Free Waiting on Forever by Ashley Wilcox Page A

syrup, and powdered sugar,” I continue in an annoyed tone.
    “What? Why?”
    “I have no frickin clue. Something about having to be ready whenever and wherever and as long as it doesn’t cause any harm to their body they have to do anything their sisters tell them to do if they want to be sworn in,” I explain, rolling my eyes. “It’s seriously the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
    “I’ve never understood sororities. On top of doing all this stuff to get in, you’ve also got to pay all these dues and fees. You’re basically paying for friends to treat you like crap before bringing you into their cult. Doesn’t make sense,” Summer says, shaking her head in disbelief.
    “Can I just say that I’m so happy you’re not one of them,” I admit to Summer. “I had it in my head that you were going to be another Kayla, and I wanted to tear my eyes out, thinking about having to spend the whole day with someone like that.”
    “Oh my god, no! I’d tear my own eyes out,” she jokes.
    Without even asking, Collin turns around and passes us each a hotdog and soda.
    “Thanks,” I say, taking it from his hands. “How much do I owe ya?”
    “Nothing. Matt would have my ass if I let you pay,” he assures me.
    “Well, thanks.”
    “No problem.” He winks.

    With only a couple minutes left in halftime, we make our way back to our seats to catch the last of the cheerleading routine. I notice Collin’s face cringe when he sees them out on the field and he does everything in his power not to watch. Obviously, Summer picks up on my confusion because she whispers to me, “His ex was just in a wicked bad cheerleading accident two weeks ago…still fresh in his head.”
    “He was with her?”
    “All the guys were home for the homecoming game, and she was there cheering,” Summer explains.
    “Is she okay?”
    “I think so. Collin has talked to her a few times online, and she said she’s doing better,” she says, shrugging her shoulders.
    “So they’re friends?”
    “Yeah, now they are. She’s got a serious boyfriend.”
    Huh? Interesting.
    Soon after the cheerleaders exit the field, the football team returns. Keeping my eyes on Matt, he shoots me a smile and a wink before taking a seat on the bench. No matter how many times he does it, I have the same reaction–pounding heart and a pile of emotional mush.
    Noticing our little exchange, Summer smiles at me and nudges my arm. I smile to myself as I get a feeling of fulfillment throughout my body. Not only have I never had a boyfriend, especially one as hot as Matt, but I’ve never had real friends before. For the first time in my life I can say that I’m truly happy.
    This is good. It feels really good.

    Ten seconds left in the game and we are down by four. We’ve just got a first down and are only a few short yards away from the end zone. My nails are completely chewed off and I’m on the edge of my seat. To say that my first football game is intense is an understatement. Never have I ever been so into a football game! But sitting here and rooting Matt on, I can’t help but be all in.
    Judging from the previous plays, I have a feeling that the ball is going to be thrown to Matt. After the snap, I see Matt running towards the end zone looking back over his shoulder and watching the ball flying in his direction. Telling myself that this is just too much, I close my eyes and cross every single finger and toe that he catches it.
    “Don’t close your eyes!” Summer shouts next to me, instantly making me open them. Just as I focus in on Matt, again, the ball falls right into his hands.
    Touchdown!
    Overwhelmed with excitement, we all jump out of our seats. Summer and I hug each other, jumping up and down like idiots. Turning back towards Matt, I watch as he takes his helmet off and says something to the sky, like he’s thanking the heavens above. Then taking me by surprise, he looks in my direction, kisses his fingers and points them to me.