Page 49 of Silent Count
It’s not a secret among the inner workings of our family that my dad’s ultimate goal is to be a judge on the United States Supreme Court. A pipe dream for most, but for Callaways, things like becoming a professional football player or serving on the highest court in the land can easily become reality.
Keep your nose clean and your family tight and work harder than anyone else has been drilled into me since I was a child.
“Maybe. I need to have a discussion with you about a few things but …” I hear his exasperated tone and can picture him running his hand over the back of his neck. “Just remember, it’s your last year at Walker, and you need to keep your reputation squeaky clean.”
“For the NFL?”
Dad pauses, and I hear the hesitation in his tone. “For … a lot of things.”
“Why would it be a problem if she was my girlfriend?”
I’m confused by this entire conversation. My dad has never asked or cared about what I do with girls. Likely because I’ve always been so focused on football, but still.
“I’m concerned that you’re starting off on the wrong foot as it is, what with needing tutoring. And let’s be honest—you might have won the game, but there’s clearly some work to do. You need to be a leader on that field.”
What the fuck?
“Right. Got it. No distractions here.” I huff. “The girl I was pictured with—by the way, how did you see it? I was at practice for two hours and saw her right before. Are you having me followed or something? Is this some security detail type of situation?”
It’d better not be. I do not want to be followed around by some bodyguard. I’m fine with the crew here, filming, but when I’m off the field and out of this building, that’s my time.
“That’s not the point, Bo. I just want to make sure you’re working toward the finish line here.” He evades the question.
“The girl is my tutor, but also my friend. I’ve talked about her before. She’s Casey’s girlfriend, Noelle’s roommate. But, yes, I do also like her. Not that it’s really any of your business or anyone else’s.” I push start on my car, and the engine rumbles.
“I vaguely remember you mentioning something about her. What’s her name again?”
“Why, so you can look her up?” I shake my head even though I know he can’t see me.
“Name?” he asks again.
I know he can find out if I don’t tell him anyway.
“Chelsea Sullivan.” I can picture it clear as day. My dad is probably writing down her name and passing it over to his assistant to look her up.
“That name sounds familiar to me, but I can’t place it.” He harrumphs, and I can hear him tapping his pen on his desk.
“I doubt you would know her. She’s from the East Coast.” I’m trying not to sound defensive because I have no reason to be. But I don’t need him digging around my life and scaring her off either. She seems like a pretty private person, and being around me will be challenging on its own.
“And? Your mother is also from the southern East Coast.”
“Dad, let it go. Let me see how it goes, and if it looks like it’s going somewhere, I’ll want you guys to meet her anyway. You’d actually really like her. She’s prelaw and very focused on getting into law school.”
“Even more reason for you not to start something with this girl.” He takes in a deep breath, then blows it out. “If she’s going to law school, she doesn’t need distractions either.”
“Dad, we’re not getting married today. Chill. We’re hanging out.”
“Bo, I’m not asking. I’m telling you. Whatever it is you think you have going with this girl, end it. Now. Do not disappoint me.” He disconnects without saying goodbye.
I look down at my phone to see he really did hang up on me after issuing an order, like I’m a child. But as bothered as I am by my dad right now, I’m also really angry that someone is snapping pictures of me on campus. Sure, it’s happened before, and I don’t pay much attention to it. But it’s not just me.
I pull out of the parking lot behind the stadium and call Chelsea. I want to hear her voice right now more than anything.
“Hi,” she answers, and just the sound of her voice is like a warm blanket.
The question is, do I tell Chelsea about my conversation with my dad, or do I take care of it on my own? I don’t want to lose what we have going because of it. She’d probably freak. She might have been raised by her aunt, but I bet her parents were average, normal people who didn’t let future aspirations control their every move. I love my family, but I understand they could come off as upper crust for other people.
I’ve finally had my chance with her and made my move, and I don’t want to jeopardize something before we know exactly where it’s going.
