Nat: Have you had lunch?
I consider the text and then figure it’s a nice, safe, brotherly thing to ask, so I send it.
“Yo, Campbell!” Someone calls my name.
I look up.
“We heading to the Tuna. You in?”
“You guys go ahead.” I wave them on and focus on my phone again.
Riley must be busy because the message says ‘delivered’ but she hasn’t replied.
Maybe she’s in the middle of fixing a car or filing paperwork. Should I drive over there and see what’s going on? Or would that be too much?
How do I handle this ‘brother’ thing?
Finally, my phone chirps.
Riley: I haven’t eaten yet.
A smile breaks free and I lean forward, letting my thumbs fly over the keyboard on screen.
Nat: How about Bob’s Burgers? Let’s celebrate you officially becoming a car woman.
Riley: I’m an ‘auto mechanic’.
Nat: Auto mechanic car woman.
Riley: *sends an eye rolling emoji*
I laugh and start typing, but she sends a message first.
Riley: I can’t today. I have plans.
My expression falls flat and I stare at that statement as an uneasy sensation floats in my stomach. I remember Cordelia offering to set Riley up on a date yesterday. Is it possible the ladies already made their arrangements? Is Riley getting ready to eat lunch with some random guy who doesn’t deserve her?
And what? You thinkyoudeserve her?
I ignore that thought and barge to my feet.
Then I sit back down in indecision.
What am I going to do? Storm Riley’s auto shop and forbid her from going on a date?
I scrub a frustrated hand down my face. In the distance, voices get louder until finally, Renthrow, Kinsey and McLanely appear.
“Campbell,” McLanely blinks in shock. “You’re still here? I thought everyone had left for lunch.”
“Yeah, I’m… probably going to practice some more.”
Shades of disapproval appear on all three of their faces.
“The harder you push your body, the more nutrition you need,” Renthrow says, sounding like the dad that he is. “I heard you were practicing early this morning too.”
“Don’t over-do it,” Kinsey says, nodding to my leg.
McLanely grunts in agreement.
