Above is a picture of Bailey in case you forgot.

Bailey's POV

I make my way through the line in the cafeteria hoping there will be enough for me. Last time I stood in line for the turkey dinner special they ran out before it was my turn.

However, this time will be different because I ran ahead of everyone when the bell rang. Some people had the same idea as me because when I got in line there were already ten people ahead of me. I can not explain enough how popular this dish is.

My turn finally comes and I watch her, slowly, steadily, carve the turkey. After, placing it on the plate, she adds a scoop of mashed potatoes. Lastly, she takes the gravy and drizzles it across the turkey and mashed potatoes in a zigzag motion.

The lights above shine down on her creating a soft halo around my plate. In the distance I hear soft music playing Mozart and although, this is all in my head the feeling of happiness is all too real.

"Can I have a little extra?" I plead, showcasing my best puppy dog eyes.

The lunch lady looks up at me with a scowl, her face pinching at the eyes as if I did something wrong. The music abruptly stops and the heavens close back up taking my halo with it.

"Bailey, you ask every time and every time I say no. Now get out of line."

At least I tried. I make a beeline to my table and notice everyone is there already. Levi sits next to Dakota and they both sit across from Georgia and Denver.

"Bailey spent half her lunch waiting in line for the stupid special," Georgia comments.

"The turkey dinner special is the closest thing I have to a good home cooked meal!" I tell her.

"Then come over to my place more often," Levi suggests.

"Alright, how about tonight?" I ask.

Levi nods, "It's a date."

Georgia and Denver exchange looks with each other, mouths agape but say nothing. I mean I get it, Levi wasn't someone I was always a fan of but things are slowly changing between us. Since our last fight in the school parking lot our relationship has been better. We even went on a date and I didn't want to kill him. I guess this is what a honeymoon phase of a contracted relationship looks like.

"Hey guys, is it cool if I join?" A voice cuts into our conversation. I look up and nearly drop the plastic spork out of my hands. Standing in front of our table is Jake Butler. Jake is a linebacker and when you look at him it makes sense. He's shorter than Levi but bulkier. His broad shoulders make his body shape top-heavy and his arms struggle to stay inside his thermal.

Most important fact about Jake is that he's the son of the nurse who took care of me when I went to the hospital.

I look over at Levi and he shrugs his shoulders. Why is Jake asking to sit with us?

"Fine by me. Georgia, that cool with you?" Levi asks.

And why is Levi asking Georgia permission to let Jake sit here? Georgia nods but ignores his presence. Jake takes his seat next to Georgia and across from me. His broad shoulders invade Georgia's personal space but she doesn't seem to mind.

"Sorry I'm joining so late. I was waiting in line for the turkey dinner and it took forever," he says.

"So Jake, how's the family?" I ask, nonchalantly, wanting to know if he knows about me being drugged or not.

"Um, good, I guess. Dad works all the time. Everyone booking appointments thinking their symptoms are something more than allergies. It's spring, this happens to everyone this time of year. And mom is fine. Just nursing people back to health."

His mom treated me while I stayed at the hospital but I told her I didn't want the information to get out. I also didn't go to the police because I was drinking and well, I have no proof that Brandon did this to me. At least, not yet.

"So are you guys going to be at the scrimmage after school?" Jake asks the table.

"What are you talking about?" I ask.

"The football game. Because it's oddly warm out, the team is going to play after school. Levi didn't tell you?" No, Levi failed to mention there was a scrimmage after school. I look over at him and notice he's purposely avoiding eye contact with me because there's no way his cheeseburger is that attractive. Under the table, I aggressively nudge him, letting him know he's not off the hook.

"Play who?" Georgia asks. After all the times I dragged her to watch our team play, the poor girl still knows nothing about football.

"Each other. Think of it like a practice game. The team splits in half and plays each other." He informs her.

"I didn't plan on playing tonight because Bailey and I have a date," Levi signals for me to play along, "Remember, our dinner date?"

"We can have dinner any night. I can't watch you play football on any night." I flash a bratty smile at Levi then turn to Jake Jake "We will be there. I can't wait to see Levi play," I look over at him again and bat my eyes. Letting him know that he is not off the hook for this.

"Fine," Levi grumbles.

++++++++

We wade through the soupy, pre-summer air onto a hill near the field. Jake wasn't kidding when he said it was warm outside. I check my phone and it reads, eighty degrees and we're under a tornado watch. Yup, sounds like Wisconsin.

Denver lays the oversized picnic blanket down on the ground and everyone finds their spot. Jackson, who we bribed to come because we need a ride home, lays at the edge of the blanket and takes a nap. Dakota pulls a black umbrella out of his backpack and shares it with Denver. Together they look like a scene out of Sweeney Todd. Georgia and I sit next to them enjoying the sun beating down on us.

Across the field, the bleachers start to fill up with students from our school. Normally, we would sit with them but today we chose the hill so we can gossip about the players without anyone over-hearing and I am dying to know the Georgia and Jake story.

The players warm up on the field and I watch Levi throw the football to another player. I can't help but admire him for doing what he loves although it was pulling teeth to get him on the field. Our argument over texts lasted two periods before he finally gave in, but I know he'll thank me later.

Georgia rolls on to her stomach and plays on her phone as she always does during events she has no interest in. "If you are going to date a football player, you might want to learn how the game works," I nudge her shoulder.

"What are you talking about?" Georgia looks up from her phone, sincerely confused.

Denver pipes in, "Jake likes you. That's why he sat at our table today."

Georgia shakes her head, "Nope. No way. Did you see the way he eats? He talked with his mouth full! Plus he's almost my height. I would be taller than him in heels!"

"Then it's a good thing you don't wear heels. He's a nice guy plus he's friends with Levi so we can double date!" I clap.

"His brother is in jail!" She cries.

"For car theft," I state.

"And being on drugs! Remember, he drove coked-up into Hayley's parent's hair salon?" Georgia exclaims.

It's true. Last year, Jake's brother, Johnny, got high, stole a car and went for a cruise around town. His joyride didn't last long before he crashed into the O'Connor's hair salon, which was closed that day, anyway. No one was injured but Johnny went to jail for it because it wasn't the first time. Hayley was a mess during that time requiring everyone's attention.

"See, perfect example of why you should smoke weed. Weed would never betray you like that," Jackson says.

"Don't judge Jake based on his older brother's character." Denver says.

"Yeah, judge him based on his parent's character, and they're both doctors, so go for it," Dakota joins in.

"But he's not cute. He's too beefy," Georgia shakes her head.

"You're doing that thing again," I say.

"What thing?" She asks.

Georgia always does this thing where she makes up excuses for not changing her lifestyle. She's always preferred hanging out at the farm, her mom's bakery or my house over trying something new or meeting new people. I know, because I've tried multiple times to get her to come to parties with me or to meet new people but she's always refused. At this point the only way she will meet a guy is if he moves into her parent's house or they date online.

"Where you make up excuses because you don't want to step out of your comfort zone! You can't live in your parent's house playing games for the rest of your life," I say.

"I don't plan on playing games at my parents house forever. I'll eventually buy my own house." She replies.

"You are so frustrating sometimes. I'm not saying marry the dude! Just get out of your comfort zone and get to know him." I explain.

Georgia yells over to Jackson, "Aren't you going to do anything about this? Bailey is trying to hook me up with a football player! Where is my overprotective brother?"

"Yeah, no, not one of those dudes. I agree with Bailey. Get out of the house," he states.

"Not really where I was going with that lecture," I mumble.

Georgia continues to yell at Jackson about how he just wants her out so there's more food for him at dinner and how he's probably going to live with their parents longer than she is. I tune them out and watch as the game starts.

Right away, I notice Hunter playing quarterback for the skins. Sweat rolls down his pecs making his bare chest glisten. His hair is pulled back into a ponytail showing off his sharp jawline. And I can't help but stare at his underwear peeking out of his shorts. Whatever angel made Hunter Haywood deserves a raise.

I love football games like these because no one wears protective gear.

Levi plays quarterback for the shirts along with Jake as his linebacker. They are down by one touchdown and the other team has the ball. I'm trying not to feel discouraged. It's been awhile since Levi played, I'm sure he's still a bit rusty.

AnnaMae and Hayley appear in my line of vision and naturally I roll my eyes. This is becoming too frequent for my enjoyment. I remind myself to be nice because I'm trying to make the squad.

"Hey Weasleys," Hayley waves over at the Webers and Denver returns the wave then quickly flips her off.

"Hey, Annie,"  Jackson calls out from the blanket.

"Hey," she mumbles back as the rest of us exchange looks between the two of them. I had no idea they knew each other and he has a nickname for her? This is too strange.

AnnaMae ignores the elephant in the room and changes the subject, "Don't get used to Levi being quarterback. We all know he is just playing the role because we needed a second string to play and he's good at that kind of thing." 

Yup, AnnaMae just made me toss the nice card out the window.

"Oh, I was just going to say the same thing to you because Levi changed his mind and actually does plan on being quarterback next season." I state.

For a quick second I know I caught her off guard because she gives me a genuine wide eyed surprised reaction but quickly readjusts her reaction with a scoff.

"What's your plan?" she asks.

"Excuse me?" I reply.

"Levi doesn't want to be the quarterback. He told me himself. So I have to assume you are behind it. Why do you care so much about who is quarterback? What's in it for you?" she asks.

"Levi does want the position. I just had to remind him that Jack would want him to be quarterback over Hunter."

I stare back into her eyes. Daring her to challenge that statement. I pulled the Jack card against her and it would be rude for her to disagree with a dead person. Especially if that dead person is your ex boyfriend.

AnnaMae steps closer to me, invading both of our personal space. For once she opted out of heels making us eye level.

"I guess we shall see then," AnnaMae Smiles at me but we both know it's not genuine.

"Oh my god. Looks like your guy can't take a hit. He's still laying out on the field," Hayley laughs.

I look past both of them and see Levi laying on his back on the field, not moving.

A gut wrenching pain rolls through me like that feeling you get when you're about to receive bad news. Levi is sprawled out on the field with his arms laying out near his head, the same pose he fell into. I sprint onto the field.

I kneel down next to him trying to examine his state of injury. I push his hair to the side and notice his eyes are shut but his chest continues to expand and contract. Okay, so clearly he's breathing. I take hold of his hand to let him know I'm at his side. He lets out a small groan. "Are you okay?"

Levi opens his eyes and for a split second I can see the fear hiding within, quickly replaced by shock. Yes, I know I'm surprised that I'm here too.

"No, I'm not good enough for this," he whispers. I barely make out his words but he squeezes my hand three times and I know that means he needs me. Our secret handshake was one of the first things we initiated when we started dating. Three squeezes mean I need to get him out of the situation which I would love to but we're kind of in the middle of a game. Levi, you so owe me for this.

More of the football players amble over, wanting to know what the deal is and I don't blame them; we've been in the middle of their field for long enough and they have a game to play. I stand up giving room to a few players to help Levi back on his feet.

Jake asks if he's alright and Levi nods, "Yeah, just got the wind knocked out of me. Still a little rusty."

Now how do I execute Operation Save Levi from this game?

If I ask him to leave, he will have to deny my request to save face. He needs a reason so great that everyone agrees with his departure. The lightbulb goes off.

"He's not playing anymore," I shout.

Every football, including Levi, stop their tracks and turn around. Alright, now that I have their attention there's no going back.

"You going to let your girl keep you from playing?" Devon asks.

"She's just being a worried girlfriend." Levi shrugs it off.

Alright, Levi, you leave me no choice. "Levi Bedford, If you don't get your ass in the truck you can forget about us having sex," I stand on the field with my hands on my hips.

The entire team, and I do mean the entire team, shirts, skins, players on the bench all throw their hands up to their mouths in shock. Some let out a laugh and others gasp. Hunter's jaw hangs as he looks at me in astonishment. I remember Dakota telling me that Hunter doesn't date virgins. This could work to my advantage. If Hunter assumes I'm having sex, he won't see me as a little girl anymore.

Levi stands on the field looking around at the other players. His body is frozen to the ground and I can tell he has no idea what to do.

Jake pushes Levi, "Go. Zach can take over QB. This game isn't worth losing sex over."

The team agrees and joins in with Jake. Everyone is demanding Levi get off the field. Levi's face burns up as he grabs his duffel bag and walks away.

Holy shit. That actually worked.

Dakota's POV

We all watch Bailey run onto the field to find out what happened to Levi like a good girlfriend would.

Georgia walks closer to the action while Denver and I stay back on the blanket with Jackson still passed out behind us. I lower my sunglasses to get a better look.

Bailey points to the truck multiple times and taps her foot, impatiently. Whatever she said won the attention of everyone on the field. Levi is the only person looking around in confusion. The football team is mumbling something but we can't make out anything. Levi eventually throws his hands in the air and heads toward the truck. Bailey let's out a toothy grin as she throws herself onto Levi like arm candy. Her laughs are the only thing that come within earshot of us.

"Uh oh," I sigh.

"What?" Denver looks at me confused.

"Bailey is falling for Levi." I point at the both of them, hand in hand, Bailey resting her head on his bicep, together sauntering toward the truck.

"Oh my god, you're right," Denver lowers her shades to witness the miracle.

Seeing Bailey show affection to Levi is like seeing an eclipse. You've heard of it and you know it's possible but it's not until you witness it that you truly believe it exists.

Bailey hated Levi. She permanently branded him ass-kisser years ago. Every nice thing he did for her she saw as his way to stay in good standing with Jack.

I shake my head, "Yeah, she just doesn't see it, yet."

"This changes everything," Denver sighs.

Bailey's POV

We climb out of the truck, tears of laughter still streaming down my face. I cannot believe I convinced the entire team, and Hunter, that we're having sex and that Levi should leave the game for that.

"Will you stop laughing, it wasn't that funny," Levi grumbles.

"You should have seen the look on your face! I've never seen you so red!" I continue to laugh.

"Sex? Really, you had to use sex as an excuse? We're not even kissing, yet!" 

"I needed something. You should be thanking me for saving your ass from it getting handed to you, again!"

"I just don't want the team to know, that...you know... that we're having sex. Not that we are or ever will but now I have to pretend we are and well it's awkward." He does not dare make eye contact with me but his cheeks explain it all; he's embarrassed. "Anyway, thank you."

"What happened out there?" I ask.

"I don't know. One minute I was looking for an open player to pass to and the next thing I know I'm on the ground and I realized that I wasn't ready, yet."

"Well, you can't give up. Of course, you're rusty. It's your first game in months but I know you'll come through and I'm sorry I implied we were having sex."

"Thanks, and it's okay," His words fade out creating an awkward silence between us. Standing in my driveway, we're just two kids avoiding eye contact wanting the other person to speak up first but we're both failing miserably.

As I look around the yard, my gaze stumbles upon a garden gnome holding a watering can with a red pointy hat. His tiny nine inch body looks up at me, with a devious smirk painted across his face, one you would only find in a horror film. He can't speak but his eyes tell me that our awkwardness is making him uncomfortable. Fine, mister gnome, I take one for the team and clear my throat, "Should we, um, do homework?" Pointing at my front door.

"Yeah, good idea-"

"Hey Levi," Someone interrupts us and I turn around to see Clair standing at the bottom of my driveway. She tucks a part of her hair behind her ear as she walks up to us.

"Why are you here?" I snarl. How dare she show up on my property and greet him before me.

"I was going to put this in your mailbox but since you're home, I can give it to you in person," she hands over an ivory colored envelope with the words Moretti Family written on front. I know exactly what this is. On the back is a wax seal with the letter "M" engraved on it and when I open the letter the smell of lavender tickles my nose. Aunt Lori must have made these invitations. Sure enough, our family was invited to the annual mandatory family dinner hosted at Sal's house.

"I wish you could be my date for the dinner," Clair shuffles her feet against the pavement while her yellow a-line skirt twirls about, giving Levi her biggest doe eyes.

I interlace my fingers with his, reminding her he's my territory. "Yeah, not happening. He's my boyfriend and I'll be taking him to the dinner."

"You are?" Levi asks.

"Of course, I am." I smack my lips.

"I still don't believe you guys are dating," Clair admits. She shifts her weight, and crosses her arms, observing us.

"What do you mean? Of course we are!" I defend.

Clair shakes her head, "Nope. There's no chemistry between you two. When I approached your house you two were both standing there in silence like you are both uncomfortable to be around each other. Couples don't act like that! Plus, I never see you two show any affection. Have you two even kissed?"

"Our relationship is none of your business!" I huff.

"Whatever, I need to go, but if this little relationship doesn't work out, you know where I live, Levi," Clair points at the address on the invitation, giving him a wink. She skips down the driveway, her yellow skirt swaying along. I yell down to her, "Leave my man alone!"

"He's not really yours," she sings, disappearing into the sunset.

"So, I'm your man?" Levi nudges me.

"Shut up," I groan.

"Should we show more PDA then?" Levi jokes.

"Don't push my buttons!" I warn, pointing my tiny threatening finger into his chest. He waves his hands in defense, but that grin is still ear-to-ear. I head inside and he follows, "Because I know a way we can show chemistry."

"You're a weirdo," I roll my eyes.

~~~~~6/24/20 • 3837 words~~~~~

I have the song, We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal by BTS stuck in my head and every time I listen to it I cry! 💜

Anyway back to the story. What did you think of Dakota's observation? 🤔

What was your favorite cafeteria special in high school? Or favorite food to buy from the cafeteria. I loved pizza day! I also loved buying the packaged french toast for breakfast. 🍕

If you enjoyed the chapter, please vote and/or leave a comment! See you next week! 🌸