Page 137 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“I’ve only done it twice,” I told AJ, showing him pictures.
The topic changed to fútbol, and we chatted until Dare appeared wearing jeans, a beanie, and a BosTec hoodie.
“I was promised hot booze.” Dare looked at AJ, then me. “Theyallcame. Hey there, Cow Boy.”
“I just wanted to support Grif. Good job, Dare,” AJ said.
“I’m so proud of you.” I hugged him.
“Thanks, Ver. Hey, Grif Graf, it’s time for booze,” Dare called.
Dare herded us out of the hall, where the cold smacked me in the face. I wrapped my light blue coat around me tighter and took my hat out of my pocket. My white puffball hat matched my scarf and gloves.
A bunch of other students joined us. The noise and joyfulness made me think of my undergraduate days and how much fun they’d been even though I’d lived at home.
“You’re going to Bayside to visit Baba and Mama for break?” I asked Dare, being careful of the icy sidewalks with my crutch.
“Only for a little bit. Chance guilted me into it. Not looking forward to seeing the home they got without us. We don’t even have rooms. But I’ll be at Grace’s when you are. I’ll try to kidnap Chance and bring him,” he told me.
“I’d like that.” I hadn't seen him since Glitter City when Creed brought him to the all-rookie game so that he could see Mercy play.
While I liked the west coast and I understood why they’d want to move there, I, too, felt sad that there wasn’t a place for us in their new home.
Dare gave me a long look. “I know you have complicated feelings about the parents, but maybe reach out to Mama? She says she texts you, but you hardly ever text back. Don’t judge her the way you do the alpha parents? Now that she’s away from Mumsy, she’s different. Baba’s still sort of a dick, though.”
“I guess I could give her a chance. I mean, I gave Dad one.” Tonight I’d sent him a picture of Dare performing. Though Dad had always been supportive of his music dreams.
Taking a selfie of us, I unblocked Mama and sent it. This time, I didn’t immediately re-block it and added a picture of him onstage.
But I didn’t send her the video that I’d sent Chance.
The university square was festive, filled with lights and music. Stalls of delicious smelling food and drinks surrounded an outdoor ice rink. We got hot booze and snacks, chatting and laughing. It was fun to meet Dare’s friends and watch them joke with each other.
They all decided to go ice skating.
“You’re not coming?” Grif asked, a frown on his lips as Dean dragged him off to the skate rental counter.
I wish.“I’ll watch. It’ll be fine.”
Getting more hot booze and some cinnamon almonds, I sat down and watched them. I checked the score of Mercy’s game. They were losing, but it was close.
Mama had texted back.
Mama
I’m so glad. I miss you. Are you coming to visit with Dare?
Me
Mercy only has a few days off. We’re going to Creed’s. Let Chance come? I miss him.
I took a big gulp of my drink, the hot booze warming me. Dare raced Grif down the ice. Jonas and Dean skated while holding hands. The guys ice skating in their suits and nice coats was a great look. Dean had on his red beanie with a matching scarf.Grif had on a matching red beanie. AJ’s scarf was designer. Jonas had a leather jacket over his suit, no scarf or hat.
Mama
Maybe Dare can change your Baba’s mind.
Ha. Unlikely.
