Tackling Love - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,18

tell anyone. It’s not like we are serious or anything, right?” He turns back around and keeps walking, going straight past Tony and into the school.

I’m so confused.

I open my car door and drive home in a daze. This is not how I thought today was going to end. Tears well in my eyes and spill over once I’m inside my home. Stripping off, I take a long, hot shower, trying to wash the day away.

I thought Colt would understand.

I love my job.

His comment about us not being serious has completely thrown me. I certainly thought we were headed that way?

When the water turns cold, I get out, dry myself and my hair. I check my message machine, but there’s nothing from Colt, only a telemarketer trying to see if I’d be interested in renewing a magazine subscription. I check my cell phone, but there are no missed calls or texts.

I don’t know what to do.

Should I call?

Should I wait for him to call me?

Confused, I walk into my kitchen and turn on the kettle. Dad always said the universe can be explained or understood with the help of a cup of tea, and I need that right now. Settling on the couch, I check my phone again, but it’s as silent as my home.

With a sigh, I put on the television and watch the news.

COLT

I picked up Blaise from school. It wasn’t my day, but after my conversation with Skye, who’s embarrassed to be seen with me, I called his mom. One of the reasons I like Skye is that she isn’t like every other girl I’ve dated, but her reaction to the principal seeing us together has me confused.

“Colt, are you listening to me?” asks Blaise, breaking through my wall of reflection.

“Sorry, buddy, what were you saying?” I ask as I change lanes. We are on our way to Burger King for dinner. Blaise’s choice, of course.

“Miss Carson is making me take the lead in the school play.”

“That’s cool, isn’t it?” Glancing down at Blaise, he’s staring at me while rubbing his chin and tilting his head to the side.

“Yes and no.”

“Okay, buddy, spell it out for me.”

“I really like acting, but I need to be playing football. If I want to be good, I have to practice.”

“Why can’t you do both?” I glance over at him, and he’s shaking his head. “Okay, what do you like more? Acting or football?”

“It’s not about that.”

“Of course, it is. You have to like what you do, or it’s work.”

“I want to be like you and Grayson. I want to be able to buy my mom a house and have any car I want. Football will get me that.”

Realization washes over me as I pull into the parking lot. Blaise sees Gray and me as his idols. What he doesn’t see is all the hours of preparation that go into our profession and all the deals that happen behind closed doors.

“You know, actors make money, too. Look at Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp or a hundred more I can’t think of right now. But, we all have something in common… we all love what we do and all the hard work that goes with it. I’m telling you, buddy, if you don’t enjoy your job, career, no matter what it is, you’ll regret it forever.”

Blaise frowns. “I like acting more.”

“Okay, then that’s what you should do. What’s the play about? What part are you playing?”

“It’s a remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Miss Carson wants me to play the handsome prince.”

“Way to go! That sounds awesome.”

We both get out of the car and walk toward the restaurant. I glance down at Blaise, and he’s still frowning as the door to Burger King flies open, and a group of girls file out. I pull my cap down lower over my face, and not one of them gives me a second glance.

“Is it really so bad if people recognize you?” asks Blaise.

“No, buddy, but right now, I want to spend my time with you, and I don’t want anyone getting in the way of that.”

Blaise grins at me, his chest all puffed up. “Thanks, Colt.” His admiration is short-lived when he spies the menu board. “I want a cheeseburger, fries, Coke, and a caramel sundae.”

“What? No onion rings?”

“Yuck! No, thank you.”

“Ahh… there they are.”

“What?” asks Blaise looking confused.

“Your manners,” I reply while winking at him.

“Sorry, Colt. Please and thank you,” replies Blaise looking thoroughly chastised.

“It’s cool. How about you go find