“No, Kate. I’m not going to make an ass of myself in front of those bimbos. I told you that he’d have all kinds of pretty girls after him. It just happened faster than I had anticipated. I never dreamed he’d be such an athlete. Let’s go home,” added an obviously dejected Gwen as she started down to the exit.
In order to leave the stands, they had to descend down almost to the playing field, then turn and go out a runway under the bleachers. Gwen was just beginning to make the turn when she heard her name called. Surprised, she looked over her shoulder to see Steve standing near the bleachers. He was looking directly at her and pretty much ignoring all the well-wishers around him. Gwen felt hands push her toward the railing. Her feet seemed to move on their own accord as she shuffled up to the railing and looked down at Steve.
Steve smiled, reached up and grabbed the rail and vaulted up so he stood on the platform near Gwen, with the handrail between them. Those fans that had been headed for the exits all seemed to stop, and suddenly became very quiet.
“I’m going to need directions to your house so I can pick you up for the dance tomorrow night, Gwen. What time should I get there? What’s your phone number? You aren’t going to back out on me, are you?” quizzed Steve as a beautiful blonde girl suddenly stepped up to him and hugged him tightly over the railing.
“Give me your number and I’ll get you all of Gwen’s information. I’m her sister, Lisa, and you’ve made my day. Look at all of those cheerleaders with their mouths hanging open,” whispered Lisa directly into Steve’s ear. “You be good to Gwen. She’s really, really smart about a lot of things, but she’s new to this. Please don’t hurt her.”
With that, Lisa stepped back and declared, “Kate, you weren’t kidding. Gwen’s new boyfriend is a hunk! It makes me wish I was three years younger. Steve, can you ride back to Sparta with us, or do you have to ride the team bus?”
“Coach wants us to ride the bus. Otherwise, I’d take you up on that offer, Lisa,” replied Steve as he placed his hands on the noticeably silent Gwen’s elbows and smiled. “Thanks, Gwen, for giving in and letting me take you to the dance.”
Gwen felt like she was in a dream. Who knew how many people had just listened to the star quarterback practically beg her for a date! Steve’s hands on her arms made her skin tingle where he touched her. She saw Lisa hand Steve her phone and he punched in some numbers and returned it to Lisa.
“Thanks for coming to the game,” added Steve as he bent close to Gwen. “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Call me with the time.”
Steve turned and stepped back down to the field and trotted past the stunned cheerleaders and headed for the showers. Gwen felt hands turn her around and gently push her toward the exit. As she walked, she once again became aware of her surroundings. Lisa held her hand and was smiling like the cat that ate the canary. Her mother and Kate were right behind them, laughing and chatting with fellow fans. Gwen began to catch parts of the conversations going on around her.
“That kid sure took the school by storm!” laughed Ralph Smith, president of the local bank, as well as father of Tyler Smith, the team’s starting tight end. “He plays quarterback like a pro, and then sweet talks the school’s prettiest girl into going to the dance with him tomorrow. I’d better keep an eye on this boy or he’ll have my job before Christmas!”
“Paula, did you see the look on the faces of all the cheerleaders when that boy made a beeline for Gwen? It was so funny to watch, even though my daughter, Dawn, is one of the cheerleaders,” added Dorothy Fields. “This just might help curb that entitlement attitude the girls have developed. The team quarterback going out with the class valedictorian! That is just priceless!”
The ride home was one of the best trips the family had ever experienced. All four Anderson women were laughing as they recounted various incidents that had seen and heard at the game. Gwen had been nervous and embarrassed, but the absolute joy her family felt was infectious. She couldn’t help smiling as she recalled the way Steve spoke to her and the reactions it created.
“Gwen, I have to admit I had some serious doubts about Kate’s evaluation of your boyfriend, but I’ve got to tell you, he’s the real deal. Maybe you didn’t notice, but I hugged him while you were in your trance. I didn’t want to do it, but I had to make the arrangements for your date and you sure weren’t helping. Boys do like girls that don’t talk too much, but take my advice and speak to him once in a while, okay?” chuckled Lisa. “So anyway, when I hugged him, it was like wrapping my arms around a piece of steel and squeezing, except way better! He’s tall, dark, very handsome and what a body!”
“I can’t wait for the dance tomorrow night,” added Kate. “I just want to see the faces of everyone when they see my sister with the best looking guy in the place. Maybe he’ll dance with me a few times. You won’t mind, will you, Gwen?”
“Please don’t get all carried away, Lisa and Kate. Steve was nice to me today. I admit that it made me feel pretty darn good. But he isn’t my boyfriend. You saw how those girls looked at him. What are my chances of keeping him interested for more than a week or two? I never had a boyfriend, let alone one like Steve. I’m not good at playing games, and using sex to keep him isn’t even on the table. I’m not going to take a chance on ruining my reputation, or my future over some boy,” insisted Gwen.
“Gwen, sex should never be used to control a partner, so I can’t argue with that attitude. But it doesn’t have to ruin your reputation, or your life, if you’re mature and responsible,” counseled Paula. “It can be a wonderful experience that adds to your life and relationship. It should never be used for revenge, control, or anything else really, except love.”
“Thanks, Mom!” quipped Kate. “I think I’m in love with Gwen’s boyfriend. Can he spend the night with me?”
“You know the answer to that one, young lady! We will not be having any young men spending the night with any of our daughters before they are married to them. Believe me, your father will see to that,” added Paula.
While Paula and her two younger daughters had been talking, Lisa had been active on her smart phone. Suddenly she burst into laughter.
“Gwen, I just texted your boyfriend with all of your information. I’m just not sure if you’re a B cup or a C cup? I don’t want to mislead the guy, but he needs to know. So which is it, Gwen?” quizzed Lisa.
“Mom! Lisa can’t do that!” cried Gwen. “Nice girls don’t tell guys their bra size. Now he thinks I’m some kind of desperate slut. Thanks a lot, Lisa!”