I shake my entire body to rid the memory of the mechanic who liked to play with tools inside andoutsideof the shop in ways that were a little questionable to everyone involved.
“Fine,” I say, giving in. “But I promise this is different. Matthew, do you recognize the name Andrew Miller?”
“Shut up, Auntie Sharee,” Matthew says, making me smile.
“Who’s Andrew?” Shelly asks.
“Mom, he just signed with the Giants,” Matthew says. “He used to play with the Titans too. Coach talked about trying to get him to come out to one of our practices since he’s local now.”
“I bet we can get him to do that,” I say playfully.
“Wait, so you’re dating a baseball player? Who you met on Tinder?” Shelly asks in disbelief.
“I know, right? I’m shocked too. I had no idea he was a player. He’s going live on ESPN in a little while. Go turn it on.”
“I will,” Matthew yells out.
“We’ll both watch,” Shelly says and then turns the speakerphone off and brings the phone to her ear. “So, you’re really talking with this guy?”
“I’m more than talking. We’re dating. Shelly, he’s so amazing. It’s been the best few days ever.”
I tell her about our time together and how great it’s been.
“I’m so happy for you,” she says.
“Thanks, sis. Okay, I have to shower. I have a Zoom meeting with my students, and he’s going to surprise them.”
“Wow, your popularity with some kids is going to shoot through the roof.”
“I know. I’m so excited to see their faces! Love ya!” I say before she replies the same, and then we hang up.
After I shower, I stay glued to ESPN, waiting for his interview to come on, checking a hundred times to make sure it’s recording. When they tease that he’s coming up, I jump with excitement and run to take my spot on the couch.
They split the screen with the host, and there, on national TV, is the guy I’m falling hard for. He looks so handsome with his hair done and a casual T-shirt on. Even the bad angle of the computer camera doesn’t hurt how handsome he is.
When the host introduces him, his grin and silly wave make me giggle like a twelve-year-old girl watching her favorite crush on television.
Oh my God, my tween girlie dreams have come true. I’m actually dating the cute guy on TV!
The host asks questions about the season and how Drew feels about finally getting his big break, only to be sent home on quarantine. I can see that tiny bit of nervousness he talked about. It’s so stinking adorable that I can barely contain myself.
I’m distracted when an alert for a text goes off.
Shelly: Oh, he’s cute!
Me: I know! Leave me alone. I’m watching.
I curl my legs up on my couch, so I’m sitting cross-legged, and I lean forward. My cheeks are starting to hurt because I have such a big smile on my face.
“So, tell me, Andrew,” the host says. “What are you doing during this time?”
The handsomest smile grows across his face, and I can tell he’s trying not to laugh. My chest pounds as I wait for his answer.
“Well, Sam, I actually met a girl and, um …”
The host laughs. “You met someone during the quarantine?”
He joins in with his own laugh. “Yep, sure did.” He shrugs. “It’s been a fun time, getting to know her—while keeping our distance, of course.”
