Page 73 of Learning to Love

"Yeah. I'd like that."

I haven't gotten to know Karen very well. It's time for that. With Toby's track record, I didn't want to invest my time in becoming friends with her. Toby’s my cousin so he would get me in the "divorce," or whatever. I didn't want things to get awkward after the inevitable hit and run. He cares about her, though, and I've hung around Karen enough to know that she's soft-spoken unless she passionate about something. I like that about her.

We sit and talk for a bit and I ask her about how serious she is about Toby because he’s definitely invested in her. "Toby is meeting my dad next week. He might need a pep talk the next time you see him. He's pretty nervous."

"Aww. That's really sweet, actually. Where are you from?"

"Cali. San Francisco, born and raised."

"So, basically, what you're telling me is that we cousins have fallen for Californians?"

She laughs. "That is very much the case. Don't tell any of the rednecks."

I cackle. "Well, I guess I can't tell anyone then!!"

Before she can respond, Toby walks in with the biggest smile. "You're looking at the new pitcher on the Longhorn baseball roster."

We both jump up with a shout. I tackle Toby first, and Karen is close behind. "I'm so proud of you, Toby."

He leads Karen back to the loveseat. "Thanks. I didn't want to say anything yet. I didn't know if I even wanted to give it a go again."

I feel bad because I never thought much about the pain Toby must have been through after his injury. His life since being a toddler was baseball. He was bound for greatness. Then he gets hurt and nothing must have made much sense to him. Until Texas, I always thought of the world as rainbow and butterflies, but the truth is sometimes there's darkness. Sometimes there's pain, but I realize that life can still be beautiful despite the adversities. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you like I should’ve been. I was so sheltered and I never realized how hard giving up baseball must have been for you."

A look of surprise crosses his face. "Dani, that's not true. You couldn't have taken away my pain. Nobody could understand what I was going through, but you did make it better. You made it so I could breathe again. You stood by me when most stopped caring because I wouldn't be that famous athlete anymore. That meant more to me than you will ever know. We're more than just family. We're best friends."

I give him a tear-filled smile.

Chapter 48

The Boys of Fall

Everything Fearless 24/7

It's a whole game day! Let's go, Longhorns!

Sasha comes into my room for the hundredth time. "Dani! Come on! We're going to be late!!" I look at my appearance for the millionth time. I feel so bloated and fat today. I can't wait for my skinny mirror to get here when our stuff is shipped from our old house back in Georgia. My childhood home sold for more than market value so Mama and Granny will be able to afford a decent size house here in Austin.

I look up apologetically. "I'm sorry, I'm just having a moment. This is such an important day for our guys. I'm so nervous! How are you so calm?"

She shrugs. "Maybe it's the Latina in me. I was born confident. Our men are going to destroy their opponents! Suck it up, Dani! They need us."

I smile at my best friend. She's made me feel better. "Sash, I'm scared that I won't measure up to other people's expectations of who Jake should date." There, I said it out loud.

Sasha looks at me like I've sprouted horns. "Dani, I'm going to beat your ass. Don't you dare go back to old mindsets! We worked too hard to break you out of that bondage!"

She puts her hands on my shoulders and leans to the side so she can look into my eyes in the mirror. "Repeat after me. I am more than my number on the scale."

I roll my eyes but I oblige. "I am more than my number on the scale."

She gives me the death stare. "You can check that attitude, missy. Now repeat after me. I am more than my number on the scale. I am hot, sexy, smart, capable, and basically a badass!"

I laugh. This is stupid, but I'll do it for Sasha. She's made me realize I'm being an idiot. Who cares what others think? I start my mantra by giving her a mischievous grin. "You can check that attitude, missy!"

She slaps my arm! "Shut it! Repeat the important stuff." She's tiny but intimidating so I repeat everything she’s said. "YES! Now, come on. Granny Betsy Jean is threatening to come in here and whip you. You better be glad I took pity on this situation and handled things by myself."

I am glad because Granny don't play! We make it to the tailgate party and it's a whole game day! Folks are dressed in head-to-toe Longhorn gear. They have solo cups in their hands, and grills are in full swing everywhere. I have butterflies in my stomach. I'm so nervous. I can't wait. It’s finally their day! Toby has a small grill and several lounge chairs set by his truck. He's grilling hamburgers and hotdogs! Today will be an emotional eating day, I know it. Thankfully, I have on Jake's away football Jersey and leggings that stretch! Yes, Lord!

I high five, Karen. "Need any help, loser?"