Wrecked (Clayton Falls) - By Alyssa Rose Ivy Page 0,32

even two.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s too young. Does he like junk food and crowds?”

I laughed lightly. “Yes, I guess so.”

“If you’re not working Friday, would you guys want to come to Clayton Falls? It’s the first home game I’m coaching.”

“Come to your game? That’s the date you want?”

“I’ll take you both out for ice cream afterward.” I could picture him smiling as he said it.

“Even if you don’t win?”

He laughed. “We’ll win, but either way you two get ice cream.”

I thought about it. Noah might like the game, and I’d get Mel to come. I missed Friday night football games. My brother played and I was at every game. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good. Enjoy the rest of your time at home.”

“I’ll try. Have a good weekend.”

“Whoa. Not so fast. You’ll try? Don’t you like visiting home?”

Great. Why did I have to say that? “Maybe I just miss you.”

He laughed. “I know that’s a complete lie, but I’ll pretend it isn’t. Good night, Emily.”

“Good night, Jake.”

I hung up and replaced the phone beside me. I was far too antsy to sleep. I peeked in at Noah. He was peaceful and sleeping away. I went back to my bed and lay awake. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamed of Jake—again.

Chapter Fifteen

Jake

I’m not sure why I invited them to the game. I could have come up with a better suggestion, but at the time it seemed smart. I knew the kid was young, but most boys liked watching sports, right?

Texting Emily had been an impulse—but calling took a lot more nerve. I never chased girls. They either came to me, or I forgot about them. Of course, there was the stupid thing I did to Ben and Molly, but that had more to do with jealousy than trying to get a girl. Maybe I was delusional, but sitting back and waiting was usually a good plan. I’d never had a problem getting girls, and I’d never played their games. That was for pathetic guys who were desperate. Maybe I was desperate.

Emily wasn’t going to come to me. If I wanted her, I was going to have to do the work. It may have taken a few days, but eventually I realized I liked her too much to stay away. My biggest worry was that she wouldn’t want me around Noah, but that was for her to decide. I had to at least try.

As soon as she said my name, I knew it was worth the effort. I had to see her again. The question was how I was going to convince her of the same thing.

I hung up with her on a mission. She said she might come to the game. If she did, I’d have to make sure I made the right impression. I had no idea how to make that happen. I needed advice, and there was only one person I wanted to ask. I only had one female friend, and she was back in Boston finishing up law school.

Becca picked up on the first ring. “Hey, Jake. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. Did I wake you up?” I glanced at my watch. It was eleven thirty, still early for a Friday night.

“Nope. We’re up.”

I heard some mumbling in the background. I laughed. I’d definitely woken Gavin up. I had no problem with that. There was no love lost between her boyfriend and I, but he made her happy.

“Good.”

“How are you feeling? I’ve been so worried.”

“I’m fine. Thanks for the flowers and card, by the way.”

“Of course. I wish we could have been there.” I didn’t doubt it. Becca really cared.

“It’s fine.”

“Okay. So what’s going on?”

“I need girl advice.”

“Really? Ohh, this is going to be so good. Hold on a sec.” She tried to muffle the phone but I heard her talking to Gavin. “I don’t want to keep you up. I’ll go talk in the other room.” I’m guessing he said something like, “don’t take too long,” because she continued, “Jake’s never asked for girl advice, I have to talk to him.”

I heard her moving around, and waited as patiently as I could.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

“What exactly did you need to get ready?”

“A sweatshirt and a glass of water.”

“Okay…because that’s not random.”

“Do you want to make fun of me, or do you want advice?”

I could practically see her glaring at me. “Advice.”

“Good. Now what’s up? Who’s the lucky girl?”

I sat back against the couch. “Her name’s Emily, and she’s incredible. Absolutely, incredible.”

“Incredible meaning the sex is good or…”

“Seriously? That’s the