“Can you wipe that stupid grin off your face?” snarled Amy while we waited for a customer. “Because of your smile, I had to help you apply your lipstick.”

I shook my head at her. “Can I help it if thinking of last night keeps making me smile?”

Amy grunted. “You like him that much? Do you think he could be the one?”

I smiled wryly. “Oh, don’t I wish! But I’m sure if we keep dating, he’s going to want sex eventually.”

“Why do you think that?” asked Amy.

I frowned at her. “Because he’s a guy. I’m not equipped for that.”

Amy shrugged. “You never know. He might not care.”

Frowning, I said, “I doubt that. Still, I plan to keep seeing him until things get uncomfortable. From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t stick with one girl very long. My grandma always said, ‘Make hay while the sun shines.’”

Amy chuckled. “My grandma always said, ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’”

Joanie stepped out of her office and said, “My granny always said, ‘Quit your yakking and get back to work.’”

“Oh, hey, Ocean!” I greeted the girl leaning too far back in her chair next to two very loaded washing machines.

“Hey Scotti. Long time no see.” The short-haired blonde grinned as she gave me a short wave. She was dressed in jeans and a Mario Brothers t-shirt.

I set my laundry bag on the floor next to a washing machine near Ocean. “Yeah. I was worried you’d dropped out or something.”

Shaking her head, she said, “Nah. I’m serious about my art degree. In fact, I’ve been accepted at a couple big art colleges. I just need to pick. But girl, look at you. I see you dropped that tomboy look and I’ve been hearing rumors about you.”

As I stuffed my clothes into the washer, I said, “Rumors? About me? Really?”

Grinning, Ocean said, “For starters I heard you managed to snag the biggest man on campus, Don Armstrong.”

Giggling, I said, “Well, that’s no rumor. We’re dating. At least for now.”

Giving me a thumbs’ up, she said, “Good job. But be careful. He hops from girl to girl.”

I frowned. “Yeah, I know. But as my grandma always said, ‘Make hay while the sun shines.’”

Ocean laughed. “That’s not all I’ve heard though.”

I closed the lid and started the washing machine. “Oh? What else?”

Ocean raised her eyebrow. “You need to be careful with this if it’s true. Mr. Nichols and his fiancée have been fighting and you’re at the center of it.”

“Seriously? Get out of here. I don’t believe it!” I exclaimed.

Ocean shrugged. “That’s what I’ve heard. She thinks he’s having an affair with you. I’ve heard the dean’s office is looking into it. So be careful.”

Feeling shocked, I said, “I’m shocked. I mean, yeah, I think he’s gorgeous. But we’re not dating or anything.”

“Well, you’re not the only girl identified. I think Mr. Nichols may be in more trouble than you at this point.” Ocean flashed me a grin.

I shook my head. “His fiancée is a major bitch.”

Ocean chuckled. “You’d be a bit bitchy too if a bunch of teen girls were trying to jump your boyfriend’s bones.”

I shrugged. “Maybe.” I started stuffing clothes into a second washing machine.

“Tell me if I’m being too nosey,” started Ocean. “Any more dates planned with Don Armstrong?”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “You are being a bit nosey. But yes! I’m going with him to the after game party they have… well… after the game.”

Ocean looked at me quizzically. “Are you a cheerleader?”

I shook my head. “No. Why?”

“Well, usually, from what I hear, only cheerleaders or members of the dance team ever gets invited to that.” Ocean kicked one of her washers that was rattling too much.

I wrinkled my brow. “I guess I’m special, huh?”

Ocean gave me a wry grin. “Just be careful, girl.”

The rest of the week went by without much happening. I was finally able to stop smiling so much. It would still drive Amy crazy. Donny came by briefly Friday afternoon to let me know where I needed to go Saturday to watch the game and be where he expected to find me after the game. I told him I didn’t think I’d be allowed down on the field like that, but he told me not to worry.

Saturday morning, I was sitting on Amy’s bed in her dorm room. She shook her head at me. “Don’t worry about it, Scotti. Just relax and have fun.”

I looked down at my hands. “I don’t know, girl. Where I’m supposed to go is where the cheerleaders gather during the game. What if someone recognizes me as a boy?”

Laughing, Amy said, “You’re worried about that? Don’t forget girl, my dorm isn’t co-ed. You used to come here back when you were still pretending to be a boy and nobody cared. Don’t worry about it.”

I smiled weakly at her. “I hope you’re right.”

Amy grinned. “I’m always right, girl! The game starts in a few hours. You want to be there ahead of time. I’ll be in the stands watching for you.”

I gave Amy an odd look. “When did you start liking football?”

Amy laughed. “Since I started dating Don’s buddy, Ace!”

“Get out of here! When did that happen?”

Grinning ear-to-ear, Amy said, “Last night. He called me and asked if I wanted to go to the same party.”

“So, I’ll see you down on the field then?” I asked.

Frowning and shaking her head. “Only Donny’s girlfriends get that privilege.”

I laughed. “As well they should!” Amy threw a pillow at me.

I was more than a little nervous. It was roughly half an hour before the game and I was walking to the area Donny told me to go to. I was wearing my shortest skirt I’ve ever worn before. I was also wearing a top that left my midriff exposed. Dad would never let me leave the house dressed like this. Well, of course he wouldn’t since boys don’t usually dress this way.

All around me were cheerleaders stretching and getting in some practice. A woman spotted me and started walking towards me. Great. Here’s where I get into trouble.

She said, “Miss! This is a reserved area. You’ll have to go back up to the stands.”

Deciding to play stupid, which I do quite well, actually, I said, “But Donny told me to come here.”

Looking confused for a moment, the woman said, “Donny? Armstrong?”

I smiled broadly. “Yes ma’am!”

The woman smiled and said, “Oh. You must be Scotti. The new squad member.”

I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach. “That what?”

To be continued…