Page 12 of The Maverick's Homecoming

“Yeah. I believe he does.”

That surprised her—not that Oscar understood some complex statistical system. But that Finn had taken an interest in Oscar Abernathy. Back in high school, Finn never would have spared a second thought for Oscar—and no, Finn hadn’t been a mean boy. He’d always treated others kindly, with respect. But he’d also been far too wrapped up in his own plans and goals to show much interest in the team water boy.

“Kenzie? You still with me?”

She smiled to herself. “I am right here.”

“So, then. Will you tell me about Oscar?”

“Sure. He’s smart and conscientious, a good guy, observant and kind. His mom died about a decade ago. And he and his dad, Jesse, moved to town recently. You should also be aware that Oscar is autistic, though he’s considered low-support.”

Finn responded cautiously. “Okay…”

“I’ve met with both Oscar and his dad to talk about Oscar’s individual health-care needs.”

“This is sounding very official.”

She laughed but then said seriously, “Because it is. I’m only telling you this because you’re on staff at the high school and Oscar’s welfare is your professional concern. Basically, he might get a bit more overstimulated than other kids, and we’ve established supports for him like the use of headphones and earplugs for loud noises.”

“Got it. And thanks for filling me in.”

“No problem. Honestly, Finn. Oscar gets along well enough with everyone to avoid much attention, so a lot of people in town overlook him. Plus, as I already said, he’s new here. He does seem to be doing pretty well, but as of yet he doesn’t have a lot of friends. I guess what I’m saying is that Oscar doesn’t have a built-in support network here, and he could use someone who appreciates his passions, one of which is football.”

“We have that in common, Oscar and me!”

She smiled at that. “Yes, though I think you’ll find Oscar knows even more than you do.”

“Alright. I look forward to being continually humbled by Oscar’s superior knowledge of the game.”

Dear God in heaven, Finn Monahan could be charming when he wanted to be.

She drew a slow, careful breath and said brightly, “Happy to help.”

“And Kenzie…”

“Hmm?”

“Well, how are you doing—I mean, what with having a baby and all? Are you feeling good, eating right?”

“Oh, Finn. Thanks for asking. Honestly, I am doing great and so is the baby.”

“Well, then. That’s terrific. And now I know that you’re feeling good, there’s just one more thing I need to ask before I let you go.”

“I’m listening.”

“Won’t you please have dinner with me?”

She pressed her lips together in order to keep the wordyesfrom escaping.

He let her silence go on for several painful seconds, then coaxed, “Come on. It’s just dinner. How about Tuesday night? We’ll go to that new steak house.”

She really did mean to sayno. And yet somehow, when she opened her mouth,yesmade a break for it.

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” He sounded so pleased. She could just picture him right now, a cocky smirk on his face, those blue eyes gleaming.

And all of a sudden, she was thrown back in time to their first real date, freshman year. They were both just fifteen and he didn’t have his driver’s license yet. Luckily, the house he grew up in had been only five blocks from hers, and hers happened to be right around the corner from the Silver Spur Café.

When she’d answered the door, he was standing on the welcome mat, his hair slicked back with way too much styling gel. In his right fist, he held a wilted bouquet of wild blanket flowers.