“Mom has breakfast almost ready, so I need to get going. I’ll see you in school.”
“Thanks, David; I appreciate all your help. Enjoy your Sunday.”
Over breakfast, I informed Dad that Sun might stop by to watch the game. I told my family how the team had reacted when we lost. I also told them my thoughts about football and the idea to switch schools or not to play next year. Dad, with his usual good counsel, told me to be patient and see how it all worked out. If Coach Lambert left, it would give me a chance to start over with a new outlook. I told him it was more how my teammates had treated me that made my decision.
TAMI’S MOM PICKED ME up and we drove to Wesleyan. I was excited to see Tami and her friends. Mrs. Glade and I caught up. She had been a second mom for many years. I could always tell her anything. The best part about having a second mom was that they didn’t judge you. The downside was they didn’t put up with your bullshit, either. She used to say the best thing about me was that if I pissed her off, she could send me home. I think that was true of grandkids, also.
The Wesleyans had a home on the campus. Carol had arranged for me to be able to go there and change for the party. Mrs. Glade dropped me off and I rang the bell. To my surprise, Abigail answered the door.
“David, glad you made it. Your timing couldn’t have been better. Carol got here not ten minutes ago. She’s upstairs getting ready. Come sit for a minute, I want to talk to you.”
I followed her through to the back of the home, into a four-season room. Teddy and Jerald were having drinks. We all greeted each other, and Abigail got me lemonade as we relaxed.
“I’m sorry that Jennie pulled that little stunt. That girl blows with the wind.”
“That’s okay, we’re just friends. I actually had something good happen because of spending time with Jennie. Do you remember the interview she did at the engagement party? The whole ‘Man of Mystery’ deal?” I asked. They all nodded. “Ford, the modeling agency, signed me on Friday. So now I don’t have to find a part-time job.”
“That’s great news. When do you start?” Teddy asked.
“I actually had my headshots done on Friday and I did my first photo shoot later that day. An amazing picture came out of the second shoot. If you’re not nervous about a little nudity, I can show it to you.”
I pulled it up on my cell phone and passed it around.
“Can I get a print?” Abigail asked. “I’d love to hang it in my office.”
At first, I thought she was joking, but Jerald assured me, “David, that’s a huge compliment. She only has the best-of-the-best. Abby is one of the top interior decorators in the Midwest.”
I took down Abigail’s number and told her Kendal would call her Monday. The conversation changed to the football game. They had all read the article.
“It was just one of those plays. I looked away to read the defense and the center snapped the ball. We do that exchange hundreds of times, and that was the first time that ever happened. Coach wasn’t happy about it and pulled me from the game. I felt like if I’d been given a chance, I could have possibly brought us back. Then my teammates seemed to blame me too. I guess I feel like they’ve lost confidence in me, and if that’s the case, I can’t be an effective leader. I might look for somewhere to transfer to, either in the spring or fall.”
“Really? David, would you consider Wesleyan?” Teddy asked.
“I don’t know. There are a few roadblocks. It’s a long way from home; I’m not über-smart; I can’t afford it; and finally, and I’m going to sound like a jerk for saying this, your football team is terrible.”
“What if I could answer all your objections? Would you consider us then?”
“Of course I would. Wesleyan’s the best prep school in the Midwest.”
“I’ve been thinking about offering shuttle service to students, so they can go home for weekends,” Teddy said, starting his sales pitch. “Jennie goes to Wesleyan and does fine; that rules out having to be ‘über-smart.’ And after meeting you, I’d guess you’re smarter than she is.”
Wow, he said that in front of her parental units.
“I’m expanding our scholarship program, and I’m sure you’d qualify as a working artist. We have an outstanding drama program that would benefit you if you start doing some TV work. Finally, I’ve wanted to turn our football program around. If you agree to come, I’ll make a commitment that we’ll be competitive next year.”
“This is going too fast. I just decided last night that I might make a move. Would you be offended if I explored my options?”
“Absolutely not. If you decide to go somewhere else, I’ll still try to help you. If my niece would grow up, she might realize what we all see in you. There are a handful of people that make things happen, and you’re growing into one of them.”
“I really appreciate that, Teddy. How soon do you need an answer?”
“Our next quarter starts the first week of January. If you tell us by mid-December, we can get everything arranged.”
Carol walked in, took one look at me, and shook her head.
“I hope you’re not going like that,” she said.
“Hello, Carol, you look nice.”
She put her hand on her hip and pointed as the adults laughed. I grabbed my bag and she shoved me into a bedroom. The surprise was, she followed me in.
“Ahhhh,” I stammered.
“Just change. I want to talk to you in private. Later, there won’t be a chance.”
I shrugged. After being half-naked on Friday, I could handle being undressed in front of Carol. I got my suit out and saw that there were some wrinkles. Carol got me a steam iron to fix it. While I was getting everything right, she told me why she wanted to talk to me.
“Are you bi?”
“A what?”
Okay, I was a little off-balance.
“Do you like both guys and girls?”
“Carol, I’m as straight as they come. Why do you ask?”
“Eric and I are wondering if you’d be interested in a threesome.”
“The short and long answer is ‘no.’ I’ve never even thought of doing a threesome with another guy. I like Eric as a person, but I don’t see it happening. I’m afraid with the ‘bi’ question, I’m little nervous about what he might try.”
“Would you be interested if it was just me?”
Hell yes, I would. Anytime a hot girl asks you if you would do them, you will at least think about it. The problem was I didn’t want to get in deeper with the Wesleyan family. I was afraid their help would come with a price, and she had a boyfriend.
“Again, no. I’m trying to cut down on my one-night stands.”
She didn’t seem upset, so I let it go and finished getting dressed. At least I wouldn’t have to talk about this after we left the room. I packed up my travel clothes. I planned to drop them off in Mrs. Glade’s car. We went downstairs and everyone was ready and the car was waiting, so we took it and rode to the auditorium.
It was surprising at how different this was compared to my high school’s dances. This one had a full buffet, the tables had real tablecloths, and there was a big band playing swing music. All the boys and girls had on blue blazers with the school crest on the breast pocket.
I had just gotten my bearings when I heard a shriek and my name yelled.
“David!”
Tami almost took me off my feet. She jumped up and down and put me into a bear hug.
“I’m happy to see you too,” I said, laughing at her antics.
I got her slowed down.
“Tami, I want to introduce you to some of my friends. This is my date, Carol Wesleyan. Of course you know Teddy, and these are Carol and Jennie’s parents, Abigail and Jerald Wesleyan.”
“Hi everyone,” she said, and then turned back to me. “I had no idea you were coming. I have to introduce you to my friends.”
Tami was a good little actor. I grabbed Carol’s hand so she could be dragged along. Tami’s antics soon had us surrounded by a large group of teen girls. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jennie and Mark work their way into the crowd. Tami saw them too.