Nothing to lose

Chapter 3: Greyson

We wrapped up the day with a BBQ at the Harper's. That was how Mia wanted to celebrate, and I couldn't complain. I was getting BBQ chicken, burgers, and grilled corn.

Okay, my only complaint was about Mia breathing down my neck, trying to get me to open up about what happened with Katrina earlier.

"Tell me!" Mia whispered harshly while poking my side with her plastic spoon.

"Knock it off." I glared at her in mock anger because let's be honest. Mia wasn't someone who could seriously make me angry. "I'll tell you later," I whispered back.

I would tell her now, but she was doing that adorable pouting thing because she wasn't getting her way. And I was enjoying it too much.

"Is everything okay over there?" my mom called from the patio table.

We both turned to her and nodded. "We're fine," we replied in unison.

I went back to scooping copious amounts of potato salad onto my plate.

Mia put her plate down next to the cornbread. "We talked about James the instant it happened, but you won't talk about Katrina."

I let out a sigh. "There's not much to say." I moved on to the coleslaw. "She wanted a bigger commitment, and I couldn't give her that." This was me trying to tell her the truth while also leaving out a massive part of that conversation.

"Like what?"

I glanced back to make sure our family wasn't trying to eavesdrop before I lowered my voice. "She said that she wanted us to think about the long haul. Whether it be a long-distance relationship or marriage after college," I had muttered the last few words.

"WHAT!" Mia blurted out in shock. "HOW COULD SHE ASK YOU THAT?"

"How can who ask what?" Mom butted into our conversation.

"Yes. We would also like to be a part of the conversation that has had you two pretending to grab seconds for the past five minutes," Mr. Harper said.

"Sorry," Mia whispered guiltily, realizing that her outburst had put the family in the middle of our chat.

Well, now that I had everyone's attention. "Katrina and I broke up." Before they could ask, when I told them. "After the graduation ceremony. It was just, that both of us knew at that moment that it wasn't going to work out for us. So we ended it."

"I'm sorry, honey," Mom frowned.

"It'll be alright, son. With a face like that." Mr. Harper pointed and gestured to my face with his fork. "You'll get a bunch of girls in college."

"Right? He's so handsome," Ava, Mr. Harper's girlfriend, added.

"Exactly," Mom quickly agreed.

"You know, I met Mia's mom in college and," Mr. Harper paused, scratching his head. "Maybe my story isn't the best example since we eventually... you know..."

Mia nodded, then turned to me. "You know what I think you should do?"

"What?"

"You should stop dating for a couple of years." She smiled evilly at me.

I stared at her blankly. She was using my own words against me.

"Okay, okay. I wouldn't go that far now," Mr. Harper saved me.

"Why not? Obviously, he sucks at it. This relationship lasted, what? Three months?"

I snickered. Grabbing my plate, I went back to sit down.

My mom rubbed my shoulders. "It'll be fine, sweetie."

"Can we change the subject now?" I asked, stuffing my mouth full of potato salad.