Textrovert

by Lindsey Summers

  Her dad continued. “I’d feel better if you two were together.”

  “Dad, I can handle myself.”

  “It’s not you I’m worried about,” he confessed.

  She was surprised. Everyone viewed her brother as the more capable twin. “Zach will be fine. He always is —”

  “I’ll be fine with what?” Zach asked as he came outside with a bag of chips. He’d just gotten back from football practice. His clothes were stained and his hair was dripping with sweat. When he got near her, he shook his head, getting her wet. Judging by the smug look on his face, he knew it, too, but she didn’t care. It was the first real emotion he’d shown her in days.

  “You’ll be fine if Keeley goes to a different college,” her dad told him.

  Zach wasn’t happy to hear that. “You still in that East Coast phase?”

  “It’s not a phase.”

  “It’s stupid. No one picks a college based on location.”

  “You’re picking solely on football!”

  “That’s different. I’m getting a scholarship for that.”

  “You don’t have any offers yet,” she pointed out.

  “I will. And when I win the state championship this year, I’ll get even more. Probably a full ride.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her dad turn hopeful. Their family wasn’t rich by any means, but they weren’t poor either. Was money a concern?

  “You don’t think I can do it?” Zach asked, taking her silence the wrong way. There was a flash of hurt in his eyes before it flickered away.

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Yes, you did. How can you think —”

  She interrupted, knowing her brother wouldn’t shut up once he got started. “I know you can win. You’re the best quarterback out there.” Of course, she had no idea if that was true, but it was her sisterly duty to say it.

  “Keeley, there’s no harm in applying to multiple schools,” her dad insisted. “Besides, you might not get into one back east.”

  “Hey! I can get in.”

  “Not with those SAT scores,” her brother mused.

  “They’re not yours, but they aren’t terrible either.” Her reading and writing were fine, and there was still time to get up the math.

  “I offered to study with you,” Zach reminded her. It was a nice offer, if she wanted to get yelled at.

  “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to live somewhere else,” she insisted, refusing to feel bad. Why did people act so surprised when she wanted to try something new? “And Dad, weren’t you the one who told me to step out of my comfort zone?”

  “I guess I did,” he relented. “You’re just going to have to let your old man sulk over losing you.”

  “You are pretty old,” Zach said playfully.

  “And your knees creak when you get up,” Keeley added.

  “And to think I wanted children,” her dad grumbled, going back to the house.

  When Zach didn’t follow, she tossed him a tentative look. “So …”

  A few strands of hair fell in his eyes and he pushed them to the side. “I need to mow the lawn, so if you could move the hammock …”

  Disappointment struck. “Oh, sure. I was getting burned anyway.” More strands fell as he helped move her things. “You need a haircut,” she observed. He never let it grow this long. Zach liked to keep a clean-cut appearance. Total opposite of her style, which was casual and untucked.

  “Thought I’d try something new.”

  She took a clip out of her own hair. “Here. This will help.”

  He gathered some strands and pinned them to the top of his head. “Tell anyone and you die.”

  “’Course not. Wouldn’t want to ruin your precious rep,” she teased.

  “Hey, don’t diss it. Reputation is important to a guy.”

  She wondered if that was true for everyone. Even someone like Talon. “That’s it!” she exclaimed as an idea struck. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner.” His reputation was the key. She needed to find dirt on him. What secrets was he hiding?

  Back in her room, she grabbed Talon’s phone and looked at his photo albums. For an arrogant guy, there weren’t that many pictures. And absolutely none of himself or his friends. A particularly colorful picture caught her attention and she zoomed in. Are those Peeps? she thought, recognizing the marshmallow bird candies dusted with sugar. Dressed as … pirates? They were in front of a backdrop drawing of a pirate ship and fighting each other with toothpicks. Flicking through the album, she saw more pictures like that, except the Peeps were dressed as other characters, like Luke Skywalker from Star Wars. They were … cute. In a weird kind of way. Certainly not what she was expecting. And nothing she could use. Not when she didn’t even know what those things were supposed to be.

  Keeley looked through his music, but there were no embarrassing bands. She did note, however, his large selection of country music. That would explain the drawl in his voice. Next, she thumbed through his apps, but was dumbfounded. He didn’t have any social media. Not even Instagram, or Twitter, or Snapchat. What was with this guy? It was like he was living in the dark ages.

  His phone started ringing, and when she saw the name, she could hardly believe it. This could be the advantage she was looking for. “Is this … Talon’s mom?” she asked.

  “Oh!” the woman exclaimed, seeming taken aback by the greeting. “Yes, I’m his momma, but you’re not my son.” Her voice was warm and inviting with a slight country twang to it.

  “No, ma’am. My name’s Keeley.” Maybe it was the accent, but suddenly Keeley was using manners she didn’t know she had.

  “None of this ‘ma’am’ business,” she kindly scolded. “I may be a mother, but I don’t have any gray hairs yet. Call me Darlene, suga’.”

  Keeley wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it certainly wasn’t this. “Yes, ma’a — I mean, Darlene,” she corrected.

  “Do you mind telling me why you’re answering my son’s phone? He’s supposed to be at football camp.”

  Keeley quickly explained the mishap at the fair and how they switched phones.

  “That’s quite a predicament you two have gotten in. I wish he had given it to me. I could have met you and exchanged the phones myself. I wonder why he didn’t tell me this before he left. Probably wanted to keep talking to you. Bet you’re a pretty thing.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Keeley laughed. “Honestly, I think Talon just wanted to get back at me.”

  “Talon?” his mother questioned.

  “Uh … yes. You’re Talon’s mom, right?”

  “I’m Talon’s momma. Sorry, I thought you said something else. So, what is this about my son getting back at you?”

  Keeley couldn’t very well tell Darlene about that first phone call when she’d made fun of her son and called him an SOB. Instead, she lied and said, “It’s nothing.”

  “That boy.” Darlene sighed. “Just like his daddy. Always letting his emotions run wild. And he was so good growing up. What happened? Where did I go wrong?”

  “Umm …”

  “He never brings his friends home or tells me what’s happening in his life.”

  “Darlene —”

  “And don’t think I haven’t noticed him fooling around with those girls. Coming home with lip gloss stains on his collar. I just don’t know what to do anymore. It’s like he doesn’t want me around. He didn’t even accept my Facebook friend request. You wouldn’t do that to your mother, would you?”

  “Uh … I …” Her mother couldn’t even figure out how to access her cell phone’s voice mails, much less Facebook. Thank God for small favors.

  “Of course you wouldn’t, suga’. I can tell. She’s lucky.” Darlene sniffed. “Do you know he forces me to sit in the back of the bleachers during his football ga
mes? Says he’s embarrassed. My own son! I don’t see why. It was just a Dolly Parton costume. It was almost Halloween.”

  Keeley cringed. She had to feel a little sorry for the guy, but this was exactly the type of information she needed in order to get his cooperation. She laughed like his mom had just told the best joke of all time. “I would have loved to see that.”

  “I can send you a picture, darlin’. Do you want me to text it to Talon’s phone?”

  “That would be perfect. Thank you!” said Keeley, feeling almost guilty. “Darlene, I have to go, but it was a pleasure talking to you.”

  “You too. Take care now.”

  While she waited for the picture, she sent Talon a text.

  Had the most interesting conversation with your mom. She likes to talk. A lot.

  Let him stew on that for a while. Now she could see why Talon sent her all those articles. Goading was fun.

  Keeley slapped a hand over her mouth when she saw Darlene’s photo. It was bad. Really bad. Like a gaudy, over-the-top kind of bad. No wonder Talon was embarrassed. But Keeley had to admit Darlene wore her Dolly costume with confidence. She didn’t think she could have done the same.

  What did my mother tell you?

  Hello?

  You there?

  What did she say?

  It was fun to watch him squirm.

  My, my. The mighty Talon taken down by his mom.

  Keeley! What did she tell you?

  She sent him Darlene’s picture. His response was immediate.

  You wouldn’t.

  Who holds all the cards now?

  Fine. I’ll pass on your texts and calls.

  I knew you’d see it my way.

  You’re incredibly annoying and irritating, you know that?

  Coming from you that’s a compliment.

  If you wanted a compliment, baby doll, all you had to do was ask. I’d be more than happy to provide.

  I think you’ve provided enough. Your mom told me about all those lip gloss stains.

  Jealous?

  Instead of responding, she sent him an article — “Twelve Signs She’s Just Not Into You.”

  That night Keeley was fast asleep when an unfamiliar ringtone played in her ear. Eyes still closed, she reached under her pillow and grabbed the phone. “’Ello?”

  “Your brother is annoying,” Talon mumbled, his voice rough with sleep.

  “Tell me something I don’t know.”

  “Wants you to pick him up from some chick’s house. Chloe-something-or-other.”

  “He’s at another party?”

  “Said he snuck out with one of his buddies.” What was Zach thinking? He was grounded. There would be hell to pay if their parents caught him. They’d all but threatened to take him off the football team if he broke another rule.

  She rolled out of bed, reached into her closet and grabbed the first thing she could find — a blue Edgewood High sweatshirt. It clashed with her orange polka-dot pajama shorts, but she was too tired to care. She went to slip on her flip-flops, but they were gone. Tucker must have buried them in the backyard again. All she could find were the rain boots her father had given her for Christmas last year. She slipped them on, then crept past her parents’ room and down the stairs.

  “You still there?” she whispered. “What time is it?”

  “Two thirty. Why is he even calling you?”

  “He’s drunk.”

  “So?”

  “He can’t drive.”

  “Let me get this straight. He calls and you drop everything to help him out?”

  She frowned at his tone. “I’m his sister. Wouldn’t you do the same?”

  “He got into the situation. He can get himself out.”

  Keeley grabbed her car keys off the kitchen table and tiptoed to the front door. “You’re an only child, aren’t you?”

  “That’s irrelevant. You need to stop acting like his personal chauffeur and show him some tough love.”

  “I’m not —” Tucker rushed after her, thinking he was going for a walk. He whined when she opened the door, pushing himself in between her legs. Shushing him, she glanced up the stairwell to see if her parents had woken up. Their room stayed dark, so she waved Tucker away. “Go to my room,” she ordered quietly.

  “I thought you’d never ask,” Talon replied. “I knew all that protest was just an act. No one can refuse my charm.”

  “I was talking to the dog,” she hissed as she silently closed the door and hurried to her car. “Although there is an uncanny resemblance.”

  “And how would you know? You’ve never seen me.”

  “Maybe not physically, but personality-wise. I mean you both love to chase and you sulk like children when your favorite toy gets taken away. Not to mention needing constant attention and stroking.”

  “You’re right. I need lots of stroking.”

  “I’m talking about your ego, pervert.”

  Talon laughed. Unbelievable.

  “Shut up, dude!” a voice yelled in the background. Talon must have covered the phone with his hand because all Keeley could hear was a few muffled noises. There was some white noise, then Keeley heard a door close.

  She hesitated before asking, “Talon?”

  “Sorry, my roommate’s being an ass and kicked me out.”

  “I’m surprised you let him.” Talon didn’t seem the type to let himself be pushed around. Keeley turned on the car and switched him to speakerphone. She pulled out of the driveway and waited until she was at the end of the street before turning on the headlights.

  “Coach is doubling up practices so everyone’s exhausted.”

  “You should get some sleep then.”

  “I’m not that tired. Besides, I’m talking to you.”

  “So, I’m your shot of caffeine?” she teased. She froze when she realized how flirty that sounded. In fact, the whole conversation had a playful undertone. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

  “Something like that,” he replied. “Explain to me again why you’re always running to the rescue. What does your brother have over you?”

  “Nothing! I do it because I have his back, and he has mine.”

  “What has he done for you?”

  “Why do you care? It’s not like it affects you,” she replied.

  “I’m curious.”

  “And curiosity killed the cat.”

  “Good thing I’m a dog then, huh?”

  His answer was so unexpected she found herself cracking up. “Well, at least you admit it.”

  She parked a couple houses down from Chloe’s house. “As stimulating as this conversation is, I have to go.”

  “You there already?”

  “Unfortunately,” she sighed, sidestepping a pile of puke on the sidewalk. She hated going to parties like this, where everyone was drunk and sloppy.

  “You don’t sound too thrilled. I completely understand.”

  “You do?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t be thrilled to say goodbye to me either.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Good night, Talon.”

  “Don’t miss me too much.”

  After hanging up, Keeley hopped around the red plastic cups littering the entryway and poked her head into the family room. Several couples were making out on the couches and chairs. She raised an eyebrow at one particular pair: Randy, her ex, and Allison Lineberry, the captain of the girls’ soccer team.

  “Keeley!” She looked over to see Cort, Zach’s best friend, stumbling toward her. Her hands automatically reached out to steady him. “What’re ya doing here?” he yelled over the music.

  “Looki
ng for Zach,” she told him, taking in a whiff of beer and rum. Cort placed both hands on her shoulders and laughed. “What?” she asked.

  “You look funny,” he said, eyeing her up and down.

  Right. Her rain boots and polka-dot PJs. She completely forgot. But she wasn’t there to impress anyone. Keeley held her chin up and said, “Thanks. So have you seen Zach?”

  Cort pulled her into the kitchen and pushed her in front of a group of football players. “Look who’s here,” he announced, showing her off like a carnival prize.

  “Keeley!” they greeted her, shouting like they were at a concert instead of a house. She lifted a hand in a silent hello. These kids had been to her house countless times over the past three years. Cort shoved a red cup at her, but Keeley didn’t take a sip.

  “Did ya see Randy?” he asked.

  “Hard not to.” Just seeing him had brought back a flood of memories from when they were dating. He’d been easy to talk to and fun to be around, until they started hanging out with his friends. Then he started pressuring her to attend parties and told crude jokes that shocked her. When they were alone, he was different again, so Keeley stuck with him. But then one night, she overheard his friends trash-talking her, and Randy didn’t say a single word to defend her. She ended it the next day. But she still thought about it. What is wrong with him? she wondered. And what’s wrong with her?

  “Dude, football is going to dominate this year!” someone yelled. As usual, the mention of football caught everyone’s attention.

  “Edgewood for the win!”

  “This year is going to be epic!”

  Keeley had to find Zach and get out of there. Things could get crazy once they got going.

  The guys started gathering, so she scooted out of the way. She felt awkward and out of place as they slapped each other on the back and shouted some chant she’d never heard.