Page 23 of Scoring Chances
“Sure I did. They're made for you.”
“Just let him,” Maddie insists.
Cassidy blushes and I wonder if a guy’s ever bought Cassidy anything.
Am I the first?
Why does that thought make me so happy?
Chapter 7
Cassidy
“Well, look who the cat dragged in?” Ryker says, pulling the door open to his house.
House is the choice word here. It’s a mansion. All of these players live in homes five times the size of the house I grew up in.
My phone goes off in my hand, and I look to see Lillian’s name lighting up the screen. I silence it. Telling myself I’ll call her back. She’s probably checking in about girl’s night tonight.
Keelan grabs Ryker’s neck and pulls him into a hug. “Ry… this is my friend, Cassidy.” The man is massive in person. I've seen him play plenty of times on TV but standing in front of him, I notice just how big he is.
Keelan may be tall, but Ryker is built.
I give him a small wave, hoping he doesn't notice how awkward I feel to be showing up here. And dressed like this. It's just not me.
Ryker gives Keelan a look before turning to me with an outstretched hand. “Hi, Cassidy. Nice to meet you. You're helping Hicks with the kids this summer, right?”
I nod. “That’s me.”
Another silent exchange between Ryker and Keelan.
“You going to let us in?” Keelan asks.
“Oh,” Ryker steps aside and motions for me to enter. He leans in to Keelan as he walks by, and I hear him whisper, “What are you doing?”
Keelan replies with a coy, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Before taking my hand and leading me through the house to the outdoor area.
The party is decorated with giant palms and colorful tropical flowers. There’s a balloon arch that weaves around the entire backyard area. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many balloons in one place and… omg is that an actual parrot?
One of the Heatwave players, Zane O’Connor, is chatting with someone, a beautiful grey parrot is perched on his shoulder like he’s some kind of hockey-playing Captain Morgan.
I catch a glimpse of a woman with long dark hair wearing a bright pink tropical dress and sporting the cutest belly.
“Iz!” Keelan waves to her and she looks around at the sound of his voice. She smiles and waddles to us, discreetly looking at me briefly as she approaches.
“What’s up, Kee! What do you think? Rina did pretty great, didn’t she?”
Keelan’s smile doesn’t waver. “She did. Only the best for my little sis.” He squeezes her and her eyes glide over to me.
“And you must be…”
“Cassidy,” I reach to shake her hand and she pulls me into an unexpected hug. “Oh!”
“We Landry’s aren’t handshakers,” Keelan explains.
She lets me go and looks me over. “Gosh, you are just so gorgeous.”
“Oh… thank you,” I say, brushing my hair behind my ear nervously.