636 V2 ch108 (1/2)
Both of them took showers before we left to meet up with Rose for lunch. It was another nice restaurant for lunch, but this time it was much smaller and there was no private room. This led to quite a few people approaching our table to ask Jeremy for autographs.
Rose sighed and told us. ”This happens whenever we go out.”
”I think it's kind of cool.” Noah said, watching Jeremy talking with his fans and taking pictures. ”I can't wait to get to this moment in life. People wanting my autograph?” He pursed his lips. ”I think I need to work on my signature.”
”Does it bother you?” I asked Rose, noticing that she wasn't exactly having a good time. Since we've met up with her, she had rarely smiled.
Rose gave me a sad smile. ”Does it matter if it does? Jeremy can't help it.”
I kicked Noah's foot under the table, discreetly telling him to say something. Especially because I had nothing to say to that.
Noah got the hint. ”Maybe start asking the manager for some quiet time and tell the diners that Jeremy can sign some autographs after he eats? If that doesn't work, just stop going there. I feel like managers of restaurants should be thankful for Jeremy's presence. They could claim that he's a patron of their establishment.”
”That's a great idea.” Jeremy had just sat back down at the table beside Rose. ”I really hate turning the fans away, but...” He let it trailed off, looking at Rose. ”When I'm with you, I don't want our time to be interrupted.”
Rose blushed.
Noah fake gagged. ”We can leave and give your two your alone time.”
”No, no, he doesn't mean you guys.” Rose quickly defended him.
”Meh.” Noah shrugged. ”Let him answer for himself.”
We all looked at Jeremy.
”Well...if I have to choose, then I would pick Rose over everyone.” Jeremy grinned at her. ”You're the number one person I want to spend time with.”
Her face turned a deeper shade of red. ”Oh, shut up. Stop teasing me. Let's just eat.”
Lunch was served and the amount of autographs that Jeremy had to sign went down. I guess most people were still polite and wouldn't interrupt him as he was eating. After lunch though, we had to wait around as he took a few pictures with his fans and signed a couple more autographs.
”Is it always like this?” Noah asked Rose.
Rose shook her head. ”Very rarely is he as busy as this. Normally it's just a few autographs. I think it's because he's in the running for MVP. Plus, he did well in the all-star game. And now the A's have a comfortable lead in their division. Unless they go on a long losing streak, they should be playoff-bound.” She smiled. ”How do you guys feel, knowing a baseball star like Jeremy?”
Noah laughed. ”It's a little unbelievable at times.”
She looked at me.
Rose nodded. ”That's understandable.” She looked a little sad. ”Jake...I just want you to know, I'm sorry.”
I was taken aback. ”What? Why?”
”Jeremy told me about your past. No kid should have such a horrible parent.” She looked like she was about to cry. ”It's-”
”It's okay now.” I finished for her, trying to comfort her with a smile. ”I'm okay now. The past is the past. It's what led me to the Atkins.”
”But, Jeremy-” She still looked upset.
”Jeremy is trying his best to be a good brother now.” I cut her off again. I glanced at Jeremy who was surrounded. ”I don't know if he told you, but yesterday, he actually accompanied me to my therapist's appointment.”
She blinked. ”He doesn't like therapy. He doesn't believe in it.”
I laughed. ”Yea...but he still went. Still listened. He even talked about his own problems.” I got serious. ”I didn't realize how much the guilt was eating at him now that we're having a better relationship. Yea, he messed up, but there's no going back to the past.”
”You don't know how much I appreciate hearing that.” She sighed. ”I love Jeremy, but the idea of him not going back to check on you when he knew his mother was crazy...it has been on my mind nonstop. Every time I saw you, I kind of wanted to ask how you felt about Jeremy. Like if you felt like he was just buying your forgiveness by going to all these games?”