Page 27 of Thick Girls Pole

“But it’s not.”

“I end up jumping in, getting obsessed, and messing things up.”

My mom and Granny Vi shared a look, then turned their attention back to me.

“What you did is hook up with morons then stay with them because you thought they could be fixed.” Granny Vi pointed her index finger at me. “Newsflash, they canneverbe fixed, especially if they don’t want to be.”

“She’s right,” my mom said.

“Damn right I am.”

My mom gave me a hug, then pulled back.

“Just be yourself and don’t overthink things.”

I think I can handle the first thing, but can’t promise I’ll be able to pull off the second.

Simon

I watched Leo Marakis toss his ball down the lane and lean from side to side, as if he could direct it with his body. He knocked down the remaining four pins for a spare, keeping him in the lead. But it’s a pretty tight game so it wouldn’t take much to change the rankings.

He came and sat beside me as Keera stepped up to the line.

“I was worried about that one. Anjannette is right behind me and we have a little side bet going on this game,” he said, then smirked. “Although honestly, even if I lose, I’ll still win.”

He didn’t offer any details and I didn’t ask. Something tells me I don’t want to know.

When Keera asked if I wanted to go bowling with Anjannette and Leo, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure how it would go. But so far, it’s been fun.

Leo is more down to Earth than I expected him to be. I know I shouldn’t stereotype, but the professional athletes I’ve met weren’t very personable. But Leo is great.

“You’re pretty good. Do you bowl often?” he asked.

“Not anymore. When I was a kid, my family used to bowl a lot, plus this was a hot spot for birthday parties. How about you? I mean, you’re the one in the lead.”

“I’m working on muscle memory and luck here. Like yours, my family used to bowl a lot. There was a place within walking distance of our house and it was a fun and affordable night out for a family of eight.”

“Eight?”

He nodded.

“Yep, I have five siblings. Two brothers and three sisters,” he said. “And we’re all super competitive, so as we got older, things got a little crazy.”

“Pay attention boys,” Anjannette yelled so we could hear her over the music. “It’s your turn, Simon.”

“Duty calls,” I said and walked up to grab my ball.

“Good luck.”

That from Keera who stood on the side of the lane, hand on her hip, striking a pose.

“Don’t try to distract me.”

“Would I do that?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking you would.”

Right now Keera is in last place and it’s driving her crazy. I’ve thought about missing a few pins and letting her creep ahead, but she’s pretty competitive and would want a fair game.

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