“It’s always late here, but it’s nice to hear your voice,” I say. Is that lame? Should I be thinking of more witty things to say?
“You too. How have the games gone?”
Letting out a long breath, I say, “Not too bad. We’re about tied in wins and losses on this one. It’s always hard to get interviews when they aren’t doing well.”
He chuckles. “I can understand that.”
“How was your night?” I ask, worried he’s going to hang up. Then again, he’s the one who called me.
“It was good. I think we’ll be ready for the opening game from how we’ve been practicing. The rookies are working hard, and they’ll be a good asset to the team.”
I grin. “That’s great. I know it’s not always the easiest to mesh the new ones with the seasoned professionals.”
Burton laughs. “I don’t know why, but that makes it sound like I’m a steak and I’ve been marinating in spices.”
We both laugh together, and again, I’m surprisedat how easy this is. There aren’t any mind games, and I’m grateful for the chance to get to know him better. Nothing like my relationship with Tim.
“How’s work?” I ask and then add, “I mean the restaurant.”
Lacrosse is also his work, but sometimes I can’t believe he’s able to balance it all. Training for a sport is a full-time job as it is and then adding a few dozen hours a week as a server must be draining. Now I feel bad for even thinking I’m tired.
“It’s going. Tips have been good lately, which helps in the savings department. It’ll help me get through the summer at least.”
“That’s awesome.” I think about all the things we’ve talked about in the past and say, “Did your family figure out what they’re doing for vacation?”
There’s a beat of silence on the other end and he says, “I haven’t heard, actually. Then again, I won’t be hurt if I can’t make it.”
The craziest part of his life is that it’s everything I’ve always wanted, minus the toxicity. I’d always wanted siblings and a close family to create those memories and to love being together. I still love hanging out with my grandparents, but it’s not the same.
“What are you thinking about?” Burton asks. I must’ve been quiet for way too long.
“That having siblings and the chance at a family vacation together was something I’d always wantedgrowing up. But from what you’ve told me, maybe it’s a good thing I’m an only child.”
Again, there’s silence before he says, “I’m not sure my family is the poster example of what it’s supposed to look like. I’m grateful to Connie, though. She’s always been there for me. I couldn’t have gotten here without her going to bat for me with my parents.”
“It’s always good to have people in your corner.”
The silence is heavy for a moment before Burton says, “Clark got everything set up for the opening kickoff.”
I smile and nod. “Yeah, Jessa was telling me they’ve already gotten over a hundred posts with the hashtag connecting them. That’s exciting.”
“I’m excited to play again.” He chuckles and says, “Sorry, I think I’m delirious.”
Laughing, I say, “Didn’t you just finish playing cardboard box lacrosse? That’s the same thing, right?”
“Yes and no,” Burton says. “I’m excited for the sun and the outside air and the field to play on.”
“Good clarification.”
“I should probably let you go, Laney Loo. Sleep well, and I’ll talk to you later.”
I say goodbye and hang up, sitting with my phone on my lap as I stare at the wall across from me. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to feel this buzz ofexcitement every time I talk to Burton, but I’ll take it for now.
There are only two more days until we fly back to Salt Lake. I walk over to the bottle of Skittles and fish out two more greens.
CHAPTER 22
LANEY
