The Road to L.A. Read Free

to take their orders, her pen and pad ready.  She looked immensely pleased as she eyed her patrons and smiled sweetly at Jake and Roy.  
                  “Well, we got us some local celebrities in here,” she said, flipping her curly blonde hair back and popping her chewing gum.  “Two of Clanton’s finest.  Congratulations on your win against Lakewood last Friday.”
                  “Thanks,” Roy said, grinning widely.  He enjoyed the attention that their athletic status bred.
                  “Ya know, it’s been the talk all around Clanton that there were some college football scouts at that game last Friday.  It makes me wonder if I shouldn’t be getting your guys’ autographs right now,” the middle-aged waitress stated, winking playfully. 
                  “Can I have a strawberry milkshake?” Amanda interjected unexpectedly, growing impatient.  Aaron tried to hold off a smirk. He knew his twin sister too well.  She had a low tolerance for superficial frivolity and could be a hard-ass sometimes.  She hadn't been the easiest person to grow up with, as her mostly blunt and to-the-point personality and inability to sugar coat things necessitated thick skin.  But beyond her tough, tomboyish exterior she was one of the most down-to-earth, caring persons he knew.  He was amazed, though, how despite their being twin siblings, their personalities had diverged completely.  While Amanda was tough and into sports, Aaron was sensitive and into reading, math, and science.  While Amanda was built for physical pursuits, his frail frame was built for mental pursuits.    
    Following Amanda's brusque comment, the waitress glared at her for a brief moment, then hesitantly wrote down her order and asked the others what they wanted.  After she had finished writing everything down, she looked up and said to Roy and Jake in a flirtatious tone, “We’ll continue our conversation later, boys.”
    With that, the waitress winked at the two male athletes and sauntered away.
                  “Ugh, I’m getting so tired of this place.  Do we always have to come here?” Amanda mumbled under her breath, appearing agitated. 
                  “I knew there were scouts at that game,” Roy said enthusiastically, ignoring Amanda's query.  “I’ve seen them at the practice field, too, after school.”   
                  “Maybe they’re here to check you out, man.  You’ve scored more touchdowns than anyone on the team.  The Panthers wouldn’t have made it this far without you,” Jake said. 
    Roy grinned and returned the favor. “I wouldn’t be able to help the team like I do without the best quarterback throwing me the ball.” 
    Roy’s jovial demeanor suddenly transformed as he said in a solemn tone, "I just hope I get recruited.  I really need something to happen.  This is our last year of high school.”  He leaned back and stared dreamily into space. “I’m hoping Texas picks me up.”
    Roy’s face was more serious than Jake had ever seen it.  Jake just nodded.
                  “What about you?” Roy asked Jake. 
                  “I’m hoping this music stuff works out,” Jake replied matter-of-factly. 
    Aaron, who had been consumed with an article in a science magazine, now joined the conversation. “What if you get the chance to go pro like your dad?  Isn’t that what he wants?” 
    Jake just shrugged his shoulders and leaned back, feeling awkward in the ensuing silence as everyone waited for his answer.  He didn’t know what to say at this point.  He decided to change the subject to avoid further discussion on a topic that garnered so much uncertainty and apprehension.  
                  “Where’s Carly?  She was supposed to be here twenty minutes ago." 
    Jake reached into his pocket for his cell phone, but never got to dial her number because