Chapter 2

I waited in my room for Casey to arrive. She was coming with us to the beach despite her and Cyman no longer being together. It didn’t seem to even phase her that he comes around her with his new girlfriend, Harper. Harper was a senior as well and played on my softball team. Casey was kind to her and I truly believed she was over Cyman.

I sat on the edge of my bed, playing the conversation I had with Keegan, over and over in my head. Did he really not care if I went to school with him for three years? That’s such a long time. Would he not miss me? Was I digging too deep into this? All of the words came crashing into my brain like a tidal wave. I was instantly overwhelmed and fell back onto my pillows. I didn’t even hear Casey come into my room.

“Hey James! The guys are ready for us to head out whenever you are ready,” she said, jumping on to my bed, nearly crushing me.

“What’s wrong my love?” she asked, resting her head on top of mine. Her big brown eyes looked at me with such sadness and concern.

“Case, I don’t think Keegan wants me at LSU next year,” I said, almost choking on those words as I said them out loud.

“What? Yes he does. You guys have been planning this for over a year. What is making you say this all of a sudden?” she asked, sitting herself up on her knees.

She grabbed my hands.

“I don’t know. He just said that I didn’t HAVE to go to LSU and there were other options. But he knows I want to be near him. Why would he even suggest something otherwise?” I asked, shaking my head.

“James, he didn’t actually say he doesn’t want you there. Let him explain himself. I’m sure he has a great reason. That boy loves him some Brees, so trust me when I say he most definitely wants you there,” she reassured me, cupping my face in her hands.

“Let’s go get our stuff in the car before these boys leave us here,” she giggled, pulling me to my feet.

I grabbed my grey and white beach bag and my black visor and we headed out to the car. Baylen was putting the kayaks on top of the jeep and Keegan was loading up the cooler. Casey hopped into the front seat and started to connect her music. I climbed into the back seat and buckled myself in. Keegan climbed in next to me. He grabbed my hand but didn’t say anything. I just stared out of the window, looking at the clouds whispering in the sky.

The drive to the beach was a little over two hours so I knew this car ride would be long and uncomfortable. I had to talk with him but with Bay and Case in the car, it didn’t seem like the right time. So I sucked it up and played nicely. I scooted over to the middle seat so I could rest my head on Keegan’s shoulder. I felt his whole body relax. He put his arm around me and pulled me close. I’m not sure why I was getting in my own head about this but I needed to drop it. Keegan obviously cares for me and wants me around. I needed to navigate my own feelings so that I could stop pushing this all off onto him.

I nuzzled my head into his chest as he held me. He kissed my hairline. The steady bumps of the highway were making us sway. He always smelled so good. I inhaled his scent. Trying to keep it saved in my memory. I wanted to stay like this, in this moment, for as long as I could.

Not even realizing it, I fell asleep and awoke to Keegan softly stroking my cheek.

“Babe, we are here,” he said softly.

I slowly lifted my head to peer out of the dusty front window of the Jeep. I could see the water and the sand. This was all I was waiting for. I saw Cyman and Hale pulling up next to us. I couldn’t tell if Harper was in the car since Hale’s windows were so dark in the back. I didn’t need to wait very long however, because out popped this cute little blond from the back seat.

“Brees! Casey! Hey girls!” she yelled cheerfully, running over towards us.

I had barely been awake so I wasn’t in the most cheerful mood, but I tried. She really was such a cool girl.

“Hey Harper. I’m glad you could make it for our summer kick off get together,” I said, grabbing my bag from the back seat.

“Oh, girl, I wouldn’t miss it. Cy has been going on and on about it for weeks. He loves you guys so much, and loves spending time with your family,” she went on.

Her face was literally the most adorable thing ever. She scrunched her nose when she got excited and her voice went up an octave. I hadn’t really ever seen her without her hat on and softball digs, but she cleaned up well and had a cute, girlish figure.

“You want to help us set up the picnic area and fire pit Harp?” Casey asked, tossing her hair up into a high ponytail.

“Sure! I would really like that,” she said, grabbing some things from the trunk.

I smiled empathetically at Casey. I knew how hard this must be for her to see Cyman here with Harper. They had only been broken up for about three weeks when rumors started swirling about Cyman and Harper at a party. At first I didn’t believe it and then we saw them together at school and it was confirmed. Casey was hurt and tried to hide it. But I know this girl like I know myself and she was reeling from it. After about three months, she could finally say his name without hatred and sadness attached to every syllable. She was healing. She never faulted Harper and has always tried to remain neutral with her. I know this was hard to do since her heart was literally breaking.

We all kind of did our own thing for a while until it was time for dinner. The boys played football in the sand, and the girls laid out and tanned. It was such a perfect first day of summer break.

Baylen cooked hot dogs on the fire and we roasted corn. Quinn had come an hour later and brought some side dishes and desserts her mom had made. Everyone gathered around the fire and shared what they were doing for the summer.

“I’m spending as much time with this girl as possible before I go to training camp,” Keegan said, throwing his arm around my neck and kissing my cheek.

“I’m going to every concert I possibly can this summer,” Casey said.

“Sounds like a waste of money to me,” Cyman chimed in.

Casey ignored him and asked Harper about her summer plans.

“Oh babe, you’ve gotta tell them. I’m sure Brees knows, but share it with everyone!” Cyman said, smiling from ear to ear.

“So, I got a letter in the mail inviting me to the LSU softball training camp this summer,” she said.

Her words sounded like they came at me in slow motion. LSU? Wanted Harper? She plays shortstop and does a great job, but as far as I knew they invited pitchers and catchers to their camps.

“You got invited to LSU this summer?” I said, sensing the shock in my own voice and quickly trying to calibrate.