You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Thirty Eight: Summer

Jim and I are heading to Baltimore this weekend. It's only a quick trip before school starts, but we both need the break. Basketball has been relentless, and a few days with family sounds perfect.

Phillip has asked me at least five times if he can come with us.

Every time, my answer is the same.

"No."

There's no reason to throw him into the middle of my loud, overprotective Greek family. Three days apart won't hurt us. In fact, it might do us some good.

Things between us have settled into an easy routine since the party. We haven't gone any further than kissing. Not once has he tried.

I sigh to myself.

Maybe I'm being ridiculous... but I thought teenage guys were supposed to be thinking about that all the time.

Maybe I just don't have that effect on him.

Jim lets me take the first leg of the drive so I can get more experience on the interstate. My hands are locked around the steering wheel, and every bridge, semi-truck, and lane change makes my stomach tighten. Jim notices immediately and keeps a steady conversation going to distract me.

It's probably the longest uninterrupted conversation we've ever had.

"Varsity's a whole different world, Tia," he says. "Those games matter. Scouts are always watching. Have you thought about where you want to play in college?"

"I doubt I'll get my wish." I keep my eyes glued to the road. "I want Carolina."

The University of North Carolina has been my dream for as long as I can remember.

"I'm fifth in the class," I continue. "Carolina doesn't usually recruit fifth."

Jim leans back in his seat.

"Set the goal anyway. They might take fifth... especially if fifth happens to be a superstar."

I laugh softly, grateful for the vote of confidence.

Traffic thickens, demanding every ounce of my attention. Eventually we switch drivers before the tunnels. Those are still more than I want to tackle today.

"I did okay," I say as we trade seats.

"You did better than okay."

Phillip had texted while I was driving, and Jim had answered for me, assuring him I was doing fine.

Several hours later we pull into Yiayia's driveway.

My cousins are already in the backyard kicking a soccer ball around. It's Friday afternoon, which means someone is already planning basketball somewhere.

"I'm going to take a nap first," I announce after climbing out of the car. My shoulders still ache from the drive.

"Suit yourself," Steve calls. "Come find us when you wake up."

The boys head off laughing.

I notice one person missing.

Torri.

He must be with his girlfriend.

Once I'm changed into yoga pants and an oversized T-shirt, I stretch out across the bed and send him a text.

Here. Closet open or closed? — Tia

A minute later my phone vibrates.

Here. Where? In Baltimore? — T

Didn't Steve tell you I was coming? — Tia

No. He didn't say a word. You alone? — T

Yeah. Laying down. I drove. Really stressed. — Tia