My dad pulls me into a hug with him next. “Hell of a second half, son! You did great out there. It’s so great getting to watch you play.”
“Are you free tonight? We’d love to take you out for dinner before you celebrate with your friends,” Mom asks.
“Yeah, absolutely I can do that.” The team celebrations are always the same drunk night at a bar. I like the idea of doing something a little different to acknowledge my accomplishment. Besides, my parents took the afternoon off to be here, and there’s only one person I’d rather celebrate with, but he’s at work right now.
“Great, how about Sunset Bistro?” my dad suggests.
“Sounds good.”
We walk to the parking lot, and I get into their car. The moment the doors are closed, my mom turns to me, “So, how are things going with your love life?”
“Mom, you know I don’t have a love life,” I dismiss, but for some reason, it feels like a lie.
“Well, you did call for advice about a boy, soooo that was something.”
She’s right. I just don’t know how to answer. Still. I sigh, sinking further into the seat, feeling ashamed. “I don’t know, he’sa really great friend. He couldn’t come tonight because he had to work, but I would’ve loved for you to meet him.”
“Well, maybe next time,” my dad suggests.
“Yeah, maybe.”
I pull out my phone and see Porter texted me back.
Porter
Only two? Cutting it a little close there…
I chuckle, trying to think of a flirty response, except when we pull into a lot near the restaurant, I look up from my phone and immediately clock Porter walking this way about half a block ahead of us, side by side with Josie, the two of them in their own world. He’s got his hands tucked in his jacket pocket, head tilted toward her while she talks with her hands like she always does. He hasn’t seen me.
As soon as we stop the car, I scramble out and call out, “Porter! Josie, hey!”
I’m vaguely aware of my parents getting out of the car behind me. I’m sure they’ll put two and two together in no time. He must’ve got out early from work.
“Oh, hey!” Porter says, looking surprised to see me. Josie echoes his greeting with a big smile.
“I was just about to text you back. How was work, P?”
“So slow. Josie stopped by, and my manager told me I could leave early, so she convinced me to grab dinner, and honestly I couldn’t imagine cooking tonight.” He glances at my mom again, and I realize I’m being an idiot.
“Sorry, Mom, Dad, this is Porter. And Josie.”
My mom steps forward with the biggest smile like she’s been waiting for this exact moment her entire life. “Porter, it’s so lovely to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She says it warmly, but I notice Porter’s brow tick up slightly. “Nice to meet you, too, Josie.”
“You too, Mrs. Carter! Are you going to dinner too?” Josieasks, looking between all of us with barely concealed delight. I know that look. That’s her “this is the best day of my life” look. The same one she wore when she convinced Porter we had to watch TV in his room. That worked out pretty well for me though, so I just smirk as I wait to see what she’s thinking.
“Yes, Sunset Bistro,” my mom confirms.
“Oh my god, we’re also going there,” Josie says, which I’m thinking might have been a lie. She hooks her arm through Porter’s before he can say a word.
“We should all eat together!” my mom suggests eagerly. “It’s a celebration dinner after all—I’m not sure if you heard but Will got his hundredth point tonight!”
Josie beams. “That’s amazing! Congrats! We would love to join you, if that’s alright, Will?”
“Yeah, of course. I’d love that,” I hurry to agree, flashing Porter a big smile. My parents will love him, and now I get to hang out with him before tonight. I’m thrilled.
Porter opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. Josie is already steering him toward the door, giving me a look over her shoulder that says “you’re welcome” with absolutely zero subtlety.
And my parents follow behind me.
