Yeah, Right...
Chapter 5: NBA
Diane answered the ringing telephone.
“Hi! Is JC there?” a peppy voice came from the other end of the receiver.
“Yes. May I ask who’s calling?” She didn't really have to, she recognized the voice already from the five other calls JC had gotten from her earlier this week.
“Yes. This is Bobbie.” Just as she suspected.
“Hold on, dear. JC! Telephone!” Diane’s voice boomed across the house.
JC picked up the line in the living room, where he had been watching TRL.
“Hey, babe.” JC said into the phone, muting Carson Daly.
“Hi! Um, why didn't you call me? I thought you were going to call me today.” Bobbie whined.
“Sorry, I forgot.” JC mumbled.
“Joshy, we talked-”
“-Don’t call me that. Its JC.” He cut her off.
“Well, whatever. I was very worried when you didn't call. Not to mention pissed.”
“I said sorry; can’t you just drop it already?” JC rolled his eyes. Lance walked into the room, carrying two Dr. Peppers and a bag of chips. Lance raised his eyebrows to ask who JC was talking to, and JC mouthed ‘Bobbie’ as she continued to ramble.
“So, anyway, what's this Lance like that you can’t even remember to call your girlfriend?” Bobbie questioned.
“He’s really cool. And can play piano and sing like nobody’s business.” JC smiled.
Lance realized that he was talking about him and blushed, then rolled his eyes.
JC stared at the embarrassed Lance as he continued to munch on the chips and let Bobbie ramble.
He wasn't even sure what she was talking about. Some cheerleader slumber party or something, he didn't really care. Finally, he got bored and cut her off.
“That’s neat, Bobbie. Listen, I gotta go. I’ll call you later, ok?”
“Ohhkay, when?”
“Soon. I promise. Bye.” He hung up quickly, relieved to not have to listen to her chatter anymore.
“That was quick.” Lance said, with a mouthful of chips.
“There’s only so much you can take of: ‘which nail polish do you think would go better pink or red’ before you have to go.” JC laughed, sipping on the can of Dr. Pepper, “ Plus, I got an idea. On Monday you showed me what you like to do, but I never got a chance to show you what I like to do. And its Friday, so its about time you get to know me, Lance.” JC stood up and walked over to the chair where Lance was seated.
“Lance, I’m gonna show you how to play basketball. Every guy should know.” JC proclaimed.
“You are kidding, right? I don’t do basketball. I’m gonna make an ass of myself.” Lance laughed.
“Nope.” JC reached out for Lance’s hand, Lance took his hand hesitantly, and JC pulled him up.
“C’mon, Lance, you got to show off and play piano and shit, and now its my turn.”
“And shit?” Lance feigned being hurt.
“You know you were great. It’s my turn Now, come on.”
“Jesus” Lance swore as JC pulled him towards the front door. I cannot believe I’m about to go humiliate myself in front of him.
“He shoots! He scores!” JC yelled as he glided gracefully across the basketball court at Zilker Park, the ball left his hands and flew precisely into the basket.
“Wow.” Lance said dryly, pretending to be completely unimpressed.
JC strutted up to Lance, and threw the ball at him. Lance actually caught it.
“OK. Let me see you try, Jordan.” JC smirked.
“Look,” Lance was shaking his head, “I really really suck. How about I just watch.” Lance suggested, only to be ignored..
“I’ll show you. Stand here.” JC placed his hands on Lance’s waist and shoved him into a spot in front of the hoop. “Now, balance the ball in your hands here, and stretch out your arms, and push with your arm muscles, but let its roll off of your wrists. OK?” Lance did as JC instructed, lifting his arms, JC corrected his stance by moving his arms a little. There was no way in hell Lance was going to be able to concentrate on making a basket when JC kept on touching him.
Lance let the ball go and missed. JC bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, Lance could tell.
“You asshole! I told you I sucked.” Lance whined.
“No, that wasn't..um..so bad.” He couldn't help but let a tiny giggle escape his lips. “Try again.” he handed the ball to Lance. Lance tried to remember what JC told him, he shot the ball again, and missed.
“Again!” JC threw the ball at Lance.
“Persistent.” Lance groaned as he caught the ball. He shot, he tried to ignore how close JC was standing to him this time, so he could get this over with. This time when he shot the ball it circled the basket a couple times, Lance held his breath and said a silent prayer. It went in. JC hollered and patted Lance on the back. Lance smiled, relieved. Thank God.
“I think you're ready for the NBA” JC joked, punching Lance’s arm lightly.
“Sure. Where do I sign up?” Lance laughed along with him.
“C’mon, you deserve a break.” JC threw his arm around Lance’s shoulders and led him over to a grassy hill beside the court.
“So, how's Bobbie?” Lance inquired once they were seated on the hill.
“She’s ok.” Suddenly JC grew serious, his head turned so he was looking directly as Lance, “I’m not as interested in her as used to be. I used to be able to talk with her for hours. But now, its just boring. I’m far away, now. And I thought I would miss her. But, I don't. I’m seeing our relationship from a distance now. And I know that we aren't soul-mates. Its too perfect, I was the class president, she was the most popular girl. It was expected of us to date. It wasn't an adventure. Its almost like I was settling, you know?”
Lance didn't really know what to say. So he nodded.
“Am I boring, or what?” JC laughed half-heartedly and looked away from Lance.
“No, not at all. You can talk to me, man.” Lance encouraged him to continue.
“I never wanted to settle. I want to try new stuff, meet new people. See if maybe I like them better.” At this point JC turned his head back to look at Lance, who was staring at JC, their eyes locked.
“I understand.” Lance said simply.
“I don’t want to wind up being 45 and married to the same person who I knew all of my life. And who everyone expected me to marry. And then finally, bury all of my lost dreams in a bottle of whiskey, or have to leave, but it’s too late, and I don’t know anyone else and I have nobody to turn to except an old friend, who I kept in touch with through generic holiday letters.”
Silence. Lance spoke tentatively. “Like your parents?” his voice was a low whisper.
Lance didn't expect and answer and he didn't get one. JC looked out over the park, staring blankly into the setting sun. Then he unexpectantly bounded up, a smile spread across his face, his blue eyes sparkling.
“Lets go. Tonight, Lance, you're gonna show me whats so great about the Austin Friday night-life.”
“ Oh, I am?” Lance jumped up next to him.
“Yup! We’re gonna have fun too!” JC exclaimed, wrapping his arm, once again, around Lance’s shoulders.
“Sounds like a deal.” A cheesy grin plastered Lance’s face as they headed back to his car, and he casually threw his arm around JC’s shoulders also. Just this simple, friendly touch was making him giddy like a school girl. This is ridiculous. Lance thought. I wonder if this counts as a date? He smirked to himself as they hopped into his car.