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Slade was more to my dad than just a player. In some ways, Slade and my father are a lot alike. And maybe he saw a younger him in Slade. I’m not really sure. But I felt like I was missing out on something every time I would hear the next crazy story.
So, when I told my mother that I wanted to move out to Washington and live with Dad for my junior and senior year of college, she didn’t hold me back.
“Why didn’t you take it out and let it heal then? I’m sure it wouldn’t have taken long.”
He shakes his head.
“A dare is a dare. And besides, it reminds me of the second-best time in my life. Playing for your dad and the University of Washington is an experience I’d live over a second time if I could.”
“If that’s the second best… what’s the first best time in your life?” I ask.
“Anytime I’m with you.”
His honest eyes catch on mine, and though a part of me wants to look away, I know that if I want any answers to the questions I have about our past, now might be the last chance I'll get it.
“What would have happened at the frat party if I hadn’t been the coach’s daughter?”
He blinks for a second, and I can see he’s debating his words.
“I would have walked into the kitchen and introduced myself."
"And then?" I ask.
"Then I would have used my basic aquatic knowledge to impress you with meaningless facts."
I chuckle.
"Like what?" I ask, feeling myself inch closer.
“Like…" he says, thinking about it for a second. "Did you know that flamingos are pink because their diet is made up mostly of shrimp?” or “Did you know that a blind goby fish depends entirely on a ghost shrimp digging a hole for them both to live in for protection.”
“Those aren’t pick-up lines. And where did you learn that?”
“My dad only let me watch the Discovery Channel growing up. He thought cartoons would rot my brain. He expected me to be a doctor, remember? Plus, you’re too smart to fall for a pickup line. I would have tried to make you laugh instead.”
A warmth spreads over my body and an aching for what could have been our start has me sad for how our past turned out.
“What would you have done after you got me laughing?”
“I would have asked you for a date and your number.”
“You wouldn’t have tried to take me back to your condo?” I ask, knowing full well that Slade Matthews did very little to zero actual dates.
His reputation suggests he worked quicker than that.
“No. I would have taken you on a date, and then when I dropped you off, I would have asked if I could kiss you goodnight. Then I would have asked for a second date.”
I lift an eyebrow in challenge.
“And then you would have asked to come up to my dorm?”
He shakes his head.
“I would have walked you to the entry to your dorm building to make sure you got in ok and then I would have spent the entire drive home wondering how many dates I would have to take you on before I could propose.”
My stomach flips and I get a little lightheaded at what he just said.
Before I can say anything back in response, his phone rings.
