Page 18 of In a Pickle

“He didn’t do anything bad to me in high school. We just ran in different circles.”

“Yes, he was with that Mary Grace girl. I can’t believe Tori shared a womb with her. She’s awful.” Liana knew her momhad never liked Mary Grace. Deb had taught Mary Grace and said the girl was always complaining. Also, Deb couldn’t forgive Mary Grace for insinuating that Liana didn’t deserve to be valedictorian.

“Jeez, Mom, don’t mince words. But I never knew you paid so much attention to James in high school.”

“Oh, please. He was all the teachers could talk about. Half of them wanted his autograph because he was the school’s golden boy, and even though Pine Heights claims to be all about football and baseball, they all magically became interested in tennis once it was clear that boy was going pro. And the other half of the teachers couldn’t stop looking at him for… unsavory reasons. I thought it was disgusting. I always discouraged it when the women talked about him like that. He was just a teenager! But don’t worry, darling, he never entertained any teachers’ advances. Not that they didn’t try. It was abhorrent. I can’t believe he had to deal with that on top of the pressures of being at the top of his tennis game.”

Liana had always thought life had come easily to James; he was good-looking, popular, athletic, and smart. But she of all people knew that looks couldn’t tell you what was going on in a person’s mind. Maybe she’d been wrong to think his life had been all sunshine and rainbows.

“I never knew that. That’s terrible,” Liana said.

“No kidding. But he always seemed so level-headed, even with everything going on around him. I’m not sure why he’s teaching pickleball now, but I assume he can no longer play tennis professionally, and I’m sure there’s a story there.” She looked at Liana meaningfully. As much as her mom loved chisme, though, Liana knew Deb wouldn’t push her to reveal anyof James’ secrets. No, Deb was fiercely loyal to the people Liana cared about. While Deb loved to share gossip, she never spoke badly about those she considered to be under her mama-bear sphere of protection.

“I’m nervous, Mom,” Liana admitted. “You know my last relationship didn’t end well, and I’m just worried that James will dump me once he realizes that I can’t live a normal life.”

“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Liana,” said her mom seriously. “You’re recovering beautifully. Most of the things you talk about as your differences are things only you see. Besides, who gets to define normal, anyway? Your asshole ex certainly doesn’t. And from what I know of James, he’s not one to make you feel inferior because of a physical weakness. I’ve seen how he treats a ninety-year-old woman who used to come to our class. He was lavishing her with praise about her pickleball playing. I bet she felt like Andre Agassi by the time class finished.”

“That’s a dated reference, Mom,” Liana laughed. “But, point taken. I appreciate it.”

Deb placed her hand over her daughter’s. “I don’t think James will make you feel anything but cared for. But if he ever hurts you… you know he faces mama bear’s wrath.”

Liana smiled. “Thanks, Mom.”

Chapter 13: James

James thought class would never end. He’d given up looking at his watch after checking it at least two dozen times. Had time miraculously slowed down? Had he fallen into some sort of black hole where time didn’t move at a normal pace? Why couldn’t class just be over?

Finally, class ended, and James sprinted home for the world’s fastest shower. A short time later, he parked in front of Liana’s mom’s townhouse and knocked on the door. James realized that somehow, in the walk from his car to the front door, he had sweated through his new shirt. God, it wasn’t even that hot out. He was just nervous. Why hadn’t he accounted for his nerves when he’d come up with his plan? Now he’d have to drive Liana in his car, which he’d probably stink up. Did he have time to run to his car to grab the stick of deodorant he always kept in his gym bag?

After waffling for several seconds, he decided he’d quickly sprint back to the car. He ran to the trunk, popped it open, emptied his gym bag contents all over the trunk, and finally found his deodorant. He frantically swiped on the deodorant and then pulled on a hoodie. Surely that combo would mask the odor? He gave his armpit a sniff.Not bad.When he finished, he found Liana standing in front of him with a bemused look on her face.

“Ready?” she asked.

James forced himself back into James mode. He would not be defeated by stink.

“You bet your pickle I’m ready.”

“That was weak, Alonso.”

He cringed. “Yeah, not my best work.”

Okay, so she had probably seen him throwing things all over his car and putting on deodorant. This date was not off to the best start. He quickly tried to gather up the contents of his gym bag. By the time he was done, he’d missed the opportunity to open her car door for her. Obviously he’d already failed to think through all contingencies. He had to clear his mind now so he wouldn’t spiral into anxiety.

Climbing into the driver’s seat, he indicated a metal water bottle in the cup holder. “For you. The finest Miami-Dade County tap water, filtered by hand, served with just a hint of ice.” She smiled. God, her smile was distracting.

“Thank you,” she said. “So, where are we headed, Alonso?”

“Nope,” he replied. “Still not telling you.”

They drove southwest on the highway for a bit, their conversation about nothing in particular but still somehow natural. After 20 minutes, they ended up in a neighborhood that looked to be half suburb, half farm country. They pulled into an unassuming strip mall across from an open field. He grabbed a small bag from the backseat, then raced around to open Liana’s car door, only to find that he’d been too slow again and she’d already gotten out. He settled for closing the door behind her.

They both stood in front of the strip mall, noting the “Printing and Notary Public” sign and the flickering white “Comet Bar” sign next door. “Okay,” James said, “I’ve never been here before, but I’ve heard amazing things.”

“What is it?” Liana asked. He knew she was eyeing the sign, wondering if James was really taking her to some shoddy strip-mall bar. Eyeing the large notary public sign, she said, “Did you want me to accompany you on some sort of notary adventure? Co-signing a mortgage, perhaps? Or taking out a loan to buy a fishing boat?”

“As fun as that would be,” James said, and he meant it, “we’re actually going to a bar. But, before you react, I know you can’t drink alcohol. I have a plan, I promise. And it involves more than a glass of ice water. Trust me?” He held out his hand.

She looked slightly wary, which made James sick to his stomach, but he couldn’t back out now. After the longest second of his life, he saw the decision in her eyes as she took his hand. “I trust you.” He’d make sure she didn’t regret it.

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