Ian
“Did you have a good Christmas?” Jamie sits next to me on the bench.
“I don’t think you want to know all the details.”
“Jesus, no! I might be open-minded, but I don’t want all the details about you and my sister.”
I shake my head and stand up to tie my shoes.
“I spoke to her on the phone today.”
“Yeah, and…?”
“She was happy, Ian. So happy I wanted to throw up. I haven’t heard her like that since…no, what am I saying? I’ve never heard her like that, ever.”
I smile at the idea of Riley finally being happy.
“Have you spoken?” Jamie asks cautiously.
“Er, yes. Sometimes we talk, too,” I say, poking fun to take off the dramatic edge.
He looks at me with an eyebrow raised.
“Not exactly,” I say getting serious. “She’s not ready, but she’s promised that she will.”
“Do you believe her?”
“Don’t have much choice.”
“Haven’t you tried to bring it up?”
“I don’t want to force her. I told her I’d wait and give her the time she needs so she can start to trust me. I don’t want to ruin everything.”
“Well, that’s something. She’s not someone to trust people easily.”
“I know. Having her trust means everything to me.”
“I’m begging you, no more bullshit, okay?”
“That’s old news.”
“Yeah, but you’re still the same person.”
“What’s your point, Jamie?”
He holds his hands up, defensively. “Don’t get pissed off. I just wanted to have a little chat.”
“Well, mate, you are starting to piss me off.”
“Well, if it helps, you can kick someone’s arse out there on the field…”
“Not necessary.”
“So, is it serious between you guys?”
“Are you really asking me that? Do you have any idea how much I’ve kept pushed down inside me all these years?”
“I know, man. Better than anyone else, just like I know she was doing the same.”
