Perfect by Design

12: Grayson James

Grayson

Fall of Freshman Year
The sound of ringing temporarily replaces my music. I look down at my phone, unsurprised to see my dad's name on the screen.

He has nobody to keep tabs on me at FSU, not the way he would have at LSU. I quickly tap the red button and continue my walk on campus.

Do you want to know how well my dad took the news of me choosing FSU over LSU? He's now the wide receiver's coach for the Miami dolphins. So, I'd say he handled it well.

To be fair, the dolphins hired uncle J to be their offensive coordinator, and he naturally brought dad with him. Still, the Cardinals offered him the same position, and somehow, he found himself in the same state as me.

My music is rudely interrupted again, but this time he got my mom to do his bidding. I can't ignore her.

"Hi, mom," I answer the facetime.

"Hi, sweetie. What are you up to?"

"Headed to a meeting with my coach. You look like you're at the Arizona house. What are you doing there?"

My family's home base is still Arizona. My parents bought a penthouse in Miami that dad is staying in for the season. Mom, Luca, & Ki will fly in for all the home games.

If it sounds complicated, that's because it is. Seems like being slightly less psychotic and not following your son to a different state would've been an easier option, but what do I know?

"Kiara had a friend's party this weekend, so we're home. I think we're actually going to stay until the first game since your brother and sister are starting school."

"Hmm." I offer my noncommittal response.

"How long do you plan on ignoring your dad, Gray?"

Of course. This again. I didn't go to LSU. He needs to get over it.

"Wow, mom. You couldn't even pretend for five minutes that you called me because you wanted to?"

"Watch your tone, Grayson. I called because I wanted to talk to my son. I am also worried about the relationship between my son and his dad."

"And I'm sure you're blowing up Aaliyah's phone, wondering how long she plans to ignore me. Right, mom?"

"Okay. I'm going to go before your father decides to kill you."

Shit. I didn't know he was listening. He doesn't play when it comes to my mom. I'm not even upset with my mom. She doesn't deserve my attitude.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I love when you call. I miss you the most, you know. I'll talk to dad. I'm just not ready yet, okay? I love you both. Gotta go."

She blows a kiss through the phone, and we disconnect.

My phone dings almost instantly.

Dad: You can put off speaking to me as long as your stubborn heart desires, but you ever talk like that to your mother again, and there won't be any more speaking in your future.