Page 22 of Commit
Chapter Seven
Starling
The sound of voices wakes me up. Not knowing where I am, I pretend to still be asleep until I recognize Abbot’s voice.
I crack my eyes open. Abbot’s talking to Hudson. The credits are rolling on the TV for the movie I missed when I fell asleep. I keep still and listen as they try to keep their voices down, but the undercurrent of anger makes it difficult for both of them.
“I told you?—”
“You didn’t tell me shit, Abbot.”
Both are silent for a moment before Abbot finally speaks. “You’ll have to ask Starling what she needs. I know dick about girly stuff; I’m a guy. And I don’t need a lot.”
“Fine. What about a laptop?”
“A laptop would be good. Me and Starling can share.”
“Make me a list, and I’ll make sure you have everything you need. I assume Starling will be riding in with you.”
“Yeah.”
“What about when you have practice?”
“I don’t do many early mornings, but the after-school ones, she hangs around until I’m done.”
“She doesn’t do cheer or anything?”
Abbot snorts. “She seems like the cheerful type to you, Dad?”
Abbot’s words sting, even though he doesn’t mean them maliciously.
“Fun fact, Abbot, women are complex, and I’m old enough to know better than to assume I know anything.”
“She’s shy. A lot of the guys were into her when she started freshman year, but she wouldn’t give them the time of day. Some were dicks about it and started spreading rumors, so I shut that shit down. Now that she’s with me, people leave her the fuck alone. But it’s not like everyone suddenly wanted to be her friend. Whatever. Their loss is my gain.”
“Can’t argue with that. Christ, I forget just how fucked-up high school was.”
“From what I heard; you were at the top of the food chain. So I doubt you know what it’s like to be Starling.”
“Funny, aren’t you Mr. All-American on the football team wanting to go pro someday?”
“Seems like it’s not just women you shouldn’t make assumptions about.”
Another pause before Hudson sighs.
“You’re right. So what are you into?”
“Football,” Abbot deadpans, making Hudson chuckle.
“I have no interest in going pro, though. I’m not saying I’m not good. I am for high school, but college ball is filled with guys just like me. I’m good, but I’m not one of the greats, and I’m okay with that.”
“You know what? Good for you. Not many people are that self-aware. It’s hard as fuck to step off the path you’ve been on your whole life. What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know yet,” he replies, the lie spilling from his lips.
“You’ll figure it out. Anyway, I’m gonna head up to bed. You want me to help you get Starling upstairs?”
“Nah, I’ve got her.”