☆ New Star ☆ - Emily Engstler

Friendly Gestures

As we make our way to the restaurant, the anticipation builds with every step. The brisk walk from the stadium to the cozy Italian eatery takes us approximately 10 minutes, just enough time to build up an appetite. The thought of indulging in some mouthwatering Italian cuisine after a grueling practice session is incredibly enticing.

During the walk, I engage in conversation with the other girls, seizing the opportunity to deepen our connections beyond the surface-level introductions from our first day of practice. It's refreshing to have this chance to interact with teammates whom I haven't had the chance to get to know yet.

One of the girls, Karlie, stands out with her warmth and genuine demeanor. We quickly hit it off, finding common ground in our enthusiasm for discussing the finer points of a Shirley Temple, of all things. Our debate over the ideal ratio of grenadine to maraschino cherries sparks a spirited exchange.

"I swear by extra grenadine and a heap of maraschino cherries," I insist with a playful grin.

Karlie counters, "But too much grenadine can make it bitter! A touch is all you need to balance the flavors."

With a laugh, I retort, "Trust me, I'm a Shirley Temple connoisseur. I order them religiously!"

As our giggling conversation carries on, Emily walks alongside me, her attentive demeanor not escaping my notice. She listens intently, chiming in with occasional laughter or nods of agreement. Her presence adds an extra layer of comfort to our stroll, making me feel more relaxed in high intensity situations like these.

Suddenly, the care-free atmosphere is interrupted by unwelcome cat-calling from a group of guys across the street. The discomfort washes over me, but before I can fully react, Emily subtly positions herself closer to me. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. Without a word, she becomes a shield of protection, her mere presence offering comfort in the face of unwanted attention. With her standing between me and the source of discomfort, I feel a sense of security wash over me, grateful for her unspoken support.

Despite the brief interruption, our conversation continues, with Emily's silent reassurance. With each step closer to the restaurant, I find myself appreciating her friendship even more. Upon reaching our destination, Emily takes a small yet significant step, opening the door for me and gesturing for me to enter first. It's a simple act of chivalry, but it speaks volumes about her thoughtfulness and consideration. With a grateful smile, I step inside, thankful for Emily's presence and the bond we share.

Despite my internal monologue reminding me that this isn't a romantic outing, I can't ignore the flutter of butterflies in my stomach when Emily holds the door open for me. It's such a simple gesture, yet it resonates deeply within me, especially considering my past experiences where affection was scarce.

Entering the restaurant, the aroma of freshly cooked pasta and garlic bread envelops me, eliciting an involuntary growl from my stomach. We're ushered to a room in the back, designated for larger parties like ours, and we take our seats amidst lively chatter and anticipation of the meal to come.

As I move to sit next to Brittney, my intention to pull out my own chair is intercepted by Emily, who once again performs the small act of kindness. It's a gesture that catches me off guard, stirring up a mix of gratitude and something more, something I'm not quite ready to acknowledge.

Brittney shoots Emily a curious glance, but Emily seems unfazed as she settles down beside me. I catch her eye briefly, offering a shy smile before excusing myself to the bathroom. Alone in front of the mirror, I gaze at my reflection, chastising myself for allowing romantic thoughts to intrude where they don't belong. "You need to stop," I scold silently, trying to quell the burgeoning feelings that threaten to complicate our budding friendship.