her jaw clenched. Then I spotted Zach on the sidelines—unnecessary questions in his eyes. I winked but wasn’t sure he could see.
    “You know. You could introduce me,” Ali seethed through gritted teeth.
    I laughed. “He’s a college freshman, you dork.”
    “I know! I recognized the name. Introduce me, please.”
    Austin was engrossed in trivial conversation with my dad so I waited. Finally, they broke.
    “Hey, Austin. I was kind of rude earlier and didn’t introduce my friend, Ali.” I pointed to her. “Ali, this is Austin.”
    Ali extended her hand. He shook it. The corners of my dad’s lips twisted into a smile.
    “Nice to meet you Ali. Em’s mentioned you. You are more than welcome to join us for dinner as well.”
    Great. Austin was flirting and Ali would be in love in two seconds.
    “OK. Thanks,” She whispered and stared.
    I turned back around. “OK, Ali. Just casually turn your body back toward the game and