Free nowhere by Marysue Hobika Page A

shock.
    “I can’t believe we’re going to miss the biggest game of the season.” I slumped my shoulders.
    “It fucking sucks,” Tyler agreed. I wanted to say that it was his fault we were in this predicament, but I bit my tongue.
    “You can say that again,” said Casey.
    “I have a lot riding on that game,” stated Tyler emphatically. He wasn’t the only one. The scouts would be there. The scholarship was my one chance to get out of this town.
    Determinedly I said, “We’ll have to make sure that we change Coach’s mind.”
    We walked silently to the locker room, each lost in our own thoughts. 
    I took a quick shower and left. I kept my eyes focused on the ground. I didn’t need any more trouble. I was almost to the door when someone burst out of the main office and collided with me. I didn’t even have to look up to know who it was. My body registered her soft curves and lavender scent. We’d only met two days ago, but it seemed like I’d known her forever.  When our bodies touched, electrical currents shot through me. 
    “Hey, Mikayla.” Taking in her beauty and charm, I instantly regretted my decision not to call her back.
    “James, I’m glad I ran into you.”
    “You are?” I said, my voice full of surprise. “I thought you’d be mad at me for not taking you on that hike like I promised. I had to help my dad change a tractor tire.” I heard how lame that sounded as soon as the words were out of my mouth. 
    “That’s okay, it’s no big deal.” She shrugged.
    I wondered at her nonchalant attitude. Most girls would be fuming mad. She must not be interested. I was about to try to convince her to give me a second chance when a woman with wavy brown hair and brown eyes exited the main office. 
    Mikayla grabbed her arm. “Mom, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. This is James. James, this is my mom.” I was thrilled to hear her call me a friend.
    “Hi.  Mrs.—” I put my hand out.
    “Mrs. Mooney,”
    “Call me Dooner. Everyone does.” We politely shook hands.
    Mikayla rolled her eyes. “Mom, James offered to give me a ride home.” She emphasized the word James. “Is that okay? I figured you wouldn’t mind since you have a meeting this afternoon.” She flashed me a devilish grin. 
    I wasn’t really sure what was going on, but I didn’t care. It looked like I was getting a second chance without even having to ask. I played along. “I don’t mind dropping Mikayla off.” I stressed her name. “It’s on my way.” 
    “Sure, that’s fine.” Mrs. Mooney chuckled, apparently finding amusement in our playful banter. “I’ll see you later at home.”
    Once we were out of earshot, I turned to Mikayla and asked, “Do you really want a ride home, or was that some sort of cover-up for your mom’s benefit?” I looked back over my shoulder and saw that she’d already disappeared down the long hall. “Either way it’s cool.”
    “I really want a ride home.” She followed me out to Old Faithful. I opened the passenger door for her and she hopped in. I enjoyed what she was wearing today—faded jean shorts and a fitted red T-shirt with black Converse sneakers. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, curls escaping everywhere.
    I walked around the truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. I started the engine and headed in the direction of her grandfather’s farm. The radio was on; I played with the dials, searching for a song.
    Mikayla was the first to speak. “When you drop me off, do you have a sec’?” 
    “Yeah, I have a two hour break before I have to be back at practice.” Maybe my day wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
    “Perfect.” She didn’t say anything else, but left me wondering what she had in mind. She leaned her head back and relaxed as the wind from the open window blew her hair all around. I wasn’t prepared for how happy it made me feel to see her riding in my truck. I could get used to having her next to me.
    I waited until we