Page 48 of Drew
“Abby sure is something,” Kathy agrees. “She’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
“Well…” Coach looks around at the three of us, “I have yet to meet her in person, but when I do, I’ll pass along my gratitude.”
Mom looks pointedly at me, as a smile forms on her face. “I hope Drew plans to bring her around soon.”
“Mom…” I start to protest. This isn’t the time nor the place to talk about my personal life. I look around the crowd, realizing no one heard. “I’m sure Abby has more important things to do than hang around with us.”
Mom shakes her head, and her eyes roll. “Drew, I love you, honey. But you’re clueless when it comes to girls.”
This causes laughter to erupt from everyone, including Coach. Great. Now he thinks I’m an idiot off the court.
Not liking to be the butt end of a joke, I scowl at my mom. But she just pats me on the arm and dismisses it. “You may think you’re ‘just friends…’”Yes. She friggin’ uses air quotes in front of my coach and the whole world to see. “But trust me, I doubt you’ll just stay that way for long. I’ve seen the way you look at her. It’s the same look your dad gave me when we met.”
“Now I can’t wait to meet Abby.” Coach grins widely at me, then notices something off in the distance. “Look, I have an interview. I’ll catch up with you later.” He looks to my parents. “I’m really glad you’re on the mend.”
“Us, too.” Dad smiles, and I get the false sense of being let off the hook from my family.
I should’ve known better.
Dad turns to me and claps me on the shoulder. “Your mom’s right, Drew. Life is precious, so choose who you spend it with wisely.” Then he chuckles. “Hell… I was ass over end in love with your mom before I even knew what hit me.” He looks lovingly to her, then continues. “Your mom was a little quicker on the uptake, so I’d take her advice.”
Wow. Just wow.
What the hell do I say after that?
“Drew, honey…” She waits until she has my attention. “You’re gonna catch flies with your mouth hanging open like that. Give us some love and get back with your team. Call to let us know you’re home safe.” She steps up and wraps her arm tight around me for another hug. Then she whispers in my ear, “I love you so much. You do what’s right for you. Don’t forget to tell Abby hello for us.”
I nod in agreement then say goodbye to the rest of my family.
Our conversation runs on a loop through my mind my entire ride home. Sure, I manage to get some work done. But one thing is certain—I need to see Abby.
As soon asI get back to my apartment, I take a quick shower to wash the day of travel off. I rush through getting dressed in a button down and a pair of jeans. Then I pull out my phone, hoping she’s around.
Me: Just got back, are you busy?
I wait anxiously for a reply. I know I’m being presumptuous, I really want to see her tonight. Though I was never prepared for her text.
Abby: Hey, sexy, I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m out at Jack’s getting my groove on.
Sexy?
Is Abby drunk?
This is so unlike her, but a part of me hopes this isn’t a joke. I quickly rush out another text.
Me: Have you been drinking?
Abby: Maybe? You’ll have to come join me if you wanna know for sure.
Yeah. This might not be Abby on the other end. But there’s no fucking way I’m passing up the opportunity to see her. I just hope she’s not so drunk she regrets this text in the morning.
Within seconds, I grab the keys and slip on my shoes. DeShawn stops me at the door. “Dude, what’s the rush?”
I smile and shrug. “Gotta meet up with Abby!”
DeShawn groans. “You’re studying on Saturday night?”
I’m sure my grin is wolfish as I quickly reply, “Not if I can help it.”
