“Nope, he’s at his girlfriend’s apartment, and it’s only a block from the restaurant.”
“Alrighty, I’ll be there in a bit,” I tell Jordie, dashing to the bathroom.As soon as I take a shower.
****
Driving time combined with the family dinner took another three hours away from the time I’d planned to write, but it was totally worth it. Spending time with them is one of my favorite things to do.
“How’s football going?” I ask my sister as I drive through the streets of Dallas, Texas to drop her off at her dorm.
She scrunches up her shoulders in excitement. “So good. Spring training went well, and I think I’ll be able to keep my starting position for my sophomore year.”
“Of course you will,” I assure, patting her hand. “You were one of the only freshmen to start last season, and you killed it.”
Jordie bounces up and down, and I stifle a laugh. My little sister adores football. Women’s collegiate football is kind of a new thing, full contact, not flag or touch. And don’t even dare to call it powderpuff, or you’ll get an earful from these amazing athletes. Or they might tackle you to prove their point.
A couple years ago, the women banded together and demanded the respect and attention they deserved as elite athletes. All they wanted was a chance, and they’d fought until they got it. Most major colleges now had a female football team, and lots of high schools did too.
Jordie’s voice rises in glee. “I got a call today saying there’s a new professional league in the works for us. I mean, we’ve all heard the rumors, but now it’s official. By the time I graduate, it should be up and running.”
I feel her thrill running through me. She and the other players deserve this… getting to do what they love and getting paid for it. But my heart also squeezes in worry.
Keeping my voice as casual as I can manage, I ask, “Will there be a team in Texas?”Please say yes.
“Are you kidding? The greatest football state in America? Heck yes there will be a team here. It’s going to be in Houston though.” Her eyes go dreamy. “I hope I get drafted there so I can be close to all of you.”
Even in the thinning light of evening, I can see her dreams flashing through her aqua-blue eyes. Eyes that match my own.
“I hope so too,” I say, meaning that with every beat of my heart. Jordie is the baby of the family, and I’m very protective of her.
“Tell me about your new book,” she says, switching the subject. “You didn’t say much about it at dinner.”
I groan. “Because there’s not much to tell. I’m only on chapter two.”
“When is it due to your editor?”
“A month,” I admit, feeling the pressure sink down onto my shoulders.
“Shit,Juli.”
“I knowwww. I’ve tried to write all day, but I haven’t gotten much done. I keep getting distracted.” I pull into a space in the parking lot outside her dorm and put my vintage Volkswagen van in gear.
Jordie purses her lips and makes a little humming sound. “Didn’t you tell me the library is closed for renovations over the next few weeks?”
“Yes, we got some damage during that tornado. Luckily, none of my book babies were damaged. The board voted to get us a new roof and windows, and we’re closing down to get ready for summer.”
“You should go off the grid. Get out of town and ignore the rest of the world for a while. No phone, just your computer.”
“That would be nice, but I can’t just go without my phone. What if one of you needs something?”
“Then we’ll deal with it like the grown-ups we are.” At my skeptical look, Jordie rolls her eyes. “Fine. You can take your phone so we can get in touch with you in case of an emergency.”
“I’ll think about it,” I told her, reaching across the console of my van to hug my sister. “I just want you to know how proud I am of you.”
“I’m proud of you too, sis. But I’d be even prouder if you’d get your damn book finished on time. I need something to read this summer.”
“Get out of here,” I say, kissing the side of her head before giving her a playful shove. I stay parked and watch as Jordie reaches the dormitory door and turns to give me a wave before scooting safely inside.
Then I drive to my home in Pine Tree Falls on the outskirts of Dallas. Not sure where the name came from. While there are pine trees aplenty, there are absolutely no falls. Unless you count that time Mrs. Walman slipped in the produce aisle at the local Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It was the talk of the town for weeks.
