Page 86 of Hometown Halftime

“Maybe he’s having a little too much fun with Coach Malone,” Darren teases.

Silence stretches, then both of them exchange a glance.

Lee points at me. “Wait a damn minute.”

Darren’s eyes widen. “Oh my God.”

I already regret coming here.

“What?” I ask cautiously.

Lee sits forward slowly. “Something happened.”

I choke. “You’re an idiot.”

“That’s not a no!” Darren shouts.

Both of them move closer to the couch like bloodhounds catching a scent.

“What happened?” Lee demands.

“Nothing happened.”

“You look oddly sexually frustrated while also sexually satisfied,” Darren says.

I rub both hands over my face because apparently humiliating me is their favorite hobby now. Then I let it all go.

“Kinsey’s staying at my duplex right now.”

Lee blinks once as Darren slowly lowers his beer. Then both of them shout, “She’s what?”

“It’s just temporary,” I say quickly. “Her apartment flooded. It’s only until they fix everything.”

Lee looks offended. “Okay, hold on. I thought I was just talking you into asking the girl out. I didn’t realize you were gonna skip twelve steps and move in together.”

“We didn’t move in together,” I argue.

Darren points at me dramatically. “That’s exactly what somebody accidentally moving in together would say.”

Lee rinses out his cup, then focuses back on me. “You should’ve updated me on this turn of events.”

“I’ve been busy!”

“Doing what?” Lee asks. “Playing house?”

“We are adults,” I say. “We can hang out as friends.”

Darren drops onto the couch beside me. “So, could there maybe be something there? Has she given you any clues?”

I tug at a loose thread on the couch cushion. “Maybe. We’ve kissed a few times.” I huff out a breath. “I just don’t want to make a big deal out of this. It won’t be anything serious if something happens. I’m going back to school, and she’s way out of my league.”

Darren frowns. “No, she’s not. You’re one of the most talented, caring people I know. No one is out of your league.”

I smack his cheek. “Aw. Thank you, Darren.”

He shoves me. “Shut up. I was trying to be nice.”

Lee looks emotional. “Our boy is growing up.”