Heads Up

“Hey Brees. Casey told me you would be here. I’m happy you came. You wanna join us over by the fire?” Jeff asked.

His smile seemed so warm and inviting. I needed to get out of my own head. Jeff had never done anything to me and here I am judging him based on rumors. Just tell him yes Brees. Say it, say it now!

“Let me see where my crew went and I’ll meet you down there,” I compromised.

He nodded, did a cute little bow and ran off. Ok he is seriously cute. Why am I self sabotaging? Keegan is spoken for. He clearly doesn’t want me. I need to do this for myself. I walked over to the volleyball area because anything related to sports would have my brother and Keegan there. Sure enough I saw them both already on the sand playing. Jada and Casey were on the picnic tables nearby cheering them on.

“Brees over here,” yelled Jada, motioning for me to come over.

I really hated that she was so sweet. I wanted to dislike her so much, but this bitch was making it hard. I reluctantly went and sat with them. I kept sneaking glances over at Jeff and noticed how incredibly helpful he was to everyone around him. He was grabbing drinks for people and cleaning up the beach as he went.

“Brees, come play the next game,” Keegan called to me.

“Umm, I’m actually going to go hang out with someone, but thanks anyways Kee,” I said, excusing myself from the volleyball game and heading over to the bonfire. Casey followed after me.

“Where you headed James?” she asked accusingly with a grin.

“Over to see Jeff if you must know,” I giggled burying my head into the side of her arm to hide my embarrassment. “He was really sweet earlier and I think I am going to give him a chance.”

“Yesssss. Finally. I’m sick of you moping around over Kee when all these fine specimens are here for the taking,” Casey said, motioning with both arms, as if she were a proud mom.

“It’s not a big deal, I’m just going to hang out with him Case. We aren’t getting married,” I quipped.

“Not yet,” she said, making me skip with her down the beach. We finally got over to where Jeff was and he greeted us both with a warm smile.

“Guys most of you know these ladies but some of you don’t. This is Casey and Brees,” Jeff said to the kids around the fire.

Everyone said hello and went back to what they were doing. Apparently I don’t turn as many heads as I had hoped. I laughed to myself thinking what a fool I must look like with all this make-up on at a bonfire, on the beach no less.

“So Brees you are a seriously sick pitcher,” Jeff stated, “I saw you play last week against my cousin Sarah’s team. They couldn’t hit off of you.”

I shyly nodded. “Thanks for watching me. I love to play,” I said sitting down in the sand.

Jeff joined me on the warm sand. Our toes digging into the earth, we chatted for what seemed like forever. My brother interrupted us and said we had one hour before we had to go home. He and Keegan had football practice early the next day.

“Can I maybe text you later?” Jeff asked, pulling out his cell phone.

I hesitated for a moment, but saw that Keegan and Jada had sat next to us and I blurted out, “Yes please!”

I took his phone and entered my number. Keegan watched me the entire time. His arm was around Jada, but his eyes were locked in on Jeff and I. My eyes locked with his for a moment and he quickly looked away. I’m sure he is being over protective, but I’m fine. I’ll be 16 soon and can handle myself.

We got out marshmallows and roasted them over the fire. Jeff showed me how his mom roasts Rice Krispie treats when they camp. His stories were so detailed and full of life. I could definitely see myself getting to know him a little better. We hit it off so well. Unfortunately time passed and it was time for us to leave. Jeff asked if he could hug me goodbye and I agreed. His body was firm and warm pressed up against mine. He made me feel safe. As I was saying goodbye to Jeff I felt a sharp pain in my head and then all I saw was black. I think someone punched me in the head.