Keeping my phone clutched in one hand and the remote in the other, I skim through the channels. Nothing is catching my eye. It’s not the lack of options, but the fact that all I can think about is Larissa and if I’m going to get to see her while I’m home. I check my phone knowing damn good and well that I haven’t missed a call or text, but on the slight chance, I do it anyway.
What has she done to me?
My phone rings, causing me to jump and fumble the phone. When I get a good grip on it again, I look at the screen and see my little sister Pepper’s face. She’s ten years younger than me at fifteen. I debate on answering in case Larissa calls, but decide I better. I always tell her she
can call me if she doesn’t want to call Mom and Dad.
“Hey, Pep,” I greet her.
“East, good game yesterday.”
“Thanks.”
“How are you? It seems like forever since I’ve talked to you.”
“You know how it is during the season. You good?”
“Yeah, just hanging out. I’ve been babysitting for the Lawrence’s down the street. They have five-year-old twins. It’s easy money.”
I think about Paisley. She’s just a year younger and spending all day with her, I’m sure would be an adventure. “That’s great. You saving up for a car?” I tease. We all know that Mom and Dad are going to buy her a car, but we all like to tease her that she has to buy it on her own. We were spoiled with Dad being a major league player. Not to the point that we are entitled, but we never wanted for anything either.
“Ha ha, no, just spending money and something to do. Josie went to stay with her grandparents this summer and I’m bored out of my mind.”
Her theatrics make me laugh. “Hang in there, kid.”
I can practically hear her rolling her eyes at me. “Kid? Really, Easton? I’m fifteen. I’ll be sixteen in four months,” she reminds me. She reminds all of us daily.
“Sorry, it slipped,” I lie.
“Sure,” she grumbles. “I better go, I told Mom I would load and unload the dishwasher before she and Dad got home. They’ll be here any minute.”
“What have you done all day?” I ask her.
“Nothing much, just laid around the pool.”
“Go, before you get in trouble. Be good, Pep.”
“Love you,” she sing-songs, and ends the call.
Just as I’m setting my phone on the table, I get a text notification.
Larissa: I don’t want to leave P with Mom again at night.
Me: Day date?
Luckily tomorrow is a short morning practice. An hour in the weights room and two on the field. I should have plenty of time to still have our day date. If she chooses the morning, I’ll make an excuse to Coach, that’s how badly I need to see her. To spend some time with her. To see if me missing her is really what this is. What else could it be? She’s all I’ve been able to think about.
Larissa: I don’t know.
Me: Please (I’m making puppy dog eyes at you).
Larissa: LOL
Me: I’d really love to see you. You name the time.
Larissa: Noon? Be back by five or so? That way we will be able to have our normal nightly routine.
Me: Noon it is.