Page 32 of A Whole New Play

I know what he’s doing.

He’s waiting me out, expecting me to fill the silence with more ramblings that will reveal far more than I intend. And information I’m not even sure I know myself.

I don’t give in to the temptation.

I change the subject. “What are you up to today?” It’s the last weekend before preseason games begin and the last weekend Dad will have off for six weeks until the Rough Riders play a Thursday night game. Which means it’s the last weekend I’ll have off for six weeks as well.

“I’ll probably go for a run around the neighborhood before it gets too warm,” he replies. “What about you?”

“I have a phone date with Megan this evening. Other than that, nothing.”

He frowns. “You don’t have any friends to hang out with?”

Ouch.

“Is that your subtle way of asking me if I’m a loser who doesn’t have any friends?”

“Of course not. I know you have friends.” He shakes his head. “But I do want to make sure things are going well for you. I mean, mentally.”

“Why wouldn’t they be?”

He gives me a pointed look. “You uprooted your life at the drop of a hat. Forgive me for being a little concerned.”

Touché.

“I’ve already told you I’m fine,” I remind him.

“It doesn’t hurt to double-check.”

I respond with a subtle nod and then resume drinking my coffee, more than willing to let silence settle between us.

Dad resumes reading the paper. I move to sit next to him and occupy myself with scrolling through social media.

I’m not very active with the platform. Aside from the girl’s trip with Megan a few months ago, it’s been a long time since I did anything remotely worth sharing online. Some people share photos of their morning coffees or meals out at fancy restaurants, but that’s not my cup of tea. I enjoy seeing updates from my high school and college friends and seeing what they’re up to. It’s a way to feel connected to people even though it’s been ages since I’ve seen them in person.

I’m swiping through my feed, liking pictures of cuddly pets and tropical vacations when a pair of warm brown eyes that have become too familiar catch my attention.

People You Might Know: Carter Jones

I swear, technology is scary.

I’ve made a conscious effort not to search for anything about Carter on my phone. All my internet sleuthing happened on my laptop in incognito mode. I wasn’t sure how it would happen, but I didn’t want any trace of my internet stalking to get back to Carter.

But somehow, the app has been primed to believe I might know the football star. I bet it’s because my phone has been on the same network as his. Or the fact I have his number in my phone…

Damn technology.

I’ve done such a good job resisting the temptation of looking my boss up on social media. It’s hard enough keeping evidence of my attraction hidden when we interact at the beginning or end of the day, I don’t need to ogle him in the privacy of my own home. Or, rather, my dad’s home.

I peek at my dad. He’s engrossed in an article on the Metro News page. He doesn’t know the inner conflict raging war in my mind.

I chew the inside of my cheek and look back at my phone.

I shouldn’t do it… I shouldn’t click Carter’s profile.

Once I do, that’s it. The algorithm will know I have an interest in Carter Jones and I won’t be able to stop posts that involve the linebacker from appearing on my feed. Not unless I go into the app and find some way to block all mention of Carter Jones just to avoid being taunted by his charming smile and warm eyes.

Ugh. This is crazy.

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