Page 43 of Every Beat of My Heart

“Chew slowly so you don’t choke,” I chided, wondering when I’d become my parents. Was I ever fun? I had to be the parent that reminded him to brush his teeth and take showers. Because no one else would.

“When’s my weekend with Dad?”

“It was supposed to be this one, but he had to go out of town for work.”

“Of course he did.”

“I know you’re disappointed, but we’re going to have a good time this weekend.” I couldn’t wait to see Jameson on his family’s farm. Would he be different than the man I’d gotten to know? There was something about doing it out of sight that was exciting too. Even though this was football practice and nothing else.

“Can I play video games?” Owen asked after he’d demolished three-quarters of the pizza.

“Clear your plate and wash your hands first.”

“Woo-hoo,” he said as he raced to do it.

I’d have to keep my expectations in check. Going to the farm had nothing to do with me. This was for Owen. I wanted him to get better. I wanted him to have fun on the team. This had nothing to do with me seeing Jameson outside of school and off the football field.

But that felt like a lie.

* * *

On Saturday, I threw on jeans, a flannel checked shirt over a white tank, and boots. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I was going for casual farm girl? I had no idea if I nailed it, but I wanted to look good.

There was not much of a chance that Jameson would be lusting after me in this getup if he wasn’t already, but one could hope.

“You ready to go?” Owen asked midmorning.

He usually slept late, then lazed around the house while I reminded him to pick up his things and clean his room. But today, both of us were in good spirits as we gathered our things for the farm.

In the backseat, Owen cradled his football.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the team. Are you friends with anyone?”

Owen frowned. “I’m friends with everyone.”

I wanted to push and ask if he’d bonded with anyone in particular. But I didn’t want him to know that I worried about him and his social life since we were new to the school.

If anyone on the team found out that Jameson worked with Owen outside of practice, it wouldn’t be good. Especially if Bryce’s dad found out. We’d just have to be careful.

I pulled up to the farm which was only ten minutes outside of town. There was a wooden sign with evergreens on the front with the words: Pine Valley Farms and then The Calloways. “This is it.”

“I don’t know if I’d want to live out here.”

“There aren’t any neighbors close by,” I said as my car ambled over the rocky lane. I parked at the main house where Jameson said he’d meet me. There were a couple of trucks, a blue one that said Pine Valley Farms on the door and a black one with gold lettering indicating it was a Department of Natural Resources vehicle. Then there was a police cruiser.

“His brothers must be here too,” I said as I got out, my nerves kicking into hyperdrive.

As soon as we reached the porch steps, Jameson came outside, smiling wide. “You made it.”

I put my arms out to my sides. “We’re here.”

Jameson jogged down the stairs. “You come ready to play?”

“Yes,” Owen said as Jameson motioned toward the open grass area by the house.

The door opened again, and three men came outside.

I walked up the steps to greet them. “I’m Claire, Owen’s mother.”

---