Page 22 of Fumble Into the End Zone
Mia
“Week Five and the Armadillos are undefeated and on a bye week. Can they sustain their winning streak?”
As I replayed my pre-recorded podcast for tonight, an awkward sensation fell over me. Listening to my speaking voice on replay unnerved me sometimes. I critiqued how I pronounced my words. Turning on Kindness’s street, I turned off the recording. My friend owned the oldest house on the block and refused to upgrade with her neighborhood.
I parked in front of her house instead of the driveway. She called me last night for a favor, something about helping a friend with media training. I couldn’t say no, because she convinced Bryce to co-host with me. It’s still my highest streamed podcast episode, and I want to bring him on permanently. He’s well versed in sports and has a deep speaking voice.
“Kindness and these damn plants,” I said as I walked up the driveway.
My best friend had always been what I would call different, but I adored her individuality. I approached the front door, but I didn’t knock. Instead, I flipped off her camera and giggled.
“Really, Mia?” Kindness said, as she opened the door.
She extended her arms, and I moved in for a hug. “Thank you. I owe you for this,” she said.
“You know I’m forever in your debt,” I replied and followed her inside. Her home was covered with plants, mirroring the vibe outside.
I passed at least three vines on the way to the kitchen. Kindness had several vegetables from her garden set aside in bowls, and I smiled.
“You’re making my salad?” I asked.
Kindness rolled her eyes, and I squealed. She made the absolute best salad with homemade dressing. It’s something about the taste of fresh, garden-grown vegetables. Wasting no time, I sat my keys and phone down on the island to help.
“Kindness,” a familiar deep voice said, and I squinted at my friend.
She gave me the side-eye, and I chuckled when Bryce appeared. My eyes traveled from between the two before I settled on the side profile of my friend.
“Hi, Bryce, I didn’t know you would be here,” I said in a teasing manner.
He gave me a side hug and a smile, showing all his perfect white teeth.
“The podcast numbers are still going strong. We need to connect next Thursday. I want to shoot a few hot takes, if you are down,” I said.
“Absolutely, and let’s look at how I can squeeze in a day or two during the week,” he said.
I tapped the butcher block island with my fingers to show my excitement. Kindness gave Bryce a seductive but proud smileas she glared at him. He moved in her direction and offered a sweet but enduring peck behind her ear. My mouth parted and closed again as they stared into each other’s eyes. The vibration of Kindness’ phone pulled them from their moment.
“He’s here,” she said, and Bryce cackled a bit before stepping away.
“Ahem,” I said, clearing my throat.
Kindness pretended not to hear me until I cleared my throat again. She smiled but wouldn’t give me her attention.
“Ma’am, you can spill it now or you can do it with Stacie in attendance. But spill, you will be doing,” I said.
She turned to me and danced her eyes upward and my mouth widened.
“You been over here playing house,” I said, and she smiled.
Kindness couldn’t scrub the in-love aura off her if she wanted to and my heart warmed. At one time, I was privileged to have such a glow. Before I could ask her another question, we heard the door open and two men talking.
“I want the tea and I’m calling Stacie,” I whispered as I passed her a vegetable to wash.
Laughter stole our attention as we turned to find the source. The two men and a little angel came into view. Marcus’s brown eyes captured mine and refused to release me. I forced my attention to Bryce kissing Kindness.
“Marcus, this is Kindness. Kindness, this is Marcus,” Bryce said.
“You’re the team photographer,” Marcus moved to confirm and kissed her hand afterward.
