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Not. Happening.
By the time it was just Jake and me in independent study, I had my irritation under control. We even watched a couple of the history buff videos rather than read. We’d just finished one when the bell rang as a text popped up on my phone from Coop.
Got a ride. C u 2mrw.
Jake snorted. “Well, I guess it’s just you and Bubba then.”
“I guess so,” I said sliding into my backpack.
“Hey,” he said, tugging me back before I could reach the door. “Text me when you guys are done?”
I raised my eyebrows.
“So we can watch more history buffs.”
“I’ve got some other homework, too, so if I get it all done?”
“Sure, just—tell me when you get home. If you can watch cool, and if you can’t that’s fine. I’ll be around.”
Jake was being weird. “You okay?” We had headed out the classroom, but I stopped where the hall separated. I was parked behind the gym.
“I’m fine,” he said with a grin. “Remind Bubba we have practice after school tomorrow.”
“I’m pretty sure he knows his schedule,” I said with a laugh. “But I’ll tell him, if it’ll make you happy.”
“Sure,” Jake said. I gave him a little wave before pivoting and heading for the exit.
So. Weird.
Chapter Six
Audition
Without Coop along to drop off at the apartments, it took me only a few minutes to drive Bubba and me over to his place. I liked his house. It reminded me of those old sitcoms onNick at Niteabout families in the sixties. It was a two-floor sprawling house with big rooms and a huge yard. They had a swimming pool in the back that, while half the size of Archie’s, sported a decent diving board and enough room to do laps.
“I should have told you to bring a suit,” Bubba said as he let us in. I’d parked on the side of the driveway, so his parents could still get in the garage. His mom was a nurse, and she worked long hours. His dad was a counselor, though like Jake’s dad, he’d also been in the military. It was a pity Bubba was an only child, like me, because his parents were so grounded.
“Oh hey!” Sarah Rhys called as we came inside buying me time to not respond to the comment about a bathing suit. “There you are.” Tall, willowy and as golden haired as her son, Sarah hustled out to give Bubba a hug. “I wasn’t sure I’d see you before I had to leave. I’m picking up an overnight shift. We’ve got people out sick. Your dad has group tonight, so he’ll be late. There’s pizza money on the counter and leftovers in the fridge.” A smile warmed her face as she glanced at me. “Hi, Frankie.” Then I was pulled into the group hug as Bubba laughed and tried to extract both of us.
If Bubba was a golden retriever, his mom was, too. She loved everyone, and she had a way of giving the best hugs. Where my mom wasn’t emotionally available on a regular basis, Sarah had made me a part of the family the first time I’d come over. I’d missed her this past summer almost as much as I’d missed the guys.
“Thanks, Mom.” Rather than be embarrassed by her affectionate nature, Bubba just gave her a dazzling smile. “Hey, do we still have those guest bathing suits upstairs? I forgot to tell Frankie to bring one, and it’s miserable outside.”
Weren’t we doing homework and tutoring? I eyed Bubba, but he and his mom wore identical bright smiles. Sarah gave me the once over. “Pretty sure we do and the black or blue one pieces in the top drawer on the right should fit you fine. Don’t worry, they are all either new or laundered. And on that note…” She grabbed her keys. “Have fun, you two. Ian, don’t overwork Frankie’s brain. It’s only day two!”
Then she was out the door, leaving us alone.
“What exactly does your mom think you’re going to do to my brain?”
Bubba laughed and reached for my backpack. “She thinks you study too much. Probably because she hasn’t seen you either, and you know she worries.”
Yeah, but why would she worry about me?Bubba had my backpack in hand. “I thought we were going to study.”
He carried them over and set them on the kitchen table before going to the fridge and pulling out a couple of sodas. “We are…definitely going over the calculus and then…I have a big favor to ask. But… it’s just you and me. We have time. See the pool out there? You didn’t swim when you came over for the party.”
I sighed.
“Bubba…”
