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Nick responds, “Why not? You two are fucking awesome.”
I shake my head, glad that Nick isn’t pining over Lettie, and our friendship is intact. ‘Lettie’s in the middle of trying to make the Olympic trials and needs to focus.”
“Forget the Olympics and basketball; you and Lettie need to be in Nashville.”
All I can hear is the guys playing the videos on their phones. The station just now loaded “Can’t Break Up Now,” and as I watch and listen, Lettie is suffocating on the same words her voice sings. The only way to describe what I feel is wrecked. That’s how Lettie’s body and expressions look. She’s either completely engrossed in the song, or she’s actually nervous about us breaking up.
Since Jasper and Lettie are flying to the next competition, I know it’ll be a couple of hours before I’ll be able to reach her.
We eat and head to McShane’s for a couple of beers, joined by Mac and some of the football team. Mac slaps my back. “I guess I’ll excuse you for missing my game. That was one hell of a show.”
“Yeah, Lettie’s ride was incredible.”
“Yeah, that too.” Obviously, he’s more impressed by the three million views and counting on just one social media account. In no way can we run from this.
My phone rings and surprise… it’s my dad. I raise my finger to the guys and point toward the door and bring the phone to my ear. “Hey, Dad. I’m sorry I missed practice.”
“It didn’t look good for my campaign when they reported you missed practice for unknown reasons, then you showed up at Lettie’s competition. And do you think it’s a good idea to date your best friend?”
Dad doesn’t give me a chance to answer because of course, I think it’s a fantastic idea. “You need to get your head on straight. No fucking distractions. I’ll let you deal with Coach as far as basketball goes. If this polls negatively on my campaign, you’ll have to fix it.”
“Yes, sir.”
“We’ll talk when I get back from Washington DC.”
“Okay.”
Something is off with my dad. He didn’t even ask when Lettie and I got together. Our relationship is changing, but for now, I’ll count my blessings and try not to wait for the other shoe to drop. Maybe that’s how Lettie feels too.
Me: Miss you already. I’m at McShane’s buying beer for the guys, trying to get back in their good graces. I’ll be back in an hour.
Finding our waiter, I pay the tab, plus a big fat tip, needing every ounce of karma available. “I’m headed back. Anyone want to go with me?”
Devon rides with me, updating me constantly on the views and likes. I’ve never been a social media junkie, but I could listen to Lettie sing all day.
Hagan: Congrats to Lettie. Would you and Lettie want to sing at our wedding? Just the first dance song?
Me: It’s up to Lettie, but I’m up for it if she is.
Hagan: If basketball doesn’t work out for you, I think you have a solid backup.
Me: Basketball is life.
Hagan: Even basketball is a snapshot in time. Most people have their voice forever.
I tap the laughing emoji, shaking my head at how one innocent karaoke night has turned into something it wasn’t supposed to be. It was two people celebrating together.
Lettie’s name appears on the screen, and I put my finger over my mouth, so Devon stays quiet. I want to break this to her easy. “How was the flight? Still riding the high of yesterday’s score?”
Her voice vibrates, humming. “Do you know why I have a text from Adalee asking if we can sing at their wedding?”
“The local news ran another story on your ride and… us singing. The whole state is behind you.”
“They only care about me because their homegrown handsome basketball star was with me.”
Ignoring the little jab and her inexplicable insecurities, I press my lips together. “There’s more. The news linked the full videos to their social media.”
Devon can’t keep his mouth shut, leans over, and yells, “Over three million views. You and Greathouse are officially famous.”
