Page 9 of Elusive

There, got the hardest part out of the way. I already feel better about myself — admittance the first, most important step — and exhale the last of my nervous energy, rolling my neck and shoulders. I did it, and survived. Now I just have to make it through Round Two — their feedback. Which I only just realize… they’re not giving.

“My bad, figured ‘The End’ was obvious. So, yeah… I’m done, you may dialogue now. Any of you know someone who might work?” I ask.

And still, nobody says shit. All staring at me as if I suddenly grew a third eye in the middle of my forehead.

I can’t take an encore from the cricket choir, so this time, I yell. “What is up with the mute, bug-eyed intermission? Isn’t input what this family does best? And Mom, why are you crying?”

“B… because,” she whimpers, “I’m not sure if this is the healthiest, or most unhealthy, thing you’ve ever said.”

“Oh, thank God,” my dad blows out a huge breath I didn’t realize he was holding. “I thought for sure you were upset that I made pole and entertainer sound negative earlier. Since, uh, that’s kinda how I met you, Shorty.”

“For fuck’s sake, Beckett, you’ve gotta be the dumbest motherfucker I know. Ya don’t point out why she could’ve been mad after she tells you it’s not the reason she is. Think, man, before speaking. Presley, I’m sorry hun. Not because that’s your dad,” Uncle Zach laughs while shaking his head. “Well, not only because that’s your dad, but I don’t know anyone to suggest for ya to date. So, I’m out… and going back to eating.”

“No!” Aunt Laney suddenly screeches, stopping my dad, whose mouth is already open, by shoving a hand in his face. “Say nothing, Sawyer, I’ve got it from here. Presley, sweetie, I think I speak for all of us when I say, we’re just a bit concerned about why you’re doing this. It’s wonderful, and perfectly normal, if you want to date, give people a chance, but is that what you want, or are you just trying to make others happy?”

“I don’t know,” I answer in a voice so soft and riddled with confusion it’s unrecognizable, but it’s speaking the truth. “Both? Maybe? Guess I won’t know for sure ‘til I try.”

My Aunt Laney — truly one of the coolest people alive — sends me a smile overflowing with unconditional love. “I think that’s a great answer. And,” her eyes light up, “I have just the guy in mind. He’s younger than twenty-five, but you won’t care about that once you meet him.”

“Just the guy, huh? Who is he?”

“His name is Camden Dean. He goes to school at Southern, plays baseball. In fact,” she shifts in her chair, “Brynny, you might know him.”

“I do,” my baby cousin mumbles, forking the food around on her plate.

“Oh, good, a second opinion. Don’t you think he’d be perfect for Presley?”

“Sure. He’s pretty busy though, with ball, school, work.”

“What’s he look like?” I ask Brynny.

“Like a regular guy. I guess.”

A scoff sounds from the silent section and I glance to the source — Bellamy… having come out of hiding. She looks at JT with big, doe eyes and rubs his arm. “Babe, I’m going to elaborate on Brynn’s answer, all the while madly in love with you, okay?”

Laney coos, Uncle Dane laughs, and JT frowns. “How do you know him?” He asks her.

“Well, let’s see. I, too, go to Southern, I’m best friends with Brynn, who’s friends with him, oh, and I have eyeballs. I also have my hand on your arm, at your parent’s house, and no clue where he is right now. So, any jealousy, don’t even go there.”

“Yes, she just did!” Skylar, unable to resist celebrating JT’s “schooling,” speaks up and gives Bellamy a high-five. “Any rebuttal, brother dearest?”

“Yeah, suck-”

“Watch it,” Judd cuts him off. “Remind me to make you a list of words and phrases you are no longer allowed to say to my wife. She may be your sister, but, like I said, she’s my wife, first and foremost.”

Bellamy ignores their noise and looks directly at me. “Third-baseman, very physically fit, short brown hair, doesn’t date a whole lot from what I’ve seen or heard, and tall. Probably about-”

“Six-two,” Brynny all but whispers, then excuses herself, Uncle Zach, hot on her heels.

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