Reese
Speaking of which, did your coach agree to a new training schedule for you this week?
Dante
Yes, but I’m babysitting his youth program MWF in return. I thought Em was bad. The rest of these kids are the actual antichrist.
Reese
You’re such a good boy.
Dante
There you go with the praise again. The jet is fueled and ready. I could be in NOLA by dinner.
The ceiling fan whirs overhead, and I count the blades spinning, trying to ground myself against his tempting offer. These kinds of thoughts drift like magnolia petals in summer wind. Decidedly unprofessional, definitely not strategic. I’ve never brought a man home before, not even Ricky. When Mamavisited California, she chaperoned us with the diligence of a Victorian governess.
Would they see what I see beneath his carefully cultivated danger—the gentle soul who anticipates my needs before I voice them, who drapes his hoodie over my shoulders against the evening chill without a word?
The thought of him here makes my heart flutter. Watching him tackle his first crawfish with adorable determination, too proud to ask for help but yearning for approval all the same.
I let myself sink deeper into this daydream.
Reese
As much as I’d love to give my whole family enough gossip to last til next Christmas, my parents have my whole week planned out.
Dante
Come on, I bet you never had a boy climb through your window. First time for everything?
Could be the perfect first article to welcome your image evolution.
Reese
Missing me that much?
Dante
Desperately.
Reese
Weren’t you the one preaching about the virtues of celibacy?
Six more days won’t harm you.
Dante
You’re cruel, Miss Sinclair.
A few feet away, Aunt Mabel and Daddy are fussing over the grill placement Their voices carry across the yard as I look toward the pool, memories washing over me like waves.
“Maybe we could go for a swim later?” I suggest, watching the sunlight dance on the water.
“Here?” Mama asks, raising an eyebrow as she pauses her fan-waving. “The backyard pool’s been off-limits since…well, you know.”
“Lord, remember when she fell in?” Aunt Mabel calls over. “Nearly gave us all heart attacks!”
