The Rebound Game

Twenty Seven

Annie lets us in through the main door to their three bedroom house and the deep laughter coming from the other side of the room subsides. I say hello to Justin first who gives me a big hug and introduces me to everyone. From the way some of the men's attention keeps diverting treacherously back to the TV, I suspect they must have been cheering a football match.

Annie leaves the room probably to get me lunch. I shake hands with everyone and take a seat wondering how long it would take my sister to serve me lunch. I only took white coffee in the morning and ate an apple on my way out.

I have developed a low grade headache and my lipstick has dried. I am still listening to Justin introduce his friends and cousins and I am only waiting for the part where he finally mentions Ezra. I also have to act like I am happy to meet everyone and my cheeks already hurt from smiling too much.

"This is Ezra, the guy who is solely responsible for how I turned out in college," Justin says pointing at a very good looking male who removes his cap and winks at me. Justin's comment earns laughter from the guests and I fake laugh along with them to avoid saying hi first.

"Hello, I am glad to finally put a face to a name that I have heard on several occasions. You and Sophie really look alike. I know you must hear that a lot," he says and gives me a genuine smile.

It's true. Most of my relatives can't tell us apart. The few that do however have come to realize that Annie is the nicer sibling.

"Yeah. I also hear you have to be blind not to see the obvious resemblance," I smirk but deep down I am feeling giddy. He even has nicer set of teeth than any girl I know. Where is the justice in this world?

When I am certain everyone has resumed to their conversations and the attention is no longer on me, I excuse myself. I head to the downstairs bathroom and pass by the kitchen on my way back to grill my sister about the handsome Ezra. I am certain he is not as single as Annie tried to assure me earlier but a girl
can hope.

I find her mopping the floor to clear some juice that poured.

"Sorry, I have kept you waiting for long. I made a mess here but your food is ready," she apologizes when she sees me. "You have put more weight than the last time I saw you. You even look shockingly healthier."

"Really? Thanks," I say in a low voice make a quick glance at the doorway. "Now, I might be willing to forgive you for your forgetfulness if you promise to answer a question or two about Ezra. "

"Someone has a crush!" Annie squeals and I pinch her on her elbow.

"Ow! Was that really necessary?"

"Yes. He can hear you from all the way there. It is not attractive. Now, are you sure that he is available? I want the plain truth, not sparing my feelings."

"I think so but I could ask Justin. He didn't disapprove of my idea to set you up. That means a lot given that he knows him well. I would advice that you just take time to see how you get along and in the process you will figure out. Do a little digging." She massages her arm and adds, "And trim a few inches off those ugly nails"

I fill a glass with drinking water and follow her out of the room.