My phone buzzed then, and I looked down to find a text.
It was from Dare.
Secret Boyfriend: Here yet?
I typed and sent my reply.
Me: Yeah…feeling pretty out of place though.
Secret Boyfriend: Ah, don't feel like that.
Yeah, I thought, like it was that simple.
Secret Boyfriend: You're like soccer royalty—well your dad is. And you're here to cheer me on, so you have that in common with a lot of the girls here :).
Looking up into the stands, I did notice there were quite a few girls present. But I rolled my eyes at what he'd sent.
Me: Yeah right. Like they're all here for you.
His reply was instant.
Secret Boyfriend: Jealous, flower?
Me: NO!!! No way. I'm just amazed by your huge ego.
Secret Boyfriend: That's what she said ;).
My mouth gaped.
Me: You did not just say that!
Secret Boyfriend: No, I typed it ;). Been watching too much of The Office recently. Hilarious.
I huffed.
Me: Smartass. Also, what's up with all the winky faces? What are you? A 12-year-old girl?
Dare's reply was full of over-confidence and definitely meant to stun. The worst part was I could picture him saying every word.
Secret Boyfriend: I'm all man, flower. As I'm sure you know. You're lucky your dad's standing here. If he wasn't, I'd send you a picture of the abs you love so much.
My fingers hovered over the keypad, but I couldn't formulate a response.
Good thing Dare didn't seem to need one.
Secret Boyfriend: Did I shock you?
I forced my fingers to move and sent a quick reply.
Me: No, I just didn't know what to say in the face of such arrogance.
Secret Boyfriend: I can't see you, but I know you're blushing.
My hand moved to my cheek, and I bit my lip. How the heck did he know these things?
Me: Shouldn't you be getting ready for the game?
Secret Boyfriend: I should be…just wanted to make sure you actually came.
I blinked.
Me: I said I would.
Secret Boyfriend: People say a lot of things, flower.
I didn't have time to formulate a response as another text came through.
Secret Boyfriend: But yeah, I better go. Stop distracting me, Pam.
My heart warmed at The Office reference, but I had to get him back for that joke he'd made.
Me: Good one, Dwight. Now onto phase three.
Secret Boyfriend: Ugh, seriously? I'm so obviously Jim.
Me: Nope, I'm now changing your contact since you won't give me your real name.
Secret Boyfriend: You're killing me, flower.
Me: Good luck today, Dwight!!! Try to kick the ball and score some goals!
He sent a frowny-face emoji in response.
Pocketing my phone, I lifted my head, knowing I was smiling but unable to stop. I scanned for a good place to sit, one that was preferably away from everyone else because they all seemed to be in groups. Alone as usual, I thought. Not that that was always a bad thing.
I started walking up the steps, was headed to the back of the stands, when I heard someone call my name.
"Hey, Vi!" I spotted Estelle waving me over. "Come sit here! I saved you a seat."
Saying "excuse me" to the fans I passed, I made my way to the spot she'd chosen. It was a good one, half-way up the stands and at the end of a row so we could easily get in and out.
"Thanks," I said, taking the seat beside her. "I didn't even know you'd be here."
"Of course," she said. "Jovonte's playing. Love watching him and his team kick some butt. This is J's grandma. Gigi, this is my friend Viola."
I looked past her and shook hands with the lady sitting there. Her white hair was pulled back into a bun. There were laugh lines and wrinkles etched into her mahogany face. She didn't look a day over 60, but I could tell by the way that she moved there was a bit of age in her bones.
"Nice to meet you," I said.
"Likewise," she said back. "Do you know my grandbaby?"
"We all have Lit together."
"Oh well, isn't that nice. He's going places my boy. I've never missed a game," she said proudly. "Are you here to see J, too?"
"Oh no," Estelle cut in, laying a hand against my arm. "This is Dare's girlfriend, Gigi. Viola only has eyes for him."
Clenching my teeth, I sent her a tight smile. "Thanks for that, Estelle."
She winked, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "You're very welcome," she said.
"Oh, I love that boy! It's so good to finally see someone here cheering for him. But I didn't know Dare had a girl," Gigi said, examining me again.
I blushed. "It's a fairly new development," I said.
She nodded like she'd come to a decision. "You seem nice. Dare's a little rough around the edges, but he's got a heart of gold. I think you two will suit just fine."
I returned the nod, and all three of us watched as the team jogged onto the field. I saw Dare run out first, as if he were the leader, followed by Tyson, Jovonte and the others. The coaching staff came next with my dad bringing up the rear. He always put his guys first, I thought with a smile.
Dare searched the stands, and when his eyes landed on me, they lit up like Christmas morning. He lifted his chin in greeting.
Man, how could any girl resist that look?
"Well, he's obviously happy to see you," Estelle whispered.
I shook my head in denial. "No, he's probably just excited since this is the season opener."
"Oh yes," she said. "That must be it."
I gave her major side-eye for all the sarcasm, and she lifted her hands.
"Okay, okay, I'll drop it." She
