“I love everybody, too. But I’m tired of being one of the guys. I am one of the guys. Always been one of the guys.”
“What does that mean?” Harper asked.
“I don’t think they’ve ever noticed that I’m a female, and I don’t mean I want somebody romantically from our Pride. I don’t. I mean the rest of anybody I’ve ever met that’s male. I’ve never even had a boyfriend, Harper,” Summer said.
Remi took the opportunity of the girls being focused on one another to look around the yard. The parents and original members of Riley’s Pride were laughing, talking about whatever they were talking about, and the younger generation was scattered about, talking to each other, teasing each other, and depending on the age — which was from one extreme to another with Cristie being twenty-seven, and Scotty’s youngest being ten, some were running wild and chasing each other, literally. While yet others were making every effort to look older and more important than they actually were. Everyone was occupied with their immediate peers, except one. Clay. And Clay was doing thesame thing he was doing — listening to Harper and Summer’s conversation.
“Yeah, that never made any sense to me. You were definitely noticed. The guys in school all tripped over themselves each time you walked by, but not a single one ever asked you out.”
“Nobody ever asked you out either,” Summer said.
“True, but I didn’t want anyone to ask me out. I’d have refused anyway.”
Summer crossed her arms. “It’s like they were afraid, or part of some secret pact not to.”
“It really kind of was. But I definitely know they noticed you. I caught more than a few looking your way,” Harper said.
“Just imagine the kind of high school years we could have had if we’d have actually been included, or even had a date here and there,” Summer said.
Clay turned away from the conversation and hung his head, definitely affected by what they’d said.
Remi took note of it, but kept listening.
“It is what it is, and not worth worrying about now. It’s over and can’t be changed.”
“I’m tired of being alone, Harper. And I’m tired of screwing up. I just want to find something I’m good at, and I want somebody to spend time with. I know I’m only twenty, and I’m not saying I’m in a rush to get married, but I’d really appreciate someone to go on dates with, somebody to be a plus one, to run the roads with me sometimes, you know?”
“I thought I was your plus one,” Harper said with a playful pout.
Summer laughed. “You are, and I love you, so don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not at all my idea of a romantic interest.”
Harper laughed and hugged her friend.
Remi walked over to them. “Hi, I’m Remi.”
“Remi! I thought that must be you,” Harper said.
“Easy to narrow down because I’m the only one you don’t know,” he said, smiling at the two young women.
“True, that is true. I was just saying that. I’m Harper, my parents are Travis and Libby, and this is Summer.”
Summer smiled at him. “Hi, I’m Basilio and Renata’s daughter.”
“I’m glad to meet you both,” Remi said.
“Alright y’all! Burgers are going on right now. Chicken and ribs are ready. The brisket is being sliced as we speak, and all the sides are ready. Everything is on the table inside. Make you a plate, unless you want burgers, then you gotta give me about ten minutes, and find somewhere to kick back and enjoy,” Riley said. “Picnic tables around everywhere, or you can eat inside.”
“Come on, Remi. You’re the guest of honor today,” Roman said. “You go first.”
Roman grabbed Remi and pushed him ahead of them toward the house. They stepped inside the kitchen, and the first thing Remi noticed was Cristie and a male that had to be Kaiser, sitting huddled up at the table, deep in conversation.
“But you just got here,” Cristie said.
“I know. And now I need to go,” Kaiser said firmly.
“Why? Because Remi’s here? You knew he would be here.”
“No, it has nothing to do with Remi. I just have to go, Cristie. You don’t understand.”
