remember is being so engrossed with texting the boys that I thought some other random person was trying to interrupt me. It wasn’t until Carson really grabbed my attention, that I realized he was speaking to me.
Talk about humiliated.
There is no doubt in my mind my face was bright red and blotchy while I stumbled over my words, trying to sound intelligent. I think I came off more bitchy than anything. Wouldn’t be the first time my shy and awkward personality came off as bitchy. I’ve hung out with guys my entire life, never really having any true girlfriends, so you would think it would be easy for me to talk to someone like Carson Stone. But that was not the case, not when those dreamy light blue eyes shone down at me, as he tried to carry a conversation.
Not my best moment. Probably goes down in history as one I’ll regret for a long time, because when he’s playing professional baseball and I’m sitting at home with a bowl of Cheez-Its on my lap—watching him make diving play after diving play—I can remind myself of the way I told him the line moved up. Rather than the in-depth conversation I would love to have about baseball and how he got his start.
It’s as if I was Baby in Dirty Dancing when she speaks to Johnny for the first time. “I carried a watermelon.” Yup, that’s me, the I carried a watermelon girl.
Despite the probing, there is no way Jerry and Shane are going to get the details of that conversation, especially the part where I argued with him about what an actual apology is. I blame my nerves and total shock.
“That was it? Seriously? You have one opportunity to talk to him and you didn’t even fish for an invite to one of the baseball parties?”
“That wouldn’t have been awkward at all. And you don’t need an invitation,” I say exasperated. “Anyone can go.”
“That’s what they tell you, but I think we all know only certain people get in.”
“You’re exhausting,” I say to Shane. “It was an inconsequential interaction, one I think we all need to move on from. Now, shall we talk our starting lineup for the little guys? I think we should start Dennis in right field.”
“Over Linus? You are out of your damn mind,” Shane spouts off, the ever-opinionated friend. Jerry, the neutral zone, watches us bounce back and forth between each other.
Happy for the subject change, I dive into why I think Dennis would be the perfect starting right fielder for our team . . . despite his uncoordinated little body.
“Mildred,” Cory shouts into the phone once I answer his FaceTime call. “How’s my favorite sister?”
“I’m your only sister.” I lie back against the pillows on my dorm bed and stare at my oldest brother who decided to grow a mustache for some stupid reason.
“I don’t know, Rian can act like a girl at times.”
Laughing, I ask, “When are you going to shave that molting caterpillar off your upper lip?”
With this index finger and thumb, he strokes the small patch of hair and says, “Why would I shave this masterpiece? It’s a work of art.”
“If you’re trying to repel women, you’re doing a good job. It’s hideous.”
“You would be surprised with how much ass I’ve gotten since I started growing this thing.”
“Eww, gross. Can you please not say things like getting ass? That’s so vile.”
“You brought it up and I thought I would clear the air since I’m sure Rian and Sean are telling you differently.”
“They haven’t said a word actually.”
“Smart men. But I’m only kidding. I’m single and lonely just like you left me last time, and I’m shaving tomorrow. This shit itches.” He shifts on his bed and puts his arm behind his head. The sleeve of his shirt slips down his arm showing off his large bicep. It’s weird, seeing my older brother all beefed out like he is now. Many years in the weight room and sucking down protein shakes has paid off, and it’s showing in his stats, but it still feels weird knowing he’s a . . . man, rather than the scrawny boy I grew up with. “How’s your last semester of school treating you?”
“Fine, I guess. I’ve picked up more hours in the weight room. I now have to wake up at four thirty every morning to be there by five for the golf team.”
“Golf? Come on, why don’t they have you working with the baseball team?