When We Met

by A. L. Jackson

  “Aw, I get it. You’re a tease,” one of Misty’s friends declared.

  “Oh, look, Cass is totally falling asleep,” another of the girls said, elbowing Cass in the arm.

  “I am not. I was resting my eyeballs for a moment. They were tired of looking at you.” They all giggled when her friends pouted in response. “I’m kidding. I love you like a drunk loves to drink.”

  “Gee, thanks. Why can’t you say something sweet like Misty said to Courtney?” She rolled her eyes and took another swig of the drink in her glass.

  I laughed but left them to their drunken compliments.

  Travis, one of the busers, snagged my attention as I walked by. “Hey, Courtney.” He was busy clearing one of my previous tables.

  “Hey, Trav. How’s the band?” Travis belonged to a kick-ass band, but they would constantly fight and break up because of their tempers.

  He sighed before providing the inevitable answer. “We’re on a break again. I swear to God, I feel like I’m in some fucked-up relationship with a chick, as much as we fight.”

  I clucked my tongue sympathetically, running a rag across the surface of the table. “What is it this time?”

  “Slick thinks we should all wear spandex to our shows. Ripped spandex to be exact.”

  “Um, eww.”

  He sighed again in defeat. “I know, right? Marcus told him he was high as a kite. Needless to say, the conversation didn’t end well.”

  “I’m sorry, Travis. They’ll work it out.” I patted him on the back as he set off with the tub of dirty dishes in hand. I used my rag to clean off the bench seat, brushing any crumbs to the floor.

  “Hey,” Amanda said, sliding into the empty booth I had wiped down. I could tell she wanted something by the way she fiddled with the saltshaker. “So, you remember how grateful you were when I got you this job?”

  “Yes,” I answered apprehensively, sensing I wouldn’t like where this was going.

  “And how you claimed you would owe me big-time?”

  “If I remember right, you said it was no big deal.”

  “True, but then you insisted. As a matter of fact, I distinctly remember you saying I saved your life.”

  I didn’t say anything this time. Judging by the way she was laying it on thick, this was going to be a doozy.

  “The way I figure it, saving someone’s life is a pretty big deal. I’m guessing it would mean that person would do anything to repay the debt.”

  “You mean like chauffeur that person around every other day so she doesn’t have to walk or wait for the bus in the frigid temperatures?”

  She paused. Obviously she hadn’t considered that before approaching me with whatever this big request was going to be. “No, it needs to be something bigger.”

  “Spit it out, then. What do you want?”

  “Go on a double date with me.”

  “Are you asking me out?” I teased, placing my hands on my hips.

  “You wish, sugar lips.” She laughed and ducked her head when I swung the rag at her. “I want you to go with Collin’s friend.”

  “Which friend?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

  “Dalton! Can you believe that? He’s totally into you. I know you have that crazy ‘I don’t date basketball players’ thing, but this is Dalton Thompson. If I didn’t like Collin, I’d be totally jealous.”

  I was already shaking my head before she could finish her statement. “Amanda, I can’t.”

  “Why not?” She stood up from the booth, glaring at me with her hands on her hips.

  “Because, Amanda. You just said it yourself. I don’t date basketball players.” In all honesty, I would have said yes if she had picked any other basketball player for me to go out with.

  “Is this a short person thing?”

  I swatted at her. “Don’t be an ass.”

  “Well, unless it’s something legitimate, you don’t have a viable excuse. Don’t make me play the ‘you owe me’ card. Just think. If you go, we’ll be even.”

  I was still shaking my head, but her pitiful expression was crumbling my resolve.

  “Please, Courtney. I’ll be your BFF.”

  “You’re already my BFF and we’re not in grade school.”

  “Say you’ll go,” she pled. “Ple-e-ease.”

  I had to say yes. I’d be a complete bitch otherwise. I nodded as Amanda squealed, dragging me in for an excited hug as she jumped up and down. I was screwed.

  chapter six

  Dalton

  It was a complete stroke of genius to crash Collin’s date with Amanda. At first I’d been disappointed Courtney didn’t come back to our table, until I realized Amanda was a friend of hers. I seized the opportunity to pump her for information. When Collin and Amanda started making plans to go out, I shamelessly jumped onboard, suggesting we should double-date. This time it was Collin’s turn to kick me under the table, but I ignored him. He owed me.

  The next night I swung by to pick up Collin on the way to get the girls at Amanda’s dorm. “I still can’t believe you latched on to my date. Why didn’t you just ask this chick out yourself?”

  I shrugged. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. Besides, I volunteered to drive, didn’t I?”

  “How the hell does that make up for cock-blocking me? What is it about this girl that’s making you act like such a pussy?” He adjusted the vents in the car so the heat was directed at him.

  “It’s nothing. We were friends once and now she’s acting a little weird. I figured this way she wouldn’t be able to run off without talking to me.”

  “You obviously can’t hear yourself. ‘Oh, I hope she talks to me.’” He batted his eyes, making his best attempt to sound like a girl.

  I couldn’t help laughing even though he was making fun of me. That still didn’t mean he didn’t get sucker punched in the arm as we pulled into the parking lot of Amanda’s dorm.

  “Hey, dick. Just be a man and admit you want to tap that. Own it.” He rubbed his arm, complaining.

  “Don’t worry about what I want,” I warned as we trekked through the snow toward the building.

  “Take a pill, Nancy. You should be kissing my ass anyway for letting you tag along.”

  I would have answered, but I spotted Courtney and Amanda walking toward us from the common area inside the building. Amanda flashed a brilliant smile at Collin. Courtney, on the other hand, glared at me. One way or another I planned on getting to the bottom of her animosity tonight. “Hey,” I greeted her.

  “Hey,” she answered without looking up at me. I think the only reason she acknowledged me was because Amanda nudged her with her elbow. Things quickly became awkward as we stood facing each other with no one saying a word.

  “So, everybody knows each other, right? Collin, Dalton—Amanda, Courtney,” Amanda said, pointing back and forth. “This ought to be fun, don’t you think?”

  “You’re crazy, girl.” Collin laughed, throwing his arm around her shoulder. We fell into typical two-by-two double date formation with Courtney and me trailing behind as we all walked to the car. I had a ton of shit I wanted to say, but I felt tongue-tied. Collin was right. I was acting like a wuss. I never got tripped up around the ladies. Of course, I’d never had one treat me like such a dirtbag.

  Amanda and Collin climbed into the backseat, leaving Courtney to ride shotgun. I could tell by her hesitation that she wasn’t happy about the arrangement, but she never spoke up.

  Amanda kept the car ride from becoming uncomfortable by maintaining a running commentary, mostly about basketball. I had to hand it to her. She knew her shit. Courtney didn’t say much despite my efforts to coax her to open up. By the time I pulled into the parking lot of the bowling alley, I was about over it. It was cool seeing her after all these years, and even though I was curious about what her problem was, I wasn’t going to put up with the attitude all night.

  I waited until Collin and Amanda entered the bowling alley ahead of us before snagging Courtney’s
hand to pull her to a stop.

  She jerked her hand free, looking like she could have taken a swing at me. “What the hell?”

  “Shouldn’t those be my words? What’s your deal?” I shoved my hands into my pockets in frustration. “Are you completely forgetting that we were friends once?”

  “Me? You’re the one who forgot that.” She turned toward the building until I reached out and snagged her hand again.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Are you really that dense? I didn’t think basketball was a contact sport, but you must have taken some shots to the head.”

  “What are you talking about? I mean yeah, we stopped hanging out, but we were kids. I don’t understand why we have to be enemies now.”

  “Yo, are you guys coming?” Collin yelled from the front door.

  “In a minute, bro,” I called back.

  Courtney snorted with disbelief before shaking her head, muttering, “Stopped hanging out? Let me clue you in, sport-o. We didn’t stop hanging out. You did. One minute we’re friends and the next you’re gone. All you cared about was basketball. I know that was important, but you just dropped me.”

  She stomped off toward the entrance and I let her go this time as I processed her words. Her reasoning felt crazy. We were just kids. What happened to our friendship had been mutual. Well, my dad had a lot to do with it, but she was forgetting all the times I tried reaching out to her. She was the one who acted like she had other shit going on that didn’t concern me. She was the one who became distant. I hadn’t thought about anything from back then for a long time, but it was all suddenly coming back to me now. My dad was all over my ass. Every day it was practice, practice, practice for hours. I remember needing someone to talk to, but the few times I tried with Courtney she pretty much dissed me. I always assumed us drifting apart was a mutual thing. It floored me that she felt I was responsible.

  I jogged after her, shaking my head with disbelief. I caught up to her as she was trying to pay for her shoe rental.

  “Hey, what are you doing?” I asked.

  “Uh—getting my shoes. What do you mean?”

  “Like it or not, this is a date. There’s no way in hell I’m letting my girl pay.”

  “I’m not your girl,” she said as the pimply-faced teenager behind the counter grinned at us, obviously enjoying the free show.

  “Hey, aren’t you Dalton Thompson?” he asked enthusiastically.

  “Oh brother,” Courtney said, snatching her shoes off the counter.

  “Yeah, what’s up? I need size fifteen and I’ll cover both.” I handed over a ten-dollar bill.

  “You think I could get your autograph?” He held up a pen and notepad after placing my change and a pair of bowling shoes on the counter.

  I signed the notepad and caught up with Courtney, who was seated at a table changing into her bowling shoes. “Look, Court,” I said, falling back on the nickname I’d used when we were younger. “I didn’t realize you thought I had ditched you. I mean, you remember how my dad was. I guess I always assumed the way basketball sort of took over my life that we both just got busy and stopped making time for each other.”

  “It’s no big deal.” The way she tightened up her laces made me think otherwise.

  “It is a big deal. Look, I’m sorry if I was the asshole in this situation. I know the past is the past, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends now, right? Come on. Friends?” I asked, holding out my hand.

  She studied my outstretched hand for a moment before reluctantly placing hers on top. “Fine, friends.”

  What I didn’t admit was that I wanted to be more than friends. Everything about Courtney appealed to me. I wanted to discover everything I’d missed over the last eight years.

  “Are we playing or what?”Amanda hollered from a nearby lane, interrupting our private chat.

  Courtney at least loosened up after that and became marginally warmer as the evening progressed. She surprised me by being a kick-ass bowler and wickedly competitive, like me. I used it to my advantage by goading her into a wager.

  “You’re not going to welsh when I seal the deal on this last ball, are you?” I asked, waiting for my ball to return from my first attempt. I should have felt a little remorseful for hustling her phone number out of her, but she didn’t have to take the bet.

  “Just roll the ball.” She sat with her arms folded across her chest, knowing she had been defeated. Amanda seemed to find my persistence hilarious while Collin eyed me like aliens had taken over my body. He’d never seen me go to this much trouble chasing a chick. I’d have to corner him before he ran his mouth off to all the guys.

  I had to hand it to Courtney. She paid up fair and square. I felt the date had gone well, which only left one thing. I’d given a great deal of thought to the good-night kiss. I had a whole plan worked out, but Courtney dashed it before I had a chance to put it into effect. She practically leaped from my car as soon as we got back to Amanda’s dorm. One minute she was next to me; the next she was gone, like the Flash. She must have tipped off her friend ahead of time, because Amanda didn’t even comment. Collin looked back at me, grinning as he walked Amanda to her dorm. No doubt he’d get a kiss. I was tempted to leave his ass.

  I told Collin before dropping him off he’d pay if he harassed me about Courtney in front of the guys, but truthfully I was kidding. I knew he wouldn’t do that. When I got home I pulled out my phone and scrolled to Courtney’s number. Hitting her up this soon would look desperate, and yet I couldn’t put the phone down.

  Hey, I texted, feeling like a fool.

  Hey yourself. The reply was almost instantaneous, like she was holding her phone.

  What R U doing?

  Getting ready for bed. U?

  And didn’t that conjure wonderful images?

  Vegging on my couch.

  Fun. Did U need something?

  Ouch. She didn’t mess around. Nah, I just wanted to tell U I had fun tonight. U jetted out so quick I didn’t get a chance to mention it. I’d like to see you again. Soon.

  Oh, I had fun, too.

  But??? I knew a brush-off when I saw one.

  No but. I’m just really busy and don’t have much time for the whole dating thing.

  I studied her message for a minute before replying. I’d been expecting this. Even though we had made progress tonight, I could tell she had been holding back. I’m not asking you to marry me. We can keep it casual.

  Her return text was slow to come in. I groaned when it did. I had walked right into that one. I’m sure casual is the only word you know. No, thanks.

  Come on, I didn’t mean it like that. When did you become so elusive?

  By elusive you mean why don’t I fall over on my back with my legs spread?

  Ouch. Harsh, babe. I wouldn’t let U fall.

  Nice try.

  You’re tough. What does a guy have to do to get a break?

  Maybe not hit on every girl he meets.

  Who says I do that?

  Please. I’ve seen you in action.

  The truth comes out, you’ve been stalking me.

  U wish. You’ve been a player since high school.

  High school? Give me some credit. I’m more mature now. Scout’s honor.

  Ha, you were never a Boy Scout.

  Doesn’t mean I’m not a good guy.

  So you say.

  R U always so distrustful?

  Only with basketball players that try to play games off the court, too.

  I’m not that guy.

  Right, and I’m not rolling my eyes.

  I’m going to prove I’m different.

  I don’t see how.

  I hope you like surprises, because I believe in go big or go home.

  We shall see. Lots of guys overestimate their appeal.

  I’m wounded. My thumbs flew across the screen. Despite her harsh judgment, I was enjoying myself immensely. She was quick witted and funny in a sarcastic way.

  I’m
sure. I better go. I have stuff I need to catch up on in the morning.

  Okay, I’ll text you tomorrow.

  Don’t you have a game or something?

  I do but there will be some downtime.

  I’ll probably be busy all day.

  That’s fine. U can text when U have time. Night, Court.

  She didn’t respond again, but I didn’t let it affect me. Chasing Courtney had become more fun than anything I’d done in a while. It was like playing in a big game. I enjoyed the challenge. I thrived on it. I was sure the guys on the team wouldn’t understand, but I didn’t care. Let them chase their own chicks their own way.

  chapter seven

  Courtney

  The chime of an incoming text message woke me. Reaching over to my nightstand, I fumbled around for my cell phone with my eyes still closed. My hand closed around the phone, and I tried to pry my heavy eyelids open to peer at the screen, but they refused to cooperate.

  I let my arm fall to the mattress, still clutching my phone in my hand. I needed to get up. There were a million errands to fit in before my shift at Gruby’s tonight. Of course, needing to get up and wanting to get up were two different things. Ignoring the voice of responsibility in my head, I burrowed deeper into my blanket. It was freaking freezing outside, and my bed felt too good. The sound of my phone chiming again made my eyelids spring open. Who could possibly be texting me so early?

  Peering at the screen, I saw another text from Dalton. I couldn’t believe how persistent he was. It was hard to let go of all the hurt I’d allowed to fester into anger over the years, but he’d made a good point during our date last night. When Dalton had gotten too busy for me, I could have put up a fight. Instead I wallowed in self-pity. The few times he tried to call I’d always acted like I was too busy. After listening to his side of the story, I probably owed him the same apology he’d given me. That being said, clearing the air the way we had didn’t make it any easier to start dating him.