Chapter 20: Tasha

Milton parked the car with a sigh, glancing over at me. "You ready?"

"Yeah," I said, though my nerves betrayed me. "But I still think I'm going to end up looking away as soon as the game starts."

Milton chuckled. "You'll be fine. It's not as bad as you think."

I stepped out of the car and followed him toward the stadium entrance. The sounds of cheers and whistles in the distance made my stomach churn, but Milton's steady presence calmed me.

He grabbed my hand as we made our way down the bleachers to our seats. The green grass glistened under the intense stadium lights, almost blinding.

"Kyle wanted us to sit here," Milton said, settling in beside me. "He said it's the perfect angle so he can spot me."

The fond smile on his face made me grin. "You two are so cute."

Milton nudged me playfully. "You're gonna find someone someday and be all lovey-dovey too."

"Yeah," I murmured, watching the team jog onto the field for warmups. My eyes immediately found Emmett, and as if he sensed it, he looked right at me.

Our eyes locked, and he smiled, giving me a small nod. I couldn't help but join in as Milton and Kyle shared a secret wave, though my focus stayed on Emmett.

The game began, and my leg bounced nervously. Emmett seemed fine at first, avoiding tackles and playing with precision. But then he threw a pass to Damien and was immediately slammed to the ground.

I shot up from my seat as the crowd erupted with boos. Kyle helped Emmett to his feet, and relief washed over me when I saw him brush it off like it was nothing.

"See? He's fine," Milton reassured, squeezing my hand.

I nodded, keeping my eyes on the field. As the game went on, I found myself less frightened and more captivated. Emmett moved with such grace and intensity, like he was born for this.

When he ran the ball into the end zone, the crowd roared, and I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. Kyle hugged him, and their grins were contagious.

By the end of the game, the scoreboard read 31 to 20.

"They're going to the playoffs!" Milton cheered, throwing his arms around me.

I laughed, caught up in his excitement. "Yes, they are!"

After the game, Milton insisted we wait by the locker rooms. I checked my phone, glancing at the time.

"Put that away," Milton chided, hands on his hips. "Tonight, you're going to have some fun."

Before I could argue, Kyle appeared, wrapping his arms around Milton's waist and resting his chin on his shoulder.

"I saw you cheering for me, baby," Kyle teased before planting a kiss on Milton's cheek.

I blushed at their open affection.

"You're coming to the party, right?" Kyle asked.

Milton glanced at me. "Of course. We're both going."

"No, no," I protested. "You said we'd be doing something fun like scootering or mini-golf. Not a high school party."

Kyle smirked. "Emmett will be there. It's his party, after all."

"Oh," I said, trying not to sound too eager. "Is he already there?"

"He left with Giana clinging to him," Kyle replied casually.

Milton jabbed Kyle in the stomach, then looped his arm through mine. "We're leaving. Come on."

As we walked toward the parking lot, Kyle's voice carried after us. "Baby, wait!"

Milton rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile.

Thirty minutes later, we stood outside a house that thumped with loud music. Kids were scattered across the lawn, red cups in hand.

"Are they drinking alcohol?" I whispered, appalled.

Milton chuckled, tugging me inside. The house was a chaotic mix of dancing, talking, and making out. The faint smell of smoke made my nose wrinkle.

Milton poured himself a cup of some suspicious-looking concoction. "They've got water if you want," he said into my ear, his voice barely audible over the music.

I nodded, satisfied with drinking nothing at all.

Kyle appeared, kissing Milton on the cheek. "I'm sorry about earlier," he said, loud enough to be heard.

I stayed quiet, feeling out of place. This wasn't my scene. I should've been home, curled up with a book or watching a movie with my dad.

"Hey," a voice said, breaking through my thoughts.

I turned to see Damien, his face lit up with a friendly smile.

"You did great tonight," I yelled into his ear.

His grin widened. "You were there?"

I nodded, but my attention wandered. My eyes stopped on Emmett in the corner, dancing with Giana.

My chest tightened, and a wave of humiliation hit me. I felt stupid for coming.

Without thinking, I grabbed a cup of the strange mix and downed it. It was surprisingly sweet, so I drank another. And another.

"This is so good!" I exclaimed, my words slurring after my third cup.

Milton appeared, steadying me. "You've had enough," he said, taking the cup from my hand.

I nodded, but my eyes stayed fixed on Emmett. He was arguing with Giana now, their movements sharp and heated.

Finally, he stormed off, heading upstairs.

"I'm going to the bathroom," I mumbled to Damien before slipping away.

I pushed through the crowd, past couples making out and the long line for the bathroom. When I reached Emmett's door, I knocked softly. No answer.

I pushed the door open, stepping into the dark room. A figure sat on the bed, hunched over.

"Emmett?" I called out tentatively.

"Pinky?" His voice was low and slurred.

"Yeah, it's me," I said, stepping closer.

He stood, his tall frame looming over me before he pulled me into a hug. His strong arms wrapped around me, lifting me off the floor slightly.

"Are you okay?" I stuttered, caught off guard.

"You smell so fucking good," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

I laughed nervously. "It's probably my vanilla lotion. I could get you a—"

He chuckled, cutting me off. "I like it when you get flustered."

I swallowed hard. "Do you... like me?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The silence was unbearable, and my heart pounded so loud I was sure he could hear it.

"Of course I like you, Pinky," he finally said, his hands cupping my face.

My cheeks flushed as his heated gaze dropped to my lips. Before I could process what was happening, he leaned in, pressing his mouth to mine.

It was my first kiss, and it was everything I'd dreamed of. My stomach fluttered as he deepened the kiss, his hands firm but gentle.

He lifted me, and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist.

"I love you," I whispered, blushing furiously as he carried me toward the bed.

He kissed my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

"I love you, too," he murmured, his voice full of certainty.