“Me too.” Reagan smiled and squeezed Jill’s hand. Jill seemed to relax at that, and she continued stroking Reagan’s hand with her thumb.

The announcer began player introductions for the visiting Pistons. The small amount of Detroit fans cheered for their team amongst a fair number of boos from the home crowd. As he announced the starting lineup for the Pacers, Reagan and Jill stood, but neither let go of the other’s hand. Reagan let out a yell as the first two players were introduced. She looked over to Jill who just watched with little emotion. She nudged her shoulder and gestured with her free hand to the court as Myles Turner was announced. Jill shook her head then let out the loudest whistle Reagan had ever heard. She winced playfully before squeezing her hand and saying, “That’s more like it.”

Jill just smiled.

After the introductions, Reagan reluctantly let go of Jill’s hand as the National Anthem played. They watched the first few minutes of the game in relative silence. A groan at a missed shot. A small cheer at a great block. The crowd’s initial energy made it a little too loud for conversation unless Reagan wanted to shout at her. And she didn’t think that would go over very well.

As a TV timeout started, she leaned over and asked, “Want a beer?”

“Sure.”

“Any particular kind?”

Jill shrugged. “Surprise me.”

Reagan grinned. “My pleasure,” she said, kissing Jill’s cheek. “Be right back.”

She jogged up the steps to the concourse and scanned the area for the closest concession stand—and spotted a souvenir cart. Remembering the picture in Jill’s apartment, she decided to make a quick purchase. After all, she said to surprise her.

After paying for all the goodies, Reagan balanced the tray of beer and two hot dogs in one hand, while holding a bag to her side. As she approached their row, she was relieved to see that Jill was paying attention to the game and not on her phone. She pounded her fist on her knee as Brogdon missed a three. Reagan grinned at the cuteness and vowed to take Jill to more games in the future.

She shuffled down the row before taking her seat. She handed the tray to Jill, sliding the bag underneath her seat.

“What do you have there?”

“Don’t worry about that right now. It’s time for dinner,” she replied as she took the two beers out of the tray and put them in the cup holders. “Hot dog?” She hoped Jill wouldn’t scoff at the idea of eating one. “Sorry, it’s not a fancy dinner or anything. I can go get you something else.”

“Hand it over, Reagan,” Jill replied as she extended her hand. Jill surprised her by unwrapping the hot dog and taking a bite, licking ketchup and mustard off the corner of her mouth.

“Good?”

“Mmm, delicious.”