Junior Year Box Set

I pulled her to me and gave her a kiss to show her I really did like it. Halle molded herself into my arms, and suddenly our friendly kiss became much more. She just felt right in my arms. I hesitantly pulled away.

“We can’t,” I whispered.

I took her by the hand to the couch and shared with her my history with Tami, and everything that had happened, including what happened Saturday in the hotel. Halle quietly listened to everything I told her.

“You’re right. I’m not looking to be your rebound girl. We could have gone to several different places for Trip’s treatment, but I wanted to come here because of you. My mom wasn’t sure, but Trip told her how you were with me; how you were a gentleman and never pressured me to do more than I was ready for. He also told her how you protected me,” she said, and then giggled.

“Then Mom saw your picture. Trip had one of you in just your boxers before they put all the tattoos on you. He bribed the makeup person to get it. I think my mom has a thing for you,” she said, which caused me to blush.

Despite being almost forty, Rita James could pass for twenty-five. She was way out of my league. Rita had reportedly dated some of Hollywood’s top actors, most of whom were younger than she was. I really hoped Halle was pulling my leg because, after Hannah Minacci and Adrienne, Rita would be third on my ‘free pass’ list. Rita had never married, and rumor had it that Trip and Halle had different fathers, both of whom were household names. I have to admit that beautiful people make gorgeous children. Trip was the prettiest boy I had ever seen and had scared me more than a little when he flirted with me. Halle was nearly a clone of her mother. She was just a little shorter and had bigger breasts and a fuller booty.

“After Mom saw your picture, she asked to see your dailies. She said you were a diamond in the rough and that, with the proper training, you could be a star. Mom agreed to move here because you were both a good guy and would be a good match for me.”

“That sounds a little calculating,” I said.

“David, she’s Rita James. Of course, to me, she’s my mom, but she has to be careful. Hollywood’s not nearly as nice as people think. She’s had to work hard to get to where she is and survive. Mom’s also very protective of Trip and me. I’m lucky to have her help guide me in my career. I had to fight her to allow me to act. The movie we’re doing is my first lead role, and because of that my mom has gotten involved.”

In her words, I had a memory of what my uncle had warned me about. When my movie was released, would life really change that much for me? Would I have to question everyone that came into my life? Would I have to worry about their true motives? I really hoped not.

It was getting late, and Halle got a text from her mom, so we called it a night. For now, we agreed to be friends. I think we both knew that eventually there would be more.

◊◊◊

Chapter 10 – This is Our House! Friday September 11

Tonight was our first home game. We were facing Washington, Ty’s old school. Last year, their team had what I felt was the best talent in the conference. When we upset them, their season came crashing down, and they hadn’t made it to the State Playoffs. On Tuesday, Tracy and Pam had shown me a video taken at a booster event that I was sure Coach Crouch would never want to be seen outside of friendly circles. It reminded me that with all the new cell phones, anything I said or did could potentially be videotaped.

The video had some explosive stuff on it. I felt it would be best shared with the team right before the game. If the guys weren’t in the mood to kick Washington’s butt before they saw it, they would be afterward. Tracy and Pam worked with Mrs. Sullivan to hold a team dinner at the hospitality tent before the game. I’d called my uncle, and we had donated a cow to feed everyone. Being the part-owner of a farm had its benefits.

Jeff Delahey, my favorite reporter, was also invited. I owed him for the advice he had given me concerning the steroid scandal last year. They had us come in early, before the other press and the recruiters usually showed up.

When I walked into the tent, Mr. Palm, our Vice Principal; Mr. Hicks, our Athletic Director; and Mr. Spooner, the school district’s attorney, were all in the back of the room. They were sitting with a man and a woman that I had never seen before, both in suits. I sat at the table with Tracy and Pam. Coach Hope got up and said a few words before we ate.

“The Booster Club was kind enough to offer us dinner before the game. Would Mrs. Sullivan and the rest of the Boosters please stand?” Coach asked, and we all clapped for them.