For the Game (13 page)

I couldn’t help but grin back. Sighing, I nodded. I knew he was right, but curiosity was killing me. This time my pitch was a little off.

After lunging for it, Parker shot me a knowing glance. “The best thing you can do is get your mind off of Ace and focus on the game.”

He tossed the ball back, and I caught it. “It’s not just Ace. I’ve got a lot of stuff going on right now.”

“Ace is right about one thing,” Parker said. “This isn’t high school. You’ve gotta leave your shit off the field.”

“I know.” I nodded, determined to do exactly as he’d said. It was time to grow up. It was time to be the man I knew I could be.

It was time to make my dad proud.

London

I couldn’t bring myself to open the envelope.

Instead, I left it on the kitchen table. Left it there to stare at me unblinking every time I walked past. Which, let me tell you, was often. I couldn’t help myself. I skirted around, keeping my gaze fixed on it. My name called to me from where it was printed on the front. It reminded me of waiting on test results from the doctor. The expectations of others would overwhelm me, and I would find myself holding my breath in anticipation, afraid to let everyone down.

I knew Cooper was hoping I’d get accepted to Fallbrook. It had been his hope since he first left for college. Leaving me was difficult for him. At that point my health was pretty fragile, and he was worried about me. I had to practically force him to leave, and the only thing that would make him feel better was the idea that I might be joining him in a year. I’d had my doubts about going away to college. A part of me wondered if I’d be well enough to leave. Also, I was a little concerned about abandoning Dad.

My heart twisted as I glanced back down at the envelope. It felt like so many lives hinged on the letter inside. Unable to think about it any longer, I left it on the table and went to my room. Sitting on my bed, I pulled out my laptop. After opening it, I watched the screen come to life. Then I clicked into my word document and started writing.

For the next hour or so I got lost in the fictional world I’d created. I played in my imagination, not thinking about real life at all. My characters spoke loudly in my head, guiding me through their thoughts and actions. It was a rush following them in the journey, and I embraced it with all I had.

“London,” Dad’s voice interrupted me. I froze, my hands poised over the keys. When I raised my head, Dad stood in the doorway of my room smiling at me. “Hey, pumpkin. Watcha working on?”

“Oh, just doing some writing.” I shrugged, pushing the laptop off my legs.

“That’s great.” He stepped further into the room, his expression pensive. I sat up, my curiosity peeked. Usually when he got home from work he poked his head in my room, greeted me, and then went to his room to change. When he lowered himself onto the edge of my bed, my curiosity grew. “Um…” He scratched the back of his neck. “I…um…sort of want to talk to you about something.”

Raising my eyebrows, I scooted forward. “Okay.”

“I kind of…um…met someone.”

“Like a female someone?” This was new. My dad hadn’t dated at all since my mom passed away.

Biting his lip, he nodded. His cheeks were red, his eyes downcast. “We met at work.”

This was puzzling. “She’s a mechanic?”

A small chuckle escaped through his lips as if the idea of this woman being a mechanic was funny to him. “No. She’s the new receptionist.”

I didn’t remember him mentioning anything about a new receptionist. “What’s her name?”

“Lisa.” Dad lifted his head, swiveling his head in my direction. “We’re actually going on a date tonight.” Pausing, he searched my face as if gauging my reaction. “Are you okay with this? I mean, I should’ve talked to you before asking her out. It just sorta happened spontaneously. We were talking about cars one minute, and the next minute I was asking her to dinner.”

“Dad.” Laughing, I touched his shoulder. “It’s fine. Really. I’m actually glad you’re going out.”

“You are?” Relief flashed in his eyes.

“Yeah. It’s about time.”

“It’s just a date. You don’t have to worry about me trying to replace your mom or anything.”

I shook my head. “I’m almost eighteen, Dad. I’m not worried about someone sweeping in here trying to be my mom.”

He sighed. “I’m so glad you’re all right with this.”

I knit my eyebrows together. “Were you really worried I wouldn’t be?”

“When you were little you used to be so scared about me meeting someone else and replacing her.” His eyes softened, crinkling around the edges. “I promised you I’d never do that. I made a vow that it would always just be the two of us.”

My breath caught in my throat. “I don’t remember that.”

“I do.” A wistful look clouded Dad’s face. “Like it was yesterday.”

I felt sick. All this time I thought Dad was single because he had no desire to date. “Dad, I had no idea. I feel terrible. You have to know I never would’ve held you to such a promise.”

He reached for my hand, covering it with his. “I know, but I wanted to keep my promise to you. And I don’t regret it. There’s no one on this earth I’d rather spend time with than you.” Patting my hand, he stood up. “But you’re growing up.” His gaze flickered to the hallway. “Pretty soon you’ll be going away to college and moving on with your own life.”

My stomach soured. Was that why he wanted to date now? Was it because he was worried about me leaving him? “Or maybe I’ll stay here and go to Sac State.”

“You need to do what’s right for you.” Dad gave me a pointed look. “And I’ll support whatever you choose.”

I nodded as he headed toward the hallway. When he left the room I blew out a breath. Everything was changing, becoming more complicated. I supposed that’s what growing up was like. But sometimes it was difficult. I wasn’t sure what the best decision was. Grappling in my pocket, I snatched out my phone and dialed Cooper’s number. When I reached his voicemail I didn’t even bother leaving a message. Lately he’d been too busy to do more than shoot me off a quick text after practice and homework. I was sure tonight would be no different. My attempts at being the cool, understanding girlfriend were falling short the last couple of weeks. Sure, I acted cool about it when Cooper and I conversed. But inside I was starting to get angry. I hated that he never had time for me anymore. Especially when I was in the midst of planning for my future. If I went to Fallbrook it would be mainly for Cooper. And how could I choose that right now when I wasn’t even sure Cooper needed me?

A knock on the front door caught my attention. If it was last year, I’d have assumed it was Cooper. He used to show up randomly all the time. If only he could do that now. Sliding off the bed, I padded down the hallway in my bare feet. I wasn’t surprised when I opened the door to find Skyler standing on the front porch.

“What’s up?”

She groaned. “I had to escape my brothers. They’re driving me nuts.”

Giggling, I moved out of the way so she could come inside. She walked past me and then flung herself down on the couch. After closing the door, I followed suit, plopping down beside her.

“God, you’re so lucky to be an only child. There’s no one around to bug you.”

It used to bother me when Skyler would throw out statements like that. I knew she didn’t mean anything by it, but it would hurt my feelings. She never realized how fortunate she was to have a large family. As much as I loved being raised by my dad, there was always an emptiness in our house. It was like we could always feel the hole that my mom’s absence created. And as a little girl I longed for a sibling, someone to help assuage the loneliness a little. But Skyler’s brothers honestly bothered the shit out of her, so she was speaking the truth. Besides, when I really thought about it I realized that having Skyler in my life was sort of like having a sister. I nudged her. “Hey, that’s not true. I may not have a sibling, but I have you around to bug me.”

“Nice.” She stuck out her tongue at me.

I giggled. The click of dress shoes on the kitchen floor alerted us to my dad’s presence. My head bobbed up.

Skyler gasped. “Wow, what’s the occasion?”

Normally it bothered me how forward Skyler was; how she seemed to have no internal filter. But her response was justified. I’d never seen Dad so dressed up. He had on a long sleeve white shirt with navy pinstripes, khaki slacks and dress shoes. The scent of cologne lingered in the room. He must like this Lisa person a lot. A funny feeling descended in my stomach, but I shoved it away before spending any time analyzing it. This was a good thing for Dad, and I wanted to be happy for him. No, scratch that. I needed to be happy for him. He’d already sacrificed so much for me. Besides, I had someone. Shouldn’t I want the same thing for Dad?

Then again, Dad probably had more romance in his life than I did right now. Cooper and I hardly talked anymore, and when we did it was shallow and rushed. I sometimes wondered if I’d even recognize him the next time we skyped.

“Um…” Dad cleared his throat, as if uncomfortable with answering Skyler’s question. “I have a date, actually.” He said it like it was a question, surprise evident in his tone.

“Ooh, a date.” Skyler winked.

Smiling, Dad shook his head. Walking into the family room, he eyed me. “Is it too much?”

I glanced at his outfit. “No. You look really great.”

A nervous expression cloaked his features. “It’s been so long since I’ve been on a date.”

“I’m sure it’s just like riding a bike,” I said, and Skyler laughed.

“Let’s hope it’s not like when London rides one.” She grinned. “Then again, her klutziness did land her the hottest guy at the high school, so who knows?”

I waved away her words with a flick of my wrist. “Don’t listen to her. You’ll be fine.”

“Thanks, pumpkin.” Dad leaned over and pecked me on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

“Have fun,” I called after him as he left.

“So, this is new.” Skyler widened her eyes and cocked an eyebrow just as the engine on Dad’s car roared to life from the garage.

“Yeah,” I agreed, unsure of how else to respond.

“Who’s the chick?”

“The new receptionist at his work. Her name’s Lisa.”

Skyler tucked a strand of black hair behind her ears, her eyes sparkling. “What’s she like? Is she pretty?”

I shrugged. “Don’t know. Never met her. Dad just told me about her for the first time tonight.”

“Ah, so she’s a mystery woman.”

“I swear, you should be the writer,” I teased her.

“Are you telling me you’re not the least bit curious about her?”

“Yeah. Maybe a little, but it’s not like he’s marrying the lady. This is only the first date.” With the palms of my hands, I pushed myself off the couch and stood. “I’m thirsty. Want something to drink?”

“Sure.” Skyler hopped up and trailed behind me as I headed into the kitchen.

When we reached it, I opened the fridge and scanned it. “Coke okay?”

“Sure.”

I pulled two out and then closed the door with my hip.

“What’s this?” Skyler held up the envelope from Fallbrook.

I inhaled sharply. “That’s the decision letter from Fallbrook University.”

“Why haven’t you opened it yet?”

“I guess I’m scared to.” I handed her one of the sodas, my palm stinging from the cold. To relieve my hands I set the other one down on the table.

Skyler set hers down too with a thump and then began tearing into my envelope. “Well, if you’re too chicken shit to do it, I will.”

I wanted to stop her, but the truth was that I kind of liked the idea of her looking first. Maybe she could cushion the blow if I didn’t get in. Once she had the envelope open, she discarded it. It fluttered down to the table, landing face up. With a loud rustle she smoothed out the letter, her gaze scanning it. I watched her expression, trying to read it, but she gave nothing away.

“Wanna know what it says?” Her eyes locked with mine.

I drew in a breath. “I’m not sure. Do I?”

Her lips curled upward. “Yes, you definitely do.”

“I got in?”

She nodded.

Excitement pulsed through me. “I did?”

Skyler tossed the letter down and threw her arms around me. “Yes, you did!”

“Oh, my god!” I squealed, hugging her back. “I got in!”

“Now you can go be with lover boy.” Skyler winked as she pulled away from me.

And just like that she burst my bubble. Was that what I was doing? Following Cooper around like a lovesick puppy?

“What?” Skyler froze, a wary look on her face. “What just happened? Your face went from happy to frowny in a second flat.”

“I’m just not sure about it.” Reaching for my soda, I popped the top. It cracked and fizzled. After taking a giant gulp, I made my way back into the family room. I sank down onto the couch, the cushions swallowing my small frame. My fingers were wrapped around my Coke can, condensation coating my palm.

Skyler sat next to me, balancing the soda in her lap. “Not sure about what?”

“About where to go for college.”

“What do you mean?” Skyler flashed me a dubious expression. “I thought you wanted to be with Cooper.”

“That’s just it. I don’t think I should make such a huge decision for a guy.”

Skyler angled her head to the side. “Since when is Cooper just a guy?” Reaching out with her free hand she nudged my leg. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I guess I’m just feeling overwhelmed.” Air blew through my parted lips. “And Cooper’s been so busy lately we’ve hardly spoken. I mean, what if I go all the way there and he doesn’t have time for me? What if he doesn’t even want to be with me anymore?”