Welcome! This week's prompt "curly" fits into Buddy Carruthers story in the First & Ten series. Take a look. Don't forget to return to Tuesday Tales and read the wonderful other stories there.
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The cheerleaders, referred to as The Connecticut
Queens, were practicing on the field while the team was warming up. Buddy was
dating Christy Mather, a cheerleader for the past three years. Blonde, with
long, curly hair, she was gorgeous.
They had been going out for three months. But it
was a “no strings” relationship. Buddy insisted on that. He’d never gotten his
heart back from Emmie. How could he give what he no longer owned? Christy had
seemed content in the beginning, but he noticed her shift, trying to get closer
to him.
The two teams broke for lunch. Christy found Buddy
before he hit the locker room.
“My folks are coming for the weekend. Dad’s gonna
take us out to Manny’s Steakhouse. Wanna come?” She batted her eyes at him and
wagged her adorable rear end, like a puppy, anxious to be petted. Hey, Buddy’d
pet her, but not in public.“Can’t this weekend.”
“Oh? We don’t go on the road until next weekend.”
“Yeah. But I’ve got plans. Tell ‘em thanks, and I’m sorry.” Buddy headed for the safety of the locker room.
“You said the same thing last time.” Christy tugged on his arm.
Buddy pulled her aside, walking out of earshot of the others.
“I told you, this isn’t serious. I don’t meet family unless I’m serious.”
“It’s been three months, Buddy.”
“I guess you didn’t believe me.”
“I thought you just needed time.”
“Space. I need space. I like you a lot, Christy. We have fun together. But I’m not looking to settle down.”
She made a face. “When will you be?”
When Emerald
becomes Emmie again. “I don’t know. Maybe never.
Don’t wait for me. You’re
a beautiful girl. Find someone who wants what you want. It isn’t me.” He cupped
her cheek, staring into her eyes.
“Buddy…you’ve been...”“Don’t go there.”
“But I thought…”
“I told you. Flat out. No commitment.”
She frowned at him. “I can’t help it, Buddy. I’m in love with you.”
“Gotta go.” Buddy brushed her cheek with his lips. Are you in love with me or the millions I’m making? One knee blow-out and it could all be over. Would you still be in love with me?
Buddy trotted to the locker room and stripped off his uniform.
