“Well, she’s beautiful and smart and funny.” I smiled just thinking about her. It took months for me to work up enough nerve to ask her out. We’d hung out a bunch of times, but it was always with our group of friends. Tonight, it would be just us. I grabbed a blanket from the front closet and was met with my father’s raised eyebrows. “It’s for the picnic. This is our first date. You don’t have to worry about that.”

“Take some bug spray and at least one flashlight. And make sure your car is gassed up.”

“If we can’t find anything to do after we eat, we’ll just come back here and watch a movie. That’s okay, right?”

“Of course. I’ll even make myself scarce.” He used the dishtowel as a cape and pretended to vanish like a magician behind it. He held it up and ducked behind the kitchen island as it floated down to the counter, giving the appearance that he disappeared. I was impressed but also appalled that he might try to be this cheesy tonight.

* * *

“This is yummy. Your dad is a good cook,” Parker said, taking another bite of chicken salad on a croissant. She wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin from Taco Bell I found in the glove compartment of my car. I remembered everything for our date except napkins. We were sitting on a bench in Tilly’s Park. It had rained when I was driving to pick up Parker so the romantic picnic I planned fell apart. I knew Parker was nervous being out in the open so I found a bench tucked away from the road. Discretion was a must and I didn’t care. She wanted to go out with me and that meant everything.

“My dad is amazing.” I meant it. If the assistant principal gig didn’t work out, he could start the catering business my mother never had the chance to get off the ground.

“Tell me about your mother.” Parker’s smile was gentle and encouraging. I missed talking about my mom.

“She used to read to me every night. Even if I was mad at her. I pretended I wasn’t listening, but I clung to her every word. She had all these great voices and acted out each part. She was wonderful.” I smiled at my memories. I was fortunate that I still had them.

“Did she support you playing sports?”

“She loved it because I loved it. She hated when I got knocked down, but honestly, it didn’t happen that much. I think she would have a hard time watching me play high school football though. Pop Warner was hard enough for her.”

“So how long have you been playing?” she asked.