Page 50 of Walk the Line

But to my surprise, Kaylah looks like she’s trying to fight the amusement she feels.

“Sorry, just saw videos of you at Practice,” he says. “I don’t fuck with Hockey but you’re good.”

“Thanks…sorry, I don’t know your name.”

He wastes no time sticking out his hand. “Demetrius, the better version of Julius.”

“Fuck off, bro,” I say as Kaylah shakes his hand.

I watch as she looks between us for a moment. “Oh, are you…you’re brothers?”

“Yeah,” he responds.

I get it. I do. But he needs to keep his eyes off her.

“Oh, interesting.”

The next second is filled with his laughter, and he concludes it with, “You’re exactly like him.”

“Um…”

Kaylah’s friend steps in our direction, her palm forming into a wave as she says, “Hi, I’m Jalissa. Just thought I’d introduce myself because I’m kind of just here right now.”

“Sorry. Jalissa is my new friend.” That explains it. It’s good that she’s made a friend though. I’ve noticed it’s still kind of awkward for her on the team. But yeah, we’ll leave you guys to it,” she finishes.

“Do you guys wanna join us?” I turn slowly to my brother at his question, expecting him to be dodging my gaze which is exactly what he’s doing right now.

“Dee, what the fuck are you doing?”

“What? It would be rude not to ask. And I feel like it makes sense to have lunch with your co-captain.”

“Dee.” No further words come to me, so I take the moment to glance at Kaylah.

There’s a hint of fascination in her eyes, and she’s not hiding her gaze fluttering between Dee and me.

I’ve never wanted to get into someone’s mind as do with her. Do I ever make an appearance?

Jalissa steps in to answer with, “That sounds like a great idea, Demetrius!” She turns to the Waiter who has been watching this whole exchange. “Is it okay if we sit here?”

“Yes, not a problem,” the Waiter says and then spends the next few seconds merging the table beside us with ours, ensuring there are enough chairs for the women before they take a seat.

I know Kaylah isn’t afraid to give her opinion, so the fact she hasn’t at any moment since my brother’s silly offer, and that she’s now sliding into the chair beside him is enough to confuse me.

“Thanks guys, this is kind of you,” Jalissa says.

“Thanks for the offer, Demetrius,” Kaylah adds. I guess her problems are with me, not my brother.

“You girls are beautiful, by the way,” he says.

I give my typical reaction of, “Dee.”

“All this guy can say is my name,” he says, causing Jalissa to laugh. “Jalissa, was it?” he asks her.

“Yeah.”

“Do you date eighteen years olds?”

I don’t even know why I’m still bothering, but I let out another, “Dee.”