First Flight, Final Fall

by C.W. Farnsworth

“You, uh, saw the interview I did, then?” “After. They didn’t include it in the game coverage.” Game coverage? “Wait, you watched the game? My game?” “Yes.” He says it simply, like it should be no surprise. “Why?”

“You watching me play, you following my career, you saying I inspired you—that’s different from millions of other people doing those things.”

“You asked me why I came—you didn’t need to. You know the answer. I came to see you, Saylor.”

“She’s not my type. I prefer strikers.” “She is a striker, Beck.” He shrugs. “I didn’t know that. Should tell you everything you need to know.” “Uh, fly safe.”

“Beck, this is Kyle. He’s on the men’s soccer team.” “I’m the captain, actually.” Kyle gives me an affronted look. “The captain, then. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to take credit for going one and three,” I say sweetly.

Saylor Scott is it for me. No other woman will ever compare. She’s been in my life for almost exactly a year, and I can barely remember what it looked like before we met.