Mitch chuckled. “I bet.”
“But peas. Ugh. I sat forever waiting to be rescued from a plate of peas a few times—for a cookie. Torture.”
“Poor Evan. Too bad you didn’t know me back then. Grams would have hooked you up. She had a pretty relaxed view on veggie intake. I was a weird kid, though. I ate whatever she put in front of me without argument. I’d do anything to avoid going home,” he said.
“Why? What was wrong with your folks?”
“They hated each other. They fought constantly. It was horrible. My strategy was to be as silent as possible, so they’d forget about me instead of using me as a weapon. I was a very quiet kid.”
“You seem to have come out of your shell. I’ve seen you dancing on tables with Chelsea,” I teased.
“That’s different—she’s my best friend. But you’re right…it took awhile, but I eventually found my voice. I have my grandmother to thank for that. She’s pretty open and outgoing. She didn’t mind that I was quiet, but she didn’t like the reasons. I moved in with her when I was thirteen and other than a short stint in the dorms, I haven’t left. It’s not because we’re family,” he said conversationally. “We’re a team. Can’t leave your teammates.”
“Hmm. You’re right.”
I’d switched topics before I was tempted to share more than either of us bargained for. Mitch went with the flow. He had a good sense of humor and an easygoing vibe I appreciated. I liked our conversations. They felt honest and real.
When we’d hung up last night, he’d hinted at a few surprise questions he’d come up with for our Thursday meeting. I thought about coming up with a few of my own as I made my way out of the locker room the Wednesday beforehand. I pulled my cell out, intending to forward a funny blog post about new couples quirks to Mitch just as my phone buzzed in my hand.
“Hi, Mom. I’m about to walk into my Home Ec class. Want me to call you back later?”
My mother guffawed heartily. “Home Ec, eh? I don’t want to keep you from learning how to boil water, dear. I just called to see how you are. How’s the knee holding up?”
“Good. I’m supposed to see the sports therapist tomorrow.”
“Will you be okay to play this Saturday?”
It was tempting to blow off her concern, but I’d given my parents cause to worry. Not recently, but some memories didn’t fade quickly. I pushed away the instant and unwelcome déjà vu before replying.
“Yes. I’m fine. Will you and Dad be there?”
“Of course.”
“Cool. I’ll see you after the game.” I moved up the stairs to my building but paused at the door when she didn’t reply. “Mom?”
“Evan, Graham’s dad passed away last week. His sister told me they’ll plan a memorial service in a month or so, but his mom is—well, she’s not doing well. Losing her son and now her husband…poor woman is heartbroken.”
I swallowed hard and fixated on a bronze statue across the quad.
“What do you want me to do?” I whispered.
“Honey, you don’t have to do anything. If you feel like sending a card, do it. If not, that’s okay too. He was a good man and he tried so hard to…be there for you, even though he was hurting. I just wanted you to know. That’s all. Are you okay?”
I blinked and nodded, though the gesture was lost on her. “Y-yeah.”
An strained silence fell between us.
“Sweetheart, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I’m not upset. I’m fine,” I insisted weakly as I made my way back down the stairs. I sat on the corner of a stone bench and covered my face with my free hand.
“Go do something that makes you happy. Right now. Just…go buy a bag of M&Ms or splurge on one of those horrible slushies you like or call someone who makes you smile. Please?”
“Yeah. I will and I’m…okay.”
“I love you, Ev,” she said fervently. “To the next galaxy and back. No matter what.”
I let out a half laugh and bit the inside of my cheek. “I love you too.”
I disconnected the call and took a deep breath. And then another. The sky was blue, the sun shining, but I could practically see the darkness coming for me. Any second now, the sickening twist of metal would ring in my ear. If I didn’t do something quickly, it would drag me under. I looked in the general direction of the football field but immediately dismissed the idea of another workout. The heat was oppressive today, and my muscles were already fatigued. I sucked in air like a drowning man and willed myself to relax. Think, Evan, think. I tapped my phone and Mitch’s contact info popped up. I pressed Send.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Evan?”
“Yeah. I was um…on my way to class and I found a blog you might be interested in. I forwarded the link to you. Did you see it?” I asked in a fast-paced manic tone.