And then there’s the fact that I’m trying to be a mature adult about, but am failing at…I’d get to work with Bronson Campbell. Gosh that man is as exquisite as always. His hair is perfectly tousled in a way that makes you want to run your hands through it.
Did the car just get hotter? I blast the AC. As the cool air hits my face, I regain my composure. This is not about Bronson Campbell. It can’t be. I have to evaluate this situation based on facts and figures, not crushes and emotions.
I pull into a parking lot, following the directions of my GPS. So far I’ve failed at putting this out of my mind, but now I have no choice. As I’m about to open my door, I see Benjamin appear out of one of the first-floor apartments. He smiles and waves at me, walking toward the car. He’s got a basketball with him, along with a black duffle bag. His dark hair bounces with each step.
Opening the door he says, “Hey, Miss Chloe.”
“Hey!” I smile at his greeting.
“Thanks again for taking me. This is my first year on the traveling team, so I really didn’t want to miss out.”
“No problem.”
“My dad wanted me to tell you thanks too. I know he feels bad that you have to take me.”
I wave away his words. “He shouldn’t. I’m glad to do it.”
Benjamin slinks into the seat and stares at his basketball. “I probably shouldn’t have even asked to go because I know he’s busy trying to start up his construction business. Plus, he had to start working for Miss Val to pay for my basketball fees.”
I look over at him out of the corner of my eye. “I bet your dad loves watching you play.”
He nods his head slowly. “Yeah I think so.”
I want to shift the mood to something happier. “So, what’s paintball?”
“You’ve never heard of paintball?”
“I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know much about it.”
He moves the ball to his side and leans forward. “It’s really simple. You just break up into teams and try to shoot the other team. You also try not to get shot.”
“Does it hurt when you get hit?”
“Sometimes.” He smiles wide. “It’s awesome.”
For the next twenty-five minutes, I get to be immersed in Benjamin’s childhood. I learn about his favorite basketball players and his dream to make it to the NBA. He challenges me to a game of HORSE after I tell him I used to beat my siblings. Now I need to practice as soon as possible to get the rust off. I see the way he lights up when he tells me that his dad shoots hoops with him almost everyday after school.
I’m genuinely enjoying this drive. It doesn’t feel like a chore. I’m invigorated by Ben’s excitement about life.
After turning, Benjamin points out a sign that says “Edgewater Paintball.” I follow the road until we’re in front of a black building with a green camo sign. There’s a group of boys standing in the parking lot, and Benjamin says, “That’s them. Thanks for the ride, Chloe!”
“Do you need someone to pick you up?”
“No, my dad said he could. Thanks again!”
He jumps out of the car and I see him fist bumping his teammates. They head inside the building, and I exhale. Why can’t I have that youthful exuberance? Did I ever?
I think I did at one time…like in elementary school. But, around sixth grade, I became more aware of our financial struggles. My mom is a house cleaner, and my dad is a janitor. With their salaries, it was challenging to make ends meet. In order to alleviate their stress, I made it my goal to get good grades, get a scholarship and land a well-paying job. That way they wouldn’t have to worry about supporting me, and hopefully, I could give back to them.
They never went on a honeymoon, and they still have never been on a vacation together out of state. I would love to fly them here. Whenever I sent them money while working at MVP, they used it for house repairs or gifts for other people.
Leaving my job was the most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done, but I’m suddenly feeling like it was also the most irresponsible. I lost sight of why I work so hard. I got sidetracked by something that should be a hobby and gave up a stable career. Sunshine Shores has been a wonderful vacation, but I think it’s time to return to reality.
Chapter 13
Leo
“Ben,Igottaheadout in a few minutes.” I call to him from the living room as I search for my wallet. It’s definitely bad form to be late for a date, but this day has been jam packed. I texted Chloe earlier to give her a heads up that I’m running behind.
