Crimson Catch (Game Time #1)

by S. M. Donaldson

  “Oh. Sorry,” I say with a little bit of laughter.

  “Yeah, right,” she says, looking out the window.

  I drive down to the Waters Dam and stop the car. “Jo, I know you’re pissed with me, but we really need to talk.”

  She jerks her body toward me. “Yeah, we do. You need to stay out of my life.”

  “Now see, that’s the problem. I don’t want to stay out of your life. I want you in mine. Don’t you see that? I’m sorry for what you walked up on that day in the hall. I was trying to make her leave you alone.” I reach across, touching the side of her face as she gives me a pissed off glare. “I like you, Jo. I mean I really like you. Not just as my tutor, not just as my friend. Well, I like you as a friend too, but I’m attracted to you. I want to date you. Are you getting my point now?”

  She starts to fumble with her hands and looks down. “Don’t ever look down, look right here.”

  She peers up through her loose hair and nods. I lean in and kiss her. Our lips start moving in a rhythm without even trying. It’s like every other girl I’ve kissed, I was doing it wrong.

  I pull back and her breath catches. “Collin, I-.”

  I cut her off by shaking my head, smiling and leaning back in to capture her lips one more time. This feels like nothing could be more perfect. I feel her relax in my arms as they move around her and her arms move around me. These are the memories people talk about.

  CHAPTER 22

  Joelle-

  It’s that time in your life when you start to find yourself. When you get your heart broken for the first time. When what’s happening after “the game” is more important than anything else…

  Wow. Sometimes I look at the words I’ve written and I’m amazed. I can’t believe I’ve written them. I’m trying to finish up some edits on Making the Catch but I’m finding it hard to concentrate.

  I keep thinking about that kiss. Holy balls! I never thought it would be like that. Yes, I’d imagined it a million times if I’m being honest with myself, but damn.

  A knock at my door brings me from my thoughts. I shut my computer and call out for whoever it is to come in.

  My mom pokes her head in the door. “Hey. Can I come in?”

  “Ugh. Yeah.”

  She comes in and sits down on my bed. “Honey.” She stops, trying to plan her words. “I feel like we need to talk.”

  “Okay,” I say slowly.

  “James had a talk with me. A very stern talk with me actually. I’ve prayed on it and I’ve slept on it. Your father and I have failed you in so many ways. It never really hit me how we treated you until Collin stood right out there in that hallway and dressed me down, while I was in my bathrobe. Your brother said they had a more vocal conversation.” She sighs, placing her hands in her lap. “I never realized how much we left you out. I guess in my defense, I just knew I didn’t have to worry about you. Your brother is trying to keep your father off his back, your sister I’m just praying doesn’t end up on a stripper pole, but you have always been smart, kind and hardworking. I guess I never realized that just because you didn’t really need my help or opinion, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have offered it.” She wipes a stray tear. “I was so proud of you yesterday. You had so much confidence out there. I could tell you were shocked to see me there supporting you and even more shocked that I had nice things to say.”

  Damn, I didn’t realize my face was so readable. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

  “No. You do not be sorry. It should be like your brother’s games, you should be able to just count on me to be there, but I never have been. Well, that stops today. I’m already at the games on Friday nights, but you can count on me at contests now, too.” She pulls me into a hug.

  “Thank you, Mom.”

  “No. I hate to think I made you feel like an outcast in this family, because you’re not. Somedays you’re the glue that holds us together,” she says sadly.

  “Okay. I’ll get you the dates for the ABA Competition.”

  She looks confused. “ABA?”

  “Alabama Bandmasters Association.”

  “Oh.” She laughs. “Sorry. Yes, get me the dates and I’ll put them on my calendar.

  “Mom, thanks.”

  “Hey, I should’ve been doing this all along. Now, what’s the story with you and Collin? I know you left here with that Spencer boy today, but I also saw Collin pick you up and literally tote you to his car. At first I was alarmed, but then I remembered the way he talked to me that night in the hall. How he sat there all day yesterday while you tried to ignore him. I think he really likes you, so my worries faded.”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. I think he just likes a challenge.” Even though that kiss could’ve fooled me.

  “Um no, honey. I’ve been around a long time. He likes you. But I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

  “Okay?” I question.

  “I think you should come in and see Dr. Fleming. I’m not saying that you’re going to do anything or that I’m okay with you doing anything, but I know better than anyone that,” she pauses. “Shit happens. Hormones take over and well, I just want you to be prepared.”

  I’m sure my eyes are as big as dessert plates. Never in my life did I think I would have to have this conversation with my mother, but here we are.

  “Um. I don’t really think I need to do that.” I fumble to find words. I think maybe I need to, but I don’t want her to think I’m running out to have sex. I can just go to the health department like everyone else. No parents involved.

  She places her hand on mine. “Honey, I know you don’t think this, but I think it’s time you go on some type of birth control.” She sighs. “I mean I probably need to take your sister, too. I’m sure she’ll do something stupid if she hasn’t already. It’s just I see this bright future ahead of you and I don’t want anything to get in the way of that.”

  “Um. Okay,” I say nervously.

  “I’ll get you an appointment.”

  I have to say something, I feel like an idiot sitting here. “Can we do it during first period? That’s the time I have Study Hall,” I ramble. Here my mother wants to put me on the pill and all I can do is nervously ramble incoherent bullshit about classes.

  She laughs a little and nods. “Yes, we can do that. I should’ve known you’d be more worried about missing class than anything else.”

  After a few more awkward minutes, she excuses herself from my room.

  I flop back on my bed. This has been the craziest damn few days of my life.

  I reach over and grab my computer to get started again when my phone pings.

  COLLIN: Can’t stop thinking about that kiss.

  Swoon…

  ME: Me too.

  COLLIN: Just FYI I intend to do it more.

  Double Swoon…

  ME: Who says I’m going to let you?

  COLLIN: That little moan you gave me today that’s who.

  ME: I remember nothing of the sort.

  COLLIN: Yeah, well I can’t forget it.

  ME: So what are we doing here?

  COLLIN: I think we’re dating…

  ME: Dating??? Like BF/GF or like non-exclusive?

  COLLIN: EXCLUSIVE!!! I’m not sharing you. So call up good ole’ Spencer and tell him to lose your digits.

  ME: LMAO I don’t think I need to after today.

  ME: Who says digits?

  COLLIN: Me bc I’m totally awesome.

  ME: I’ve got some work to finish so I need to go. See you in the morning.

  COLLIN: I’ll pick you up for school. 7:30?

  Think. This isn’t a good idea. I can’t say no though.

  ME: Sure. Thanks.

  I’ll spend the next thirty minutes on edits and then I’m going to bed. I have the feeling I’m going to need sleep for tomorrow. Although, I’m so nervous I can’t sleep thinking about Collin Atwood being my boyfriend. Boyfriend, wow that’s a weird word for me. A first for me. Anyway. UGH.

  CHAPTER 23

/>   Collin-

  “Collin, are you sure this is a good idea?” she asks from my passenger seat.

  “What are you worried about?”

  “We have never exactly been in the same social circle. I mean people are going to lose their shit over this!” she exclaims.

  I shrug. “Who cares? What good is it to be me if I can’t make a few rules of my own?”

  She looks at me like I’ve lost all the marbles rolling around in my head. “Do you need a wagon to carry that big ass head of yours around? I mean that ego has to be weighing a lot.”

  “Look, no one had better say anything to you. If they do, they’ll have problems with me. It’s that simple,” I say, trying to convey that this isn’t going to be a big deal.

  Pulling into what’s pretty much my personal parking spot, I get out and walk around to meet her. Taking her hand, we walk inside and go to her locker first. I see people looking and staring, but I’m not going to make a big deal about it. My life shouldn’t really be of their concern.

  When we make it to my locker, Jinks is getting some stuff from his, “Hey, Atwood…Prescott.”

  I give a fist bump while Jo simply waves.

  “Hey, Jinks. How was the weekend?” I ask.

  “Eh, pretty good. Well, I gotta go. I can’t be late for American History. See you later in class.”

  Jo looks at me. “Why do I have the feeling that Jinks is going to be the only one who takes it this well?”

  “Hey, your brother took it just fine,” I say, pulling her under my arm and in close to me.

  “I just don’t like being on people’s radar and now not only am I on the radar, but I’m sure I’ve got several targets locked on me,” she says, sounding defeated.

  I stop and turn her to face me. Bracing myself with my hands at the top of her shoulders, I look in her eyes. “Jo, if you don’t want to do this, tell me now. You sound like it’s pure torture and I don’t want it to be that way.”

  She flinches a little. “I’m sorry. I’m just not used to the attention this is going to bring and it makes me nervous.”

  I bark a laugh. “You nervous? You’re one of the baddest chicks I know. You walk out on that field and you know your shit. Well, know your shit now. It’s me and you, no one else. Got it?” She gives me a small nod. “Good.” I lean in and give her a deep kiss, which is starting to cause a problem in my pants. “We gotta stop.”

  She looks up at me confused. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “No, that’s not the problem at all. I get wrapped up in our kiss and we can’t do that at school.” I give her one more quick peck. “I gotta get to class.”

  I get a soft “bye” from her as she turns to go to hers.

  It’s a great feeling. My dad knows everything and he’s okay with me not being perfect.

  The PA pings, “Collin Atwood, please go to Coach Fagan’s office.”

  Shit, what now?

  Walking to Coach’s office, I knock on the door. “You called for me, Coach?”

  “Yeah, Atwood, sit down.” He motions to the burgundy chair across the desk from him. “How’s your shoulder?” he asks.

  “Fine. I was a little stiff Saturday, but it’s fine today,” I explain.

  “I just want you to know I’ve been watching the game films from the past three weeks. I know we have a weak link and I’m going to take care of it. I’m not going to let someone who has their panties in a twist get my star player hurt. Prescott brought it to my attention last week. I don’t know what Daffin’s problem is, but he can find a solution for it on the bench this week.”

  I nod. “Yeah. I don’t know what I’ve done to upset him, but he’s definitely not covering me. I hate to have him on the bench though.”

  Coach adjusts his hands. “Yeah, well I gave him a week to get his act together and he didn’t. I know the team we played Friday was tough, but he could’ve shown me more than he did. So maybe a week on the bench will help him get his act together.”

  “Okay, Coach.”

  “Don’t feel bad about this, Atwood. That’s the kind of kid you are, I know, but he’s not doing his job.”

  “Sure thing, Coach.”

  “I’ve been checking your grades, you seem to be doing good. I’m glad to see you taking this seriously, son. You’re going to be my leader next year. You’re doing a great job of showing me you’ve got what it takes.” Coach stands from his desk. “All right, here’s a note, head back to class.”

  “Yes, sir,” I say as I take the note and leave his office.

  I wonder what he’s going to think when he finds out I’m dating my tutor…

  ~*~*~

  The first couple of weeks of our relationship have been an adjustment. Neither of us have ever been in one before. Not to mention we had a million questions from all of the people at school. Now we’re at my house studying for my Geometry test. She’s still pretty serious about this tutoring stuff.

  Having enough of studying, I look at her. “I’m bored, so I have a game.”

  She gives me a smirk. “What game?”

  “Well, each time I get an answer right, you have to give me a kiss,” I say with a grin.

  “Sure,” she says absently.

  That shocks me a little. “Huh?”

  “Well, I don’t figure I’ll be giving out that many kisses,” she quips.

  I tackle her, pinning her down to the couch. “Oh, you don’t?”

  She shakes her head, laughing. “Nope.”

  “Well, you have no confidence in me. I’ll just take the kisses.” I slam my mouth into hers.

  We both groan. I feel my pants tightening as I run my hand up the side of her shirt. Knowing I have to stop myself, I push myself up off her. “Um. Okay, I made my point.”

  I need to get my crotch under control. Geometry quiz. The time I got nailed in the balls during gym. Deep breath, deep breath.

  “You okay?” she asks.

  I nod. “Yeah.”

  She reaches over, touching my hand. “Hey, it happens to me, too.”

  I look at her like she’s crazy. “What?”

  She shakes her head. “It happens to girls, too. We just don’t have,” she points to my crotch, “appendages that make it so obvious.”

  “How did you?”

  She gives me a belly laugh. “I-.” She stops, her face beginning to look a little flush. “I felt it against my leg.”

  “Oh.” I feel my face getting red. “Sorry.” When did I start getting embarrassed about sex? I wasn’t even like this my first time. I damn sure wasn’t the other week with Callie. She and I haven’t really talked about Callie. Really, we haven’t discussed sex at all. I’m pretty sure she’s never had sex with anyone. But how do you just bring that up in a conversation with someone you care about?

  Adjusting herself more on the couch, she looks at me. “Oh, by the way, I won’t need a ride to school in the morning.”

  “Why?”

  “Um, Mom is dropping me off after my appointment,” she says nervously.

  “What kind of appointment?” I question.

  “Oh, just a doctor’s appointment. Nothing big, just a checkup.”

  I try to study her face for a moment. “You sure?”

  She shrugs and starts packing up her things. “Yeah. No big deal.”

  Standing up, she straightens her clothes and I do the same just as we hear my mom come in from the garage. Yeah, good thing we stopped when we did. Walking through the kitchen, I see Mom and she smiles. “Well hello!” she says, smiling. “This must be Joelle,” she says, straightening her outfit and pushing her brown hair behind her ear.

  Jo steps forward and smiles. “Yes, ma’am.” She sticks her hand out. “Nice to finally meet you.” My parents have been very busy since Jo and I started dating. With dinners and budget meetings, I’ve barely seen them myself.

  My mom bypasses her hand and pulls her into a hug. “We hug in this family, honey.”

  Joelle looks at me with bugged out
eyes. “Mom, you’re scaring her.” My mom lets her go.

  My brother strolls through the kitchen, grabbing a banana and biting into it. “Hey, Jo,” he mumbles with a mouth full of banana.

  “Can you stay for dinner, Joelle? We’d love to have you. I’m making lasagna tonight.”

  “Oh, you have to stay for lasagna night,” I tell her.

  “I’ll call my mom and see,” she says, smiling.

  She goes in the other room to call her mom while my mom deadpans at me, “She seems really sweet.”

  I laugh. “She is and she’s smart.”

  “Okay, Mom said it was fine, I just have to be home between seven-thirty and eight,” Jo says, coming back in the kitchen.

  Mom smiles. “We’ll make it happen, sweetie.”

  I look over to her and smile. “I’ll make sure you’re home in time.”

  My brother comes back into the kitchen, this time grabbing an apple. “So Jo, what’s up with your sister?”

  “Brock Samuel Atwood, you hush.” Mom levels her wooden spoon at him. “Leave Joelle alone, she’s not setting you up with her sister. Don’t think I don’t know about all the little hoochies you’re talking to.” She points her wooden spoon at him. “And save some room for supper. Never mind, what am I saying? You’re like a bottomless pit.”

  Joelle steps up to the counter. “Can I help?”

  “Sure, you wanna help get the salad together?” my mom says, smiling. She always wanted a girl, I think she’s enjoying this. Watching her and Jo together is great.

  CHAPTER 24

  Joelle-

  Sitting in a paper gown with a skimpy sheet blanket across my lap is kind of embarrassing. Not to mention I just had to answer a bunch of personal questions. Thank God my mother decided to stay outside. Even though a part of me wishes she were in here to hold my hand. “Okay, Joelle, I know I’ve asked you a lot of things, but do you have any questions before we start the exam?”