Page 5 of Now That We Don't Talk

Now more than ever, it’s becoming clear that I need to take some time to sort out my priorities. I’m going home.

As I move through the tree lined roads, a rush of memories flood through my mind. It’s been a while since I’ve been home for longer than a quick weekend at a time. My parents usually travel to attend my games in Tennessee and all over the country, so visits here are few and far between. Jeannie and Bobby Evans are the best people I know—they must be to have put up with me all these years. They’ve always been there for me, even when I probably didn’t deserve it. That’s unconditional love, and I don’t show my gratitude to them enough. I’ll add that to the list of things I need to work on.

It's been two days since our final playoff game. Our end of season party was uneventful—it was the typical food, drinks, photos, profound speeches, and discussion of goalsfor our next season. I usually enjoy those events, but this year I was ready to get it over with. Ugh, maybe Cooper Montgomery has been rubbing off on me.

As soon as I turn onto Rollinwoods Lane, exhilaration takes over. It hasn’t changed much over the years, and this is a good thing. I’ve been lucky to travel to many destinations, but it’s a good feeling to be back on this street. I pull into my parents’ driveway and continue around to the back of the house. The basketball hoop still hangs over the garage door. I spent a lot of my free time in this backyard shooting hoops with Kyle and our friends when we were younger. Life was so carefree and easy in those days.

I park off to the side and get my bags out. There’s a finished guest apartment above the garage where I will be staying while I’m home. I drop my bags at the door and head to the house.

“Hello, Mom?” I call as soon as I walk into the kitchen. The familiar aroma of coffee fills my nostrils. It’s a welcome smell.

“Ooh, you’re here,” she calls. “I’m in the office.”

I grab a muffin from the counter and go to greet my mom.

“I was just talking about you,” she says as she jumps to her feet.

“Oh no. Should I be worried?”

She throws her thin arms around me and hugs me tightly.

“No—unless you did something you shouldn’t have.”

I snort. “Not recently.”

“I was talking to Laura Thomason, and she was asking when you’d be home. They all want to see you.”

I smile. Laura is Kyle’s mom and like a second mother to me. Their house always had an open-door policy for Kyle’sand Katie’s friends. They had a huge basement with a pool table and theater room. It was the best place to hang out.

“I can’t wait to see Laura and everyone. Kyle and I are supposed to hang out soon.”

“Laura says Kyle and his girlfriend are getting serious. Have you met her?”

“Not yet,” I say.

“Katie has a serious boyfriend too…”

I nod. “I heard.”

She doesn’t say anything else because she’s not the meddling type, but I know she worries I don’t stay in relationships very long. She’d never tell me that though.

“Anyway, Laura is planning a barbeque and has enlisted my help. It’ll be the perfect way for you to see everyone.”

“Great. I love a good barbeque.”

“I’m sure you’ll be the center of attention,” she adds.

“And I love attention,” I exclaim, throwing my hands in the air.

She laughs. “You always did.”

“It’s nice to be home,” I tell her.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she says placing her hand on my cheek.

I spend the rest of the day with my mom, catching up, and when my father comes home, we order pizza. I didn’t realize how much I missed this until today. As much as I love to travel, nothing beats pizza with my parents.

When I finally look at my phone, I have a text from Kyle.

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