Hit Hard

“So how’s work in New York?” Charlene’s father asked as he flipped burgers on the grill.

“Its good.” Charlene replied. “I’m glad to have some time off, though.”

“So what does the boyfriend do?” He looked over at Claude who was talking to some of the football players.

“Its actually a really cool job.” She smiled. “He’s a professional hockey player for the Philadelphia Flyers.”

“That is pretty cool.” He laughed. “Not exactly a desk job.”

“He’s also the captain of the team.” She added.

“Not a bad job.” He replied. “I think your mother likes him. I still don’t have an opinion of him.”

“Alright.” Charlene smiled.

“Braden!” Charlene’s father called to a boy who was walking by.

“Yeah, Coach?” The blonde boy walked over to him.

“You we're just talking to my daughter’s fiance, right?”

“Yessir.” He replied.

“Should I like him?” Her father asked.

“Yeah, Coach. He’s cool. He’s a professional hockey player.” The boy replied.

“Charlene,” Charlene loved that her father was the only one who didn’t call her Charlie anymore. “this is my quarterback, Braden Filler.”

“Nice to meet you.” Braden said as he shook Charlene’s hand.

“Filler?” Charlene asked. “Are you Matt’s brother.”

“Yeah.” Braden said. “He’s playin’ for the Titans in Tennessee now.”

“Wow!” Charlene smiled. “We always knew he was good.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, we’ll see you around, son, your momma just walked in.” Charlene’s dad said.

“Thanks, Coach.”

“Asking the players their opinion on my boyfriend?” Charlene asked.

“Why not?” He replied.

“You’re ridiculous.” Charlene rolled her eyes and smiled. “I’m going to mingle.” Her yellow sundress swished as she walked off.
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“I fold!” Charlene laughed.

“Again?” Braden asked.

“I’ve still got nothing.” She replied.

“I’m out too.” Said another football player named Cole.

“You guys suck.” Claude laughed.

“I had one good hand.” Jason said as he threw his cards in. “Got nothin’ now, though.”

“I’m just out of practice.” Charlene laughed. “I haven’t played poker since the last time I was here.”

“Sis, you can’t practice for poker.” Jason laughed. Claude, Braden and the other player all showed their cards.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Claude laughed. Braden’s hand had barely beaten his.

“I ain’t kiddin” He laughed and pulled in the pot of dollar bills.

“Boys!” Charlene’s dad called. All the players’ heads perked up. “Y’all have school in the mornin’ and tomorrow’ game day. Go home and get some rest.” The boys stood up and said their goodbyes and left.

“I’m tired.” Charlene rested her head on Claude’s shoulder. The backyard looked nice all lit up with lights on the fence. Charlene’s mom had cleaned up the whole yard already.

“Me too.” Claude kissed her forehead.

“Night, Daddy.” Charlene said. “We’re turning in.”

“See you in the mornin” He replied.
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“That was the most Southern accents I’ve heard in a while.” Claude said as he got into bed next to Charlene.

“Hah!” Charlene replied. “Wait ‘til tomorrow night.”

“Great.”

“I heard my mom talking about your accent earlier tonight.” Charlene smiled.

“Its not bad.” He replied.

“Canadian?” Charlene asked.

“French Canadian.” He corrected. “And you have an accent too.”

“I do not!”

“You do too!”

“The most I have is a twang.” She smiled.

“Whatever.” Claude smiled as he put his arm around Charlene and turned out the light.

Notes