Page 12 of Not that Impressed
She does star in a TV show that millions of people watch. If she talks bad about me, it will start more rumors I have to deal with. Last time, I had everyone in the Pumas organization on my side because we take care of our own—but Ellie is the owner’s daughter. My thoughtless words could have out-of-proportion consequences because she’s holding a grudge against me. It’s in my best interest to fix it.
Obviously.
We arrive at our cars, and I realize I haven’t answered Charlie. We’ve walked through the parking lot in silence as I consider what to do. Charlie pauses before heading to his car.
“You and Ellie got off on the wrong foot,” he says. “You’re not the guy she thinks you are, and once she sees that, everything will be fine.”
Still, I hesitate. Charlie’s time with Janelle will be difficult if I come. “Why don’t you just cook dinner for Janelle?” I ask. “Spend some time one on one with her?”
“Well, that would be awkward uninviting Kara and Ellie,” he teases.
“Kara won’t care. Neither will Ellie, especially if she knows you’re inviting me.” I open the driver’s side door of my Expedition and toss my bag across the console into the passenger seat.
He leans against my SUV and takes a second before answering. “Janelle is careful and quiet. She’s more comfortable with her sister around, and I want her to feel comfortable getting to know me.”
I huff out a sigh. “This is why all the ladies love you and not me.”
Charlie shakes his head and rolls his eyes. “There are plenty of ladies who don’t care what comes out of your mouth and would hook up with you just because you play for the Pumas, and you know it.” Neither of us has to point out that’s not the relationship I want. I’m only really comfortable with people I know well, and that includes romantic relationships. Casual stuff is too difficult to navigate.
“You and Ellie can be friends,” Charlie insists. “I believe in your ability to not say anything to make her mad tonight.”
“Have Card and his fiancée come over. That’s the vibe you want,” I suggest. Charlie has been getting to know our tight end, Law Card, better since he decided to buy a house in his neighborhood.
“I’m not cutting you out of my life because of the woman I want to date. Come over, behave, and prove to Ellie you’re actually a nice guy.”
“Except I’m not actually a nice guy,” I point out.
He scoffs and punches me in the shoulder. “See you at eight.” He walks off before I can decline again.
When I get home, I text my mom for advice on how to fix this situation with Ellie. She’s known me longer than anyone, obviously, and has firsthand experience with my ability to turn an innocent observation into a barbed comeback without even trying.
Will
Charlie has a new girlfriend (almost) and I made a bad first impression on her sister. How do I fix it?
Mom
What did you do?
Will
Made some judgments I shouldn’t have, and then made it worse by being me.
Mom
You are a great guy. You know that.
Will
She doesn’t. That’s the problem. Charlie really likes her sister. I’ve gotta try for him.
Mom
Actions are what matter. You can say all you want that you’re one thing, but if your actions don’t match, the words won’t mean anything.
You could also have her call me.
I snort-laugh. My mom would absolutely win Ellie over—to liking my mom. I can see Ellie still being skeptical of me.
