“No. Because you barged in last weekend. Then pretended to be this sweet and loving boyfriend,” she admonishes me. “Anyway, my father wants you to come. Seems he approves of us. I think he sees me differently with you around. He’s realizing I’ve grown up.” She’s fidgeting again. “But whatever. It doesn’t matter. I’m sure I can tell him you were killed in a freak weightlifting accident or drank a tainted protein shake or something.” She crosses her arms and tries to pull away, almost falling onto the floor in the process. I pull her back into me to keep her from running away.

Tainted protein shake? Where does she get this stuff?

It’s dangerous to play house with her again. Plus, let’s face it, I’m not exactly ‘dinner party’ material. But it took a lot of courage for her to ask me. After everything we’ve shared tonight, I can’t stomach the idea of saying no to her.

“I’ll come.” My response is curt.

“What?” she asks, somewhat shocked. I don’t think she believes me.

“I said I’ll come. After all, what are friends for?” I keep my voice light, giving her a little reassuring squeeze. “But I have my own favor to ask too.” I take a deep breath before I ask, wondering how much I’m going to regret this. “I’ll come to your dinner this weekend if you come to my game next weekend. It’s family night.”

“Family night?”

I don’t think she’s ever been to a college sports game, so I shouldn’t be surprised she doesn’t know what a family night is.

“Yeah, it’s when the families of all the players come. We each have a reserved section. Mine’s always empty because, you know, orphan.” I’m glib, trying to downplay the whole thing in case she says no.

I’ve had three years of empty stands. The only person who’s ever bothered to come see me play is Devin. It was the same in high school. For the most part, I’m used to it. I don’t really think about it anymore. But it wouldn’t suck having Elizabeth up in the stands cheering for me. She doesn’t answer and I get nervous.

“Since you crashed our party last week, my teammates have been pretty fucking annoying. It would get them off my back if you were there.” This has nothing to do with the guys. The pricks haven’t said shit about my family—or lack of one—since I threatened to fuck James’ mom freshman year.

“Okay,” is her soft reply.

“Okay?” I’m not able to hide the excitement in my voice.

“Yeah. I’ll come. It’s a date.” She catches herself and tries to backpedal. “I mean, not a date date. Obviously. I just mean, I’m in. It’s a deal. A plan.”

“Deal.”