Chapter 5

As the next few week went on, it seemed like I talked to Jagger way more than Keegan. Her, myself and Casey had a movie night at my house and made all kinds of snacks. It was so much fun. We laughed and talked and joked about who we would set Casey up with.

“I’m not dating a sophomore James?” she laughed and threw popcorn in my direction.

“You haven’t even given him a fair shake Case. Wynn is such a braniac and an athlete. Total package!” I said, trying my hardest, to sell Wynnston Davis to Casey like some cute new shoes.

I had several other options on deck but she wasn’t interested. I finally concluded that she would grow old and be alone and have seven cats. She thought that sounded like the best thing ever. Her humor was one of my favorite qualities about her.

“So James, you’ve been with us a lot the last three weeks. Summer is going to end soon for Keegan. Where has this dude been?” Casey asked.

“I mean, I’ve had softball Monday through Thursday and he had a list of things to work on before training camp in August. He also is trying to get in as much time as possible with his sisters and mom before he leaves. So we have been texting and FaceTiming quite a bit, but I’ve only seen him maybe 5 times. It does suck,” I said slowly dropping my head.

“Well if he truly cared he would find the time. I’d do anything I could to be with someone that I love, that I’m not going to see often for the next year,” Jagger inserted herself into the conversation.

“Keegan does love Brees. He would go to the ends of the Earth for her if he had to,” Casey snapped back.

“Well he can’t even get to her house half a mile away so I find that hard to believe. People do what they want to do and what’s most important to them. Brees clearly isn’t a priority,” Jagger said.

“Well excuse the fuck out of me! Brees, I’m going to head out before I say something I regret. I’ll see you later,” Casey said, standing up to hug me. She kissed the top of my head.

“No Case, don’t leave,” I pleaded.

However, that didn’t work and she took off anyway. But not before shooting both middle fingers up to Jagger. Jagger said she didn’t mean to run her off and that she was just looking out for me, but it felt like she was attacking Keegan. She was there for me over the last few weeks like no one else had been, so I let the feeling pass and we finished the movie.

“Brees, can I just say that if you were my girl, I would try to spend every waking moment with you. Being able to gaze into those beautiful brown eyes and see the light reflect off of your caramel skin would be something I’d look forward to every single day. Keegan isn’t putting in as much effort as he could and that is all I was trying to say,” she said, as she lightly touched my face.

Why did my heart flutter when I felt her finger tips on my cheek? That’s only ever happened with Jeff and Keegan. I shook off the feeling. We looked at one another for a moment and she smiled. It was a seductive smile. Not one of a friend. But one of someone that wanted to be more than friends.

“Thanks Jagger, that means a lot from a friend. I’m getting tired though so maybe let’s call it a night,” I suggested starting to pick up blankets.

She agreed and helped me clean up the basement before heading out. I couldn’t help but go back to that feeling I got when Jagger touched my face. She was delicate and kind. The softness of her hand made my body quiver even if that wasn’t the intention. I fell asleep hanging on to that feeling that I had when Jagger Saunter made my heart skip a beat.