Teddy got a sheepish grin.
“Hell, I can’t remember.” He glared at everyone. “Don’t you get any ideas; I’m not too sure I like it.”
Abigail winked at me.
“I think we need to separate the two of you before he tells you what he really thinks, Teddy. Jennie, why don’t you take David somewhere and keep him occupied until it’s time to get your hair done.”
She grabbed my hand and dragged me back to my room.
◊◊◊ We went back to my room so we could talk. A short while later, Carol poked her head in the door.
“Is it safe to come in?”
“If you don’t mind seeing me kiss him,” Jennie said.
“Mom wanted to let you know that it’s time to come down and get your hair and makeup done.”
Her mom was smarter than I gave her credit for. Jennie needed to use my restroom before she went downstairs. Carol sat on the edge of the bed.
“Jennie’s having fun. I think you’re exactly what my little sister needed this weekend. Mother has been after her to start thinking about her future.”
“I can’t imagine having to decide that now,” I said and shook my head in confusion. “I mean, I know I want to take football seriously, but I want to have fun, too.”
“It means a lot to her that you’re here this weekend. She’s been stressing about this for weeks,” Carol said. “Have you ever thought of going to Wesleyan?”
Wow, that came out of left field.
“My best friend just started there, and I miss her a lot. I’d love to be closer to your sister. I guess the only problem is Wesleyan wouldn’t be a good fit, sports-wise that is, for me.”
“Sorry, that was kind of an awkward question. I just want to see my little sister happy. It’s going to be tough on her when you leave.”
“In a perfect world, Jennie and I would go out and give it a try. I have a great time with your sister. She’s a special girl. I think we’re going to be good friends, though.”
Jennie came out of the bathroom and grabbed Carol. I don’t think she trusted her sister to be alone with me. If she knew me a little better, she wouldn’t have worried.
WHILE THE GIRLS GOT ready, I did some video-chatting. I started with the Phillips house. John was with his girlfriend. She was the perfect small-town girl. You could tell that she only had eyes for him.
“David, I see you’re dressed inappropriately, as usual.”
I’d been in the process of changing clothes and had just pulled on a pair of shorts, so I was shirtless.
“You never complained before.”
“Well, I didn’t have my girlfriend with me before.”
“Girlfriend? You didn’t tell me you were bi.”
It was all I could do not to laugh when she gave him a look.
“Yeah, John, what is this about you being bi?” she asked as she smirked at him. “I’m Carla. You must be David. He talks about you all the time.”
“Sorry, Carla, I give the poor guy a hard time,” I said. “John, how’s Alice doing?”
“On the ride home, she finally realized she messed up. I know you were looking forward to spending some time with her this weekend. I wish I knew what goes through her mind sometimes.”
“Do you want me to go get her?” Carla volunteered.
“Thanks, but no. I just wanted to make sure she’s okay. I pushed her a little this weekend, and she wasn’t ready. I hope I didn’t hurt our friendship,” I said with a little sadness. “Let’s change the subject. We ended up in a three-way tie for the conference. I heard they’re doing a coin flip for State.”
“That sucks. When do you find out?” John asked.
“Tomorrow night. I need to get ready. I have an engagement party to go to.”
“Who’s the lucky girl?” John smirked.
“Funny. Keep it up and I’ll be chatting with Carla and telling her stories.”
“Don’t you dare,” John said, with a panicked look. “You do that, and I’ll talk to Tami and get some dirt.”
“Whoa, I think I better get off here before we start something we’ll both regret.” I got serious for a moment. “John, I just wanted to say thank you for coming to my game this weekend. It really meant a lot to have a friend there.”
“Anytime, brother.”
Alice and I might not have a future, but John and I would continue to be friends. I liked him for many of the reasons I liked Alice. In addition, he understood what I was going through. I was glad I’d met him.
I GOT READY FOR THE party. When I came down, everyone did a double take.
“Damn, David, you could be a model,” Carol said.
From her look, I needed to watch out for her tonight.
“Yes, you’re a handsome young man. Jennie will need to keep you close, or the women will be eating you up,” Abigail said, as she obviously checked me out.
Jennie was in an elegant cocktail dress. I had never seen her made up. It was well done. She was breathtaking.
“You look fabulous,” I said as I came to Jennie and stood in front of her. “I’m so proud to have you on my arm tonight.”
“Terry isn’t going to be happy when you two come in. You’ll suck all the attention from her and her big night,” Teddy said.
Terry had to be the cousin getting engaged. Jennie absolutely glowed when her uncle complimented her. It was obvious he cherished his niece.
“Where’s your date?” I asked Carol.
“Eric will meet us there. He had to study for a test tomorrow.”
Carol had met a nice guy, according to Jennie. She’d met him in her Econ class and he asked her to have coffee. Jennie said they were a good match.
We found ourselves back at the country club. The party was in the ballroom. As we pulled up, I got my first experience with paparazzi.
“David, we’ll be getting out as couples. Jennie and you will go last. Let the couple before you get to the door before you get out. Be sure you get out first and block the view for Jennie as she gets out of the car. We don’t want an embarrassing panty-shot,” Teddy advised.
Teddy and Carol got out first. I watched how Teddy helped her out of the car. There was a pack of photographers and two TV crews. Until that moment, I’d no idea that this was such a big event. Jennie looked nervous when her mother and dad got out.
“Are you ready, Gorgeous?” I asked as I squeezed her hand.
She nodded and I got out first. I helped her out of the car. The photographers that seemed bored suddenly got excited.
“Jennie, Jennie! This way! Who’s the guy?” was shouted.
I thought I’d go blind with all the flashes. She held me up, and I put my arm around her. She looked up at me and winked. I could tell she loved the attention. I was happy to be her arm candy for the evening. Another limo pulled up, so we made our entrance into the Country Club.
When we were inside, Jennie was like a little girl who gets a pony for her birthday. She let go of me and ran to her mother and sister. They were all atwitter. I went over to talk to Jerald and Teddy.
“I think Jennie was a hit,” I said.
They both smiled.
“Later there will be some photographers at the party. Stay by Jennie’s side. She needs to be seen with you. We don’t need any rumors,” Jerald advised.
I knew it was a subtle reminder not to be caught with someone else. I certainly didn’t want to hurt Jennie. We found our table, and I asked Jennie to go with me to meet everyone. Dad always said it was important to mingle. You never knew when you’d meet someone who’d later be important in your life.
Jennie pointed us to the head table where she introduced me to the guests of honor.
“David, this is my cousin Terry and her fiancé William. William is an investment banker.”
They made a cute couple. He was in his mid-30s, and I would guess that Terry just graduated from college. Despite the age difference, Terry seemed happy. William told us about how he proposed to Terry, and she showed off her ring. All things that bored me to tears, but I could tell Jennie was enjoying every minute of it.