Page 5 of Silent Count
Silas hops in the front passenger seat after tossing his bag in the back seat. “What’s that? You get a girl’s number?” He smirks.
“Uh, yeah, something like that.” I quickly put the note on my phone and set it in a small compartment on the left side of the wheel, out of view from Silas.
Our ride home takes minutes, and I pull up behind Casey’s girlfriend, Noelle’s, car on the street in front of the house. I pocket my phone, and then we both grab our bags from the back seat and make our way to the door, still talking about football.
Silas walks into the house first and announces our arrival. “Daddy’s home!” He drops his bag by the door, right in my path.
A round of laughter rings out.
“Ew, Silas. Don’t ever say that again!” Noelle calls out.
I move Silas’s bag out of my way with my foot, then set my bag down next to his. When I walk around the corner and into the kitchen, I stop in my tracks.
She’s here. The girl I can’t stop thinking about. Chelsea Sullivan. My new tutor.
CHAPTER
THREE
BO
It’s notuncommon for Chelsea to be here when Noelle is over, but I mean … what are the chances? We talk on occasion, but usually within the group, never one-on-one. Now, I’m not an overly superstitious guy, but I feel like this could be a sign to take my shot.
Trying to act nonchalant and like her number isn’t burning a hole through my pocket, I stroll into the kitchen. “What’s up, ladies?”
I look around at each female in the room, smiling and nodding, then stop on Chelsea. She’s smiling back at me, but I must stare a little too long because she breaks up the awkwardness.
“Uh, hi, Bo.” She laughs and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear.
I look away first because I don’t need to embarrass myself further. “Where’s Casey?” I ask, looking at Noelle.
“He’s on the phone with Beck in his room. I’m sure they’re almost done.” She tilts her head toward his room while she grabs some plates from the cupboard.
“Oh, awesome. I want to go say hello to the big shot too. It’s not every day your buddy is recruited to the NFL. I want to see how things are going in Chicago.”
I turn to look at Charlie. “When does he come home for a visit?”
She’s standing at the stove, pulling out what looks to be roasted chicken and potatoes. “I think he’s planning to come down for the first game, but he hasn’t gotten his tickets yet. If he comes, he’ll have to leave right after. They have their last preseason game that weekend.”
“That’s right. Okay, I’m gonna go say hello. How much longer until dinner?” I put my hand in my pocket over my phone.
“Probably about five minutes, but don’t hang up. I want to say goodbye.” She calls after me. “Silas, no! Do not pick at the chicken with your fingers. Go wash your hands.”
I laugh, hearing her scold Silas. “Will do.” I wave my hand over my shoulder.
When I reach Casey’s room, I tap on the door.
“Come in,” he shouts from the other side of the door. “Sup, man. Dinner ready?”
“Charlie said it’ll be another five minutes. I just wanted to say hi to Beck.” I nod toward the cell in his hand.
“Let me put it on speaker.” Casey taps the speaker button on his phone. “You there, brother?”
“Yeah, I’m here,” Beck says. “How’s it going, Callaway?”
“It’s going. Casey tell you about the new curfew and the docuseries?” I huff a laugh.
Beck chuckles. “He did. Glad it’s you guys and not me.”
