The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,64

means it. “Will you be home for Thanksgiving?”

“Of course. Where else would I be?”

“Hmmm, let me think,” she answers sarcastically. “Are you bringing anyone?”

“Nope. Are you?”

“Nope.”

“Good, there are a few things I’d like to go over with you, outlining the terms of our bet.”

“You’re nuts.” She laughs.

“Uh oh, you didn’t think I forgot, did you?”

“Maybe…”

I’m suddenly interrupted by Lora Rae sneaking up from behind with two drinks in her hand. I’ve got the phone to my ear, but it doesn’t stop her from kissing along my neck as she talks, “Michael, sweetheart, who are you talking to? Hang up the phone. I’m patiently waiting for you,” She purrs seductively, practically into the phone.

“Okay, give me a sec. I’m almost done,” I answer, holding my hand over the mouthpiece as she makes her way outside in her little bikini, heading for the hot tub. “Hey…” I say, getting back to De.

“Is she there with you right now? Why did she sound like she was on the other line? And what is she waiting patiently for?” she drills me, sounding pissed once again.

I let out a little laugh. “Sorry, she snuck up from behind. She’s gone. Anyway, what were you saying?” I ask, somewhat distracted.

“Never mind.”

“Awe, c’mon. Don’t be mad. I miss ya, that’s why I called.” Lora Rae once again loudly calls out to me from the other room.

“You better go… She sounds like she might die if you don’t get to her soon,” she says sarcastically.

Before hanging up, I tell her once again how I’m looking forward to seeing her next week. I don’t want her to hang up with me angry, I would have preferred for Lora Rae to have not interrupted our call. I miss DeDe, and can’t stand being away from her. Sometimes, it feels as if we are drifting apart until once again we are alone together.

***

(Jesse)

De calls just as I’m about to doze off to fill me in on the details of her conversation with Mikey. We talk about Luke and I, and she’s thrilled that everything seems to be falling into place. While we are on the phone together, he beeps in.

“Hello.”

“Hey, are you on the other line? he asks.

“Yeah, talking to De. We just hung up, aren’t you there?”

“Yeah, but she’s not. I think she had a late class tonight.”

“You’re right, she did. She’s probably on her way home. So what time will you be getting in tomorrow?”

He hesitates before answering, “I got bad news. I have to stay another week. They want me to workout with the pitching coach.”

“You’re kidding. I can’t believe it. I couldn’t wait for you to get back,” I say, full of disappointment.

“Really?” he asks curiously. “You can’t wait for me to get back?”

“Well… yeah.”

“Good, cause I’m kiddin’. My plane should be in by five,” he teases.

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.” He laughs. “So I guess that means I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

“Well, now I’m not so sure.”

“I’ll pick you up around seven-thirty.” He laughs. “How about we go out to dinner?”

“Sounds good,” I answer, although I have other plans.

***

Mya and I have a cup of coffee at the café around the corner before she leaves for work. I’m looking forward to starting my mini-vacation. I can’t remember the last time I left myself three full-days of nothing to do. It’s a good thing I have a few things to take care of today; it’ll be a good distraction. I’ll kill time, instead of sitting around all day watching the clock, waiting for Luke’s plane to land.

I call my dad on the way home to get some ideas for dinner. Something not too difficult that I can prepare ahead of time; that will warm easily. He gives me an easy yet delicious recipe for shrimp and baby spinach over penne in a white sauce. I stop by the grocery store on my way home and pick up the ingredients and a few other things. I figure their fridge must be empty since they’ve both been away. I pick up enough groceries to get us through the next few days.

I pack a bag for the weekend, hoping things go as planned. I glance at the clock and realize the time is moving quicker than I thought.

Mya and her boyfriend, Dan, arrive home as I’m gathering my things together. Actually, it’s the same guy that Mya met the night of the fundraiser while Luke was here. He turned out not to be a psycho after all. He’s actually a really