him in the ribs and whisper, “Not so many f-bombs.”
He makes a face, waving a hand and dismissing my words. “Baby, we’ve been dropping f-bombs all night. Your dad included.”
I wouldn’t know, considering my father is sitting on the other side of Eli, with Jake on the other side of our dad, and they’ve been putting their heads together and chatting about the game the entire night. Autumn is sitting next to me, but she’s barely talking to me either. She’s too wrapped up in every single thing Ash does on the field.
By the time the game’s over, it’s past ten, I’m totally exhausted and we still have to wait for Ash to come around so we can all congratulate him on his game. Pretty sure Autumn is going home with him afterward, and I wonder what that’s like, realizing our parents know exactly why she’s leaving with her boyfriend because she’s headed straight home to eagerly get naked with him. Do our parents care? Does that freak them out? Does Autumn care? Is she afraid to feel their judgement?
It’s kind of a trip to consider. Yet something that doesn’t seem to faze my sister in the least.
Well, she is almost four years older than me, and way more mature. I’m still practically a juvenile compared to her, while she’s a full-blown adult.
God, even in my thoughts I sound young. Immature. With no knowledge whatsoever. Maybe I’m just tired. And over being at this game. A little bent out of shape over my boyfriend seeming to have more fun with my father than he is with me tonight.
This is what I wanted, right? For my boyfriend to receive my parents’ approval. It’s important to me, having them like him. I know it’s important to him too. I should be happy. Thrilled that they’ve seemed to embrace him so easily, especially after what happened last weekend. My father was ready to banish him forever, and now he’s acting like Eli is one of his long-lost sons. Even Jake has begrudgingly spoken to him throughout the game tonight, though always with reluctance and a heavy dose of attitude.
I sort of hate what Mom said earlier. I know she’s just watching out for me, but now she’s put all sorts of doubt in my head. Doubt I don’t want to focus on.
But I can’t help but focus on it. It’s all I can think about.
We wait around after the game finishes for what feels like forever, until finally Autumn returns to us, bringing Ash with her. He slings his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in close, dropping a kiss on her forehead. She beams up at him, her hand resting on his chest, and I can just tell. Despite the fact they’ve been together for three years, that they started out as a high school romance, they’re still madly in love. It makes me want what they have.
With Eli.
But can we stick?
“It’s good to see you guys,” Ash says in greeting to us, and we all take turns giving him a hug. He embraces me close, and I can’t help but think he smells amazing.
Not better than my boyfriend though.
“Who’s the guy?” Ash asks me, his voice a low rumble.
“That’s my boyfriend.” I wave Eli over and he approaches, trying his best to look cool. Like he’s not completely starstruck by Ash. Which is funny considering how comfortable he is around my dad, and he’s a way bigger star than Ash. “Eli Bennett, this is Asher Davis.”
They shake hands, Eli with a giant smile on his face. “So great to actually meet you. I played against you my sophomore year when you were a senior, and you kicked our asses.”
“Really?” Ash laughs. “Who do you play for?”
“The Mustangs.”
“Oh.” Ash takes a step back, assessing him before his gaze cuts to mine. “What the hell, Ava? Dating the enemy?”
“I know, right?” Jake slaps Ash’s shoulder, like they’re bros in this situation. Ash glares at him before returning his attention to me.
“You must really like this guy if you’re willing to date a Mustang,” Ash drawls.
Eli stiffens, his expression turning to stone. “We try not to let that rivalry bullshit divide us.”
Ha! It’s been the biggest problem with our relationship from the get go. But maybe Eli is changing. I know I’ve tried to let it go. Maybe he has too. The high school rivalry bullshit as Eli called it is dumb. We shouldn’t let that get in the way of what we