So now I'm at Foster's house for our first session. Tonight, he was available between hockey practices this afternoon and early tomorrow morning. I’m nervous to have him help me, but I'm also grateful he will take the time. I know he's under a lot of pressure right now.
I knock on his front door, and a woman who looks a few years older than my mom answers. She has the same brown eyes as Foster, but her hair is red.
"You must be Foster's friend. Blake, is it?"
"Yes, ma'am. Foster is helping me with work for some of my classes."
"I'm Linda. Please come in. Would you like some dinner before you get to work?”
"That would be great."
I follow Linda Holland into a nice, open kitchen and dining room. At the table sit two men. I assume the older one is Foster’s dad and the other looks a few years older than me.
"This is my husband, Trent, and our other son, Joseph. Foster should be down any second."
As soon as she finishes saying that, he comes rushing in. "Mom, I told you that we would be busy. We'll take a snack or dinner up to my room."
"Nonsense, Fozzie Bear. Blake says she wants to eat with us."
“Fozzie Bear,” I mouth to him when his mom turns back to go to the kitchen. He gives me a mock angry look and leads me to the table to sit across from his brother. I can't help the grin that spreads on my face. We will revisit that later.
His mom returns with spaghetti and garlic bread, and everyone digs in. Dinner is surprisingly calm and enjoyable. The conversation flows easily, and Foster's family is friendly and laid back. I see where he gets his relaxed nature.
After we stuff ourselves full of carbs, Foster leads me upstairs to his bedroom. He closes the door behind me. I raise my eyebrows and stare at him.
"What? It's not like anything freaky will happen here," he says, then leans in close. "Unless you want it to," he adds with a waggle of his eyebrows.
"Obviously not."
I pull my books out of the backpack I brought with me.
"Thanks for having dinner with my family. My mom will be thrilled I had a girl over, even if she's my best friend's girl."
"I enjoyed dinner, Fozzie Bear. Don't mention it."
He groans as he settles at his desk, letting me have the bed. "How much do I have to pay you to keep the nickname to yourself?"
I giggle at him, "No bribe needed. I won't tell anyone, but I can't promise I won't pull it out when we’re alone."
"I can handle that, just between us. Now, let's hit the books. Show me what you're having a problem with."
We quickly get to work and are focused for a couple of hours. Thankfully, Foster has helped me a lot with grasping precalc and even with biology.
"How are you feeling now?" He asks me as we both close our books.
"So much better. I really appreciate you taking time out for me."
"It's no big deal. I'd do anything for you. Before the AP test, we'll get together for another study session. I think you've got the math down, but you can text me anytime you need to."
"I should go now. I know you guys have practice early in the morning."
"This week is going to be crazy. Will you be making the trip for the game next weekend?"
"Yep, I'll be traveling with Cole's mom," I tell him as I pack everything in my bag.
"I'm glad you'll be there."
We both stare at each other awkwardly. It seems weird to say goodbye and walk out, so I move forward for a hug. He moves at the same time, and we collide. I crash against his chest, and I’m impressed by the strength I feel there. I try to step back, but his hands stay on my hips, not letting me get far.
