Page 42 of Play For Me

We pull into the athletic complex parking lot and I try not to think about how badly my stomach hurts. There’s a woman standing next to a Jeep parked up near the front door, and I’m pretty sure it’s hers.

“You’re so nervous,” Jay crows. “Ilovethis.”

“I’m regretting bringing you.”

“Nah, I got your back.” He hits my shoulder. “I’ll make sure your girl is comfortable.”

I want to remind him that Cecelia is most definitely not my girl. I also kind of want to punch his face for the suggestive tone he used when he said he’d make her comfortable.

I haven’t even put the car in park and Jay is already jumping out, running over to Cecelia and wrapping his arms around her,lifting her feet off the ground to spin her like a moron. The urge to punch him intensifies.

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself before I have to go greet her. I have a feeling this is going to be a long freaking day.

To my surprise,Cecelia is excited when Jay tells her where we’re going. “A horse ranch?” she asks, eyes bright. “Like, real live horses?”

“Yeah,” Jay says, laughing. “It’s where we grew up.”

“Wow.” Her eyes dart over to me before flicking away again. “That’s pretty cool. I didn’t peg you guys as ranch people.”

That makes me smile. “What are ranch people like?”

“I don’t know.” She looks me up and down in a way that sends heat to my gut. “More cowboy boots, I guess.”

“Sol totally has cowboy boots,” Jay cuts in helpfully. I glare at him, which of course doesn’t stop him in the slightest. “And a hat.”

Cecelia looks delighted. “Do I get to see that this afternoon?”

“Absolutely not,” I mutter, and she laughs. Which makes me feel way too good. “We should probably get going,” I hurry to say. There are several camps scheduled at the ranch today, and I figure if I’m going to start bringing random soccer players to Red’s place, I may as well put some work in.

Jay makes a big deal about letting Cecelia sit shotgun, winking at me in a way I’m sure he thinks is smooth but is, in fact, completely obvious. I’m starting to wonder if bringing him was a big mistake—he’s definitely going to do or say something to completely embarrass me in front of her.

But once we hit the freeway and they start chatting, I relax a little. The two of them have been casual friends since her freshman year, and they know a lot of the same people, making conversation easy. Jay makes sure to drag me into their chat a few times, but I honestly don’t feel left out. Nine times out of ten I find social situations unbearable—it’s nice to just sit here and listen without being on the spot.

I try not to think about how much I like the sound of her voice in my car.

Cecelia and Jay are both big fans of theme parks, and they spend a good chunk of the time talking about their favorite rides. Jay, who loves roller coasters and thrill rides, makes the case that Six Flags is the best park in the area, but Cecelia is adamant that there’s no place better than Disneyland.

“No way,” he groans dramatically. “I thought you were cool!”

“Disneyland is cool!” she argues, laughing at his theatrics as he dramatically buries his face in his hands. “It’s nostalgic, the food is great, everyone is happy?—”

“Except for the two million kids having a complete and utter breakdown.”

“Two million?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at him in the rearview. “You really think twomillionkids can fit in Disneyland?” Cecelia giggles and it feels like I just won a race.

And yes, I know how stupid that is.

“Of course you’re takingherside,” Jay grumbles. “Well, you’re both wrong. Disneyland sucks.”

Cecelia turns in her seat to look at Jay. “How do you not like Disneyland? It’s the most magical place on earth.”

“That’s actually Disney World,” I say without thinking. “Disneyland is thehappiestplace on earth.”

She turns to me, eyebrows raised, and I want to groan. Why did I have to join in on this conversation?

I clear my throat. “I mean. Those are their slogans. For uh, marketing and stuff.”

“How did you know that?”