“Is he a good kisser?” She wiggled her eyebrows at me. “I bet he is.”
“Yeah. He is.” I laughed. “He’d better be. He had enough practice.”
“True. So, you guys are close, kissing isn’t repulsive. What’s the deal then?”
“I don’t know. He accused me of having feelings for Tanner. Which I don’t. Not anymore. Plus, it was more of a crush last year. Not real feelings. Anyway, he accused me of it almost a week ago and we’ve barely talked since. Just bullshit small-talk texts.”
“Hmm. Yeah. Aaron can be over the top with texting. Have you guys talked about last week?”
“No. I don’t want him to worry about it when he’s playing. It’s not fair.”
“Once again, Greta puts others above herself.” Callie shook her head at me. “We need a girls’ night. Our real and fake men are gone. We’re wallowing. “
“You know what? You’re right.” I stood, nodding a little too hard. “We haven’t hit the town for a while. Drinks, dancing and bingeing on burgers sounds amazeballs.”
“I’m going to finish stretching, then get ready. Wanna leave in two hours?”
“Hells yeah, girlfriend.”
She walked out and I felt better. Sure, my worries were still there, but I had been focused on the bad all week. I hadn’t focused on how many tips I’d made. Or how my brother had called and we’d laughed for the first time in months. Or how my parents had found a nice, cozy home to put a bid on.
My mother’s words came back to me.Happiness is a mindset. Force yourself to think of the good. Not the bad. Choose to be happy in every situation.“I’m happy,” I said to myself. I tended to talk to myself from time to time. It wasn’t entirely strange.
My phone pinged and Aaron’s name popped up. My stomach did the awkward dance again. I must have been excited for a night out. That was all.
Aaron: We ended up getting second.
Greta: Nice job.
Aaron: Second is the first loser.
Greta: Change your mindset.I rolled my eyes at myself.
Greta: It’s not even the real season. It’s summer ball. You’re there to get reps in.
Aaron: How have you been? We come home tonight.
Okay…hello, mood swings.I contemplated my response. I hated playing games. We’d texted casually all week, him needing to focus on baseball and not any drama with me. But now, should I respond honestly or lie?
Greta: I’ve sort of missed having you around.
Aaron: I assumed you were still pissed.
Greta: I am. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss your annoying ass.
Aaron: Did you post a photo today?
Greta: Yes, sir.
Aaron: Thank you.
Aaron: I left you alone this week because I thought you wouldn’t want to talk.
Greta: Ronnie, being upset or angry with someone doesn’t cease all conversation. You talk it out.
Aaron: Can we talk then?
I intended to say yes. I really did. But Callie waltzed in at that moment and blasted music from her speakers. “G, get some tequila and Latina music. Mama wants to dance.”
