Just when she thought that she would go out of her mind from the noise, she saw him appear around the corner. He was carrying a cardboard tray and she was impressed at the way he made his way up the stairs and through the aisle of people without spilling anything. Most of the people on their row were not happy about having their view of what must have been the pre-game show blocked, but Will didn't seem to mind. He sat down carefully, holding tightly to the tray.

"Sorry it took so long! He yelled. "The line was so long it reached New York City!"

She couldn't help it, she laughed out loud. "Really? Well you made great timing for someone who went all the way out of state for... whatever it is you're holding!"

He laughed and looked down at the tray. "I wasn't sure what you like to drink so I bought you a Coke."

She pulled the drink out of the box gratefully. "Thanks, I was thirsty and I love Coke."

"So do I."

Once the drinks were free, he sat the tray on the floor beside his feet.

"What else did you bring?"

"Oh, right… I got some nachos. Is that okay?"

She suddenly realized she was starving. "Okay? It's amazing!"

When he laughed, she realized she'd picked the wrong word… again.

"Amazing, huh?"

"Well, I-."

"I think you're amazing, Alicia Cavanaugh."

For what had to be the first time in her life she was rendered nearly speechless. "I-thank you."

"So what's going on down there?" he asked.

"What?"

"On the court."

"Oh, you missed it. The cheerleaders were doing a routine. It was pretty good, actually! But thanks for getting the food, Will. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome. Oh look! There's Jack! Whoooo!"

She was completely and utterly confused. "Jack? Who's Jack?"

"The mascot!"

When she looked at the court again she saw a bulldog on a leash that was clearly enjoying his fame, along with a person in a bulldog costume. "Which one is he?"

"They both are!"

Alicia nodded, even though it didn't make sense. "Oh… right!"

Will stood and began hollering once again. And this time she stood and began clapping along with the music. Perhaps this game wouldn't be as bad as she anticipated.

The starting lineup was announced and even though she had no idea who any of the players were, Will seem to know them all. He clapped and cheered for each one and she did the same. And then the game began.

There was barely any time to sit, what with the up and down score and the players ran back and forth on the court. Will stood and cheered and she wished that she could join in but basketball wasn't really her thing. She was grateful when the buzzer sounded, but her heart sank a little when the crowds began to disburse.

"It's over already?"

"Nah, it's halftime. Do you want another drink?"

She realized that she'd emptied her Coke and she reluctantly handed him the cup. "Ok, thanks."

"No problem. I'll be right back, okay?"

"Sure."

He disappeared again and she returned to her seat, munching on her nachos. She realized that he'd only bought one order so she was careful not to eat them all. She should offer to pay him for at least half, since she knew all too well that Georgetown students didn't have a lot of money to spare. But in the meantime she decided to take a look around the arena. She'd seen it from a distance around campus and on flyers, television and the like but she'd never seen the inside. It was nice; different than what she'd expected, not that she'd ever expected to actually see the inside.

This time he returned more quickly and was carrying two drinks in his hands. Fortunately there weren't as many people on their row so he was able to maneuver himself much more easily than the last time. "Here you are."

"Thanks. I saved you some nachos."

He sat down and smiled. "Great, you didn't have to do that, though."

"How much do I owe you by the way?"

"Owe me?"

"Yeah, for the drinks the nachos… the tickets."

"Alicia, this is a date, remember? And I'm happy to treat you."

"But Will-."

"Please. It's the least I can do for drenching you at the pool party."

"Oh, that damn party! I didn't even want to go but Amanda made me and-."

"Amanda?"

"My roommate."

"Ah…"

"Well, anyway…"

"It's too bad you didn't enjoy it, because I did. Especially since I met a beautiful woman in a pink suit!"

Alicia felt her cheeks flush. "Will…"

"Look, I insist that you let me pay for everything tonight. It's the least I can do for drenching you with my cannonball. Deal?"

She stuck out her hand and her heart warmed when his hand joined hers. "Deal."