Page 62 of November

“You’re wearing a business suit and heels.”

“I changed my mind at the last minute,” she said, lying through her teeth because yes, she had gone home, and yes, she could have changed, but she had no idea what spectators wore to a high school soccer game, and she thought that if she had to do this, she should at least be comfortable in her own skin.

Maisie laughed again and said, “I just went to the concession stand. There was an injury, so I had a few minutes, and I was starving. Want to sit?”

“Yes,” she replied. “But I’m starving, too. Any chance you’ll share that popcorn?”

“Let’s just get back in line and get you your own because I really am starving,” Maisie replied.

“You won’t miss the game?”

“It’s zero-zero, and I’ve heard Paige yell that the other team is parking the bus, so I think I’ve got some time.”

“Sorry? There’s a bus?” India asked as they started walking toward a building that looked similar to the blue shack, except it was painted green and yellow.

“Parking the bus,” Maisie said, chuckling. “It’s when ateam basically focuses on defense and doesn’t make any attempt to score. They line up most of the players and just try to repel the offense as much as they can, like parking a bus in front of the goal. Lainey and Paige have some goal-scoring machines on their team.”

“But how does one team win if neither scores?”

“They’ll go to penalty shots if it stays this way,” Maisie explained as they joined the line. “What made you decide to come here?”

“I don’t know. I felt bad about last night. I thought we were having a good time, and then you asked about this, and I saw it disappointed you that I wasn’t willing to come.”

“That was more about me than you,” Maisie said before she took a handful of popcorn and ate it.

“How so?”

“Well, your house is amazing, but while my familyusedto have money, I didn’t grow up with it, so I have this tiny studio apartment and acoffee maker. I don’t have a valet or concierge service at my building. Then, I invited you here, and you said no because it wasn’t your thing. I worried that might be true about a lot ofmythings.”

“Like we have nothing in common, so what is even the point?” India asked.

“Yes,” Maisie said. “Basically.”

“Do you still feel that way?”

“Not exactly. We had fun at the bar once I got out of my own head a little.”

“Ithought so,” India said before they moved up in line and were now next.

“I’m trying not to read too much into things, but if I’m being honest, having that asshole Colter walking into my bookshop every few days, tossing out mentions of money, power, control, connections, and everything else, has me on edge a bit.”

India bit her lower lip, not knowing what to say.

“Can I help you?” a man asked from behind the counter.

“Oh,” she uttered, realizing that she hadn’t looked at amenu. “I’m sorry. What are the options?”

Maisie laughed and said, “Can you get her popcorn and a bottle of water?”

“Popcorn?” India asked her.

“You don’t want the hot dogs here; trust me. And the nachos are just stale chips and fake cheese.”

“No, thank you,” India said.

“Candy?” Maisie asked.

“Oh, candy.” India looked behind the man and saw a rack of candy bars and chips. “That one, please.”