Chapter 79

They spent the rest of the day doing, well, pretty much whatever they felt like doing. Peter, apparently no stranger to any of this, knew what times everything opened on a weekday, and where they could get the most entertainment value from the day. That included mini golf at the mall, bowling, laser tag, and even a movie.

The latter, being probably the best part of the whole day, at least, for the moment. Peter, somehow being Peter, had been focusing the day around to a degree that when they weren’t playing boys versus girls, that he’d always put himself on Ashely’s team, forcing Dan and Sophia to have more time together.

Because of this, Dan actually got to learn a lot about her as they day went on, partaking in small talk with her more and more as he relaxed, and got into the flow of things. Then, at the movie, Peter had managed to make sure Dan actually sat next to Sophia, so the two of them could share comments about the movie as they watched it, as well as popcorn. To Dan’s 14-year-old mind, it was the best day ever.

And, the best part was, it wasn’t even over. After all, they still had to go pick up Dan’s new racquets. Which meant, he’d finally get to see just what Syn had done to them, and, even more importantly, he’d get to start practicing again. Though, picking up the racquets, also meant he would have to play against Maddie. The thought of which, made him regret eating all that popcorn and soda during the movies. He had a feeling his stomach was not going to be happy with him about that later.

“Alrighty fam, that movie sucked. What next?” Peter said as they all headed away from the movie theater. The girls had been driving around the area with them, and so they met up at the end of each event, to plan where to go to. However, given the time, Dan knew it was about time for him and Peter to head to Maddie’s Tennis Club.

“I don’t know,” Sophia said, shooting a smile towards Dan as she did, “I’d say with the right company, it was amusing. Though, yeah, the story was pretty shit.”

Dan blushed, which earned him a laugh from Sophia, and a glare from Ashely. Though, if Dan remembered correctly, a certain Ashely and Peter had been acting pretty close during the movie. Hypocrite.

“That’s what happens when you let an idiot pick the movie.” Ashely cut in. Peter had, of course, been the one to recommend it. The movie was definitely a B-Rate rom com. But, Dan was too young to be able to get into any of the rated R movies, and even though Peter tried, Dan refused to sneak into one. He was already afraid of what his dad would do if he found out about the skip day. Adding in sneaking into an R-rated movie, just pushed Dan’s nerves over the top.

“Hey, I’ll have you know, I’m a sucker for Rom Coms.” Peter cut in, pointing towards Ashely with his soda. “Besides, you seemed to be enjoying it just fine with my company.”

Ashley huffed and walked away from Peter to stand by Sophia’s side. Where she promptly grabbed hold of Sophia’s arm, resting her head on Sophia’s shoulder as she did. Dan, more than noticed the look Ashely gave Peter as she did that.

“Well, if you don’t have another shitty movie for us, I think Sophia and I should go practice our doubles play together. We’ve got some matches coming up soon and can’t be slacking off like the two of you.” She was right. While Dan hadn’t earned a spot yet to play in matches, Sophia and Ashely both held positions on the girl’s team and would be competing in the upcoming matches.

“Oh no you don’t.” Peter said with a grin, motioning between the two. “I know what you’re doing, and you’re not escaping that easily.”

Sophia glanced at Ashely, who was still leaning against her. While it was somewhat strange to see, it didn’t seem like an unwelcome closeness for either of them. Which, combined with Dan’s knowledge of, er, Sophia and Ashely’s orientation, made his head start to run with all sorts of ideas.

“And what is that?” Ashely asked accusingly.

“You’re trying to steal Sophia away so the two of you can, you know, practice.” Peter said the last part with a wink, which earned him a growl from Ashely. She also promptly let go of Sophia, and moved over towards the Senior, acting like she was going to hit him. Peter, hopped away, laughing.

“Real talk though,” Peter said, ducking behind Dan as Ashely chased after him. “You two want to come with us to Maddie’s? She’s going to run Danny boy here through the ringer in a test Match when he gets his new racquets. And, if that’s not show enough for you,” Peter dodged a swing from Ashley, and ducked over towards Sophia, draping an arm around her shoulder as he did, “I’ll give the two of you a freebie private lesson, yeah?”

Ashely’s glare intensified as she glanced at how Peter was holding onto Sophie. Dan, also felt a strange feeling rising up in his stomach. He wasn’t quite sure if it was jealousy, or anger, but it was uncomfortable. It could have been the movie theater hot dog, come to think of, or maybe the mall food… Either way, he didn’t like it. But, as soon as it came up, it passed. Peter was like a brother to him, and Dan knew Peter was doing all he could to wingman it up for Dan.

Just, Dan didn’t know the history between the three of them. And it was evident, they all had spent a good amount of time together. Which, considering they’d just been to a Rom Com, had Dan’s mind flashing through all sorts of scenarios. If ever there were a playboy womanizer, it was Peter.

“A private lesson you say?” Sophia asked as she stepped away from Peter, leaving the senior open for an attack from Ashely. “And what would you have to offer us, to make it worth our while?”

Peter opened his mouth, likely to say something snarky, and closed it as he glanced at Dan. Sophia and Ashley both noticed the interaction, but stayed quiet, waiting for Peter to respond.

“Hmm,” Peter thought for another moment, while fighting off Ashely. “Return of serves? Or I can help the two of you with some of your positioning?” Peter shrugged. “Really, hadn’t thought that far ahead. Honestly, I’ve just been thinking about watching Dan and Maddie play.”

Ashley finally landed a hit on Peter, though it was hardly more than a slap. The senior laughed at it, and held up his hands, asking for a truce. Sophia, meanwhile, looked away from Peter and Ashley, back towards Dan.

“You alright with us tagging along?” She asked with a smile. “I don’t want to interrupt the time between the two of you.”

The words had barely escaped her mouth, before Dan was shaking his head, responding. “It’s fine.” He said quickly. “Really, the more the merrier. Though, uh, try not to judge too much, yeah?” He trailed off, remembering how much Maddie had run him around when they’d just been testing out racquets. He, was not looking forward to having an audience while he played a Match against her. But, at the same time, this could be another chance to try and prove himself to Sophia. And he needed these chances, if he was going to play doubles with her.

“Me, judge you?” Sophia laughed, “maybe just a little.” She said, and the wink she shot his way, made his heart flutter. Ashely let out a low sound, grabbed Peter angrily by the wrist, and started dragging him towards the concession stand. She was muttering something about making him pay for all of this, and given the price of drinks here, Dan had a feeling she meant literally.

“So,” Sophia continued, moving towards him as she watched Ashely and Peter depart for a moment. She had a smile on her face, watching the two, and Dan really had to wonder what was up with them. He knew Ashley had a crush on Sophia, but it seemed like there was some sort of chemistry between her and Peter as well. “Are you really wanting to become my doubles partner?”

Sophia’s words caught him by surprise, and he choked on his drink. His sputtering, seemed to give her the answer she’d been looking for, and she offered him a smile, all of his own.

“If that’s the case,” she said softly, “I’ll try to make sure I watch you as closely as I can. I think it’d be fun, partnering with you. So, don’t let me down, yeah?”