Page 12 of The Transfer
“Sunshine.” He cuts me off. “First off, take a breath. Second, I don’t have anything going on. I’ll meet you at your place around eight. That work? I’ll bring some snacks if you’ll make popcorn.”
“Perfect,” I say quietly. Half of me is thrilled, but the other half is freaking out with anxiety.
“See you soon, Reagan,” Riggs says and then heads off to his car with more swagger in one step than most guys have in their entire bodies.
I wait a second before turning around to catch my parents' reaction. They are looking at me with concern written all over their faces.
We walk out to the parking lot, discussing how well the team played and how much they enjoyed the tailgate.
A short ride delayed by football traffic allows me to soak up a few extra minutes with Mom and Dad. I know we are only a few hours away, but I don’t make it home often because of my rigorous class schedule and basketball obligations.
“Reagan, sweetie…” Uh-oh, she pulled out the sweetie. I’m either about to get sage advice or a lecture.
“Yeah, Mom?”Please don’t let this be the sex talk.I can’t go through that trauma again.
“I heard you invite Riggs over. I think that’s great, but please be careful.” I know she worries about me after everything with Drew.
“Okay, Mom. It’s nothing. He just looked sad, and I figured I’d be friendly. That’s it. I’m not getting into anything with another basketball player.”
“Angel,” Dad says, and I’m not ready for whatever he’s about to say. “Not every basketball player is going to be a Drew Cole. But being his friend is great. You are too young to date, and no one is good enough for my baby girl.” His comment defuses the tension in the air.
“Dad, I’m twenty-one!” I say, laughing and get out of the car. Before I shut the door, I tell my parents I love them. Then I walk up the front steps and let myself in.
I replay what my parents told me as I get ready for tonight. My mind drifts to Drew briefly before I remind myself that Riggs isn’t Drew. But that doesn’t mean I want anything more than a friend right now. A very handsome, muscular, tall friend.
NINE
REAGAN
My nerves are sky-high as I wait for Riggs to get here. I came home and changed into leggings and an off-the-shoulder Chicago Bulls sweatshirt. Left my hair in a high ponytail and called it good.
Just as I pour popcorn into a giant bowl, the doorbell rings. Oh gosh, he’s here.You got this, Reagan. Just be chill.
I open the door and am hit with the scent that is all Riggs. He smells like clean laundry and mint from the gum he chews. He has a smile on his face and a bag in his hand.
“What’s in the bag, Point Guard?” I ask, curious as to what he would bring.
“Hello to you too, Sunshine. It’s just the movie-watching essentials.” I gesture to the living room, and he walks in.
We sit down on the couch, and he begins opening his bag. He reaches in and grabs a can of Dr Pepper, handing it to me.
“You remembered Dr Pepper is my favorite?” I ask, surprised.
“I remember everything you tell me, Reagan.” He says it with a serious face, and I think I blush down to my toes.
“Oh, um. That’s really sweet, Riggs,” I say quietly.
He continues pulling out things: Mountain Dew for him and a box of Milk Duds. I wonder how he knew that I love Milk Duds with my popcorn.
“I wasn’t sure what candy you would like, but Milk Duds with popcorn are my favorite,” Riggs says as he pops one into his mouth.
“Actually, it’s my favorite too,” I respond.
I take a handful of popcorn and chase it with a long pull of Dr Pepper. Something about that first sip always gets me. I think it’s a nostalgia thing. My grandpa and I would drink them when I visited as a kid. Now that he has passed, drinking one always reminds me of him.
“So, tell me, were you really going to read all night?” He has a grin that makes me melt.
“Probably. I have a bad habit of reading way past my bedtime. Books give me a break from reality.”
