Page 4

Calvin

“You are not Sebastian,” I foolishly say to the woman standing at Sebastian’s door.

She’s about average height, maybe an inch or two taller than average. Her face is pale with a splatter of light red freckles across her cheeks and nose. Her strawberry-blonde hair is tied up in a messy bun on the top of her head, strands sticking out in any direction it pleases.

She’s dressed in a pair of baggy sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt, both dark gray.

My eyes lock on hers, and there’s a hint of sadness in those hazel eyes.

“Oh,” she breathes, and for some strange reason my breath unwillingly hitches. “He’s not home.”

“Oh,” I dumbly repeat. He’s not?

I’m standing outside Sebastian’s apartment door, where I thought we were going to meet. Why else would he give me his address?

Oh well. I should probably introduce myself to this intriguing woman standing in front of me. I reach out to shake her hand, but she either doesn’t notice or intentionally avoids the gesture. I pull my hand back quickly and stuff it in my pocket, hoping to make this conversation less awkward.

“I’m on the O-line with him,” I explain, and then realize I should probably add my name. “Calvin.”

“Hi. I’m his sister,” she says in a soft voice.

“Olivia?” I guess, and she pivots her head to the side quickly so I can no longer see her face, almost like I slapped her.

“No, I’m Scarlett. His older sister,” she answers without looking me in the eye.

“Oh.” Sebastian was on the phone with his sister, Olivia, yesterday after practice, so I just assumed this was her. He hasn’t mentioned Scarlett yet, but I’ve only known the man for a week. I realize I still have a lot to learn about him. “Nice to meet you,” I tack on because the silence is getting awkward between us.

She just stands there, measuring me up. I clear my throat and break the quiet. “Do you know when he will be back?”

“Um…” It’s all she says in response.

“Okay.” I whistle for a second to help fill the blank space. I rarely struggle when conversing with women, but this time is different. “He told me to stop by…?” I trail off, leaving the question in the air.

“Really?” Her eyes bulge at that little tidbit.

“Maybe I got it wrong?” I pull out my phone to zero messages. I thought Sebastian told me to stop by his place at five, but I’m doubting myself now.

He’s helping me find a place in this city and connected me to a real estate agent, a man named Stan, who has a few places to show me. Sebastian offered to tag along to the showings, at least I thought so.

“I think he’s still at the stadium?” There’s a note of uncertainty in her voice.

“Really?” I blink. “Practice got out two hours ago.”

“Do you not know him well?” Her eyes are focused on the floor, not glancing up as she speaks.

“Just got traded here last week.”

“Ah,” she says, as if that explains everything. “Well, he’s the slowest man on the planet.” Her mouth ticks up in a small teasing smile only a sister can replicate.

“I’ll have to keep that in mind.” I pause and take her in. “You wouldn’t know anything about the best areas to live in, would you?”

“Sorry. Just moved here a month ago.”

“Ah. Bummer.” I guess I can’t ask her for help then.

Scarlett’s eyes are still glued to the floor. “I’d check at work first. I bet I’m right that he’s still there.”

“What would you bet if you’re wrong?” I say with a coy smile and a wink.