Now that I’ve spoken with Quinn, I press the number for Peyton. I know she’ll be awake and more willing to talk. Unlike her sister, Peyton doesn’t stay up partying all night. Elle tells me it is part of her degree that she needs to be on the scene looking for talent. Harrison and Quinn agree with her, while I call bullshit. But what the hell do I know? I’m only the mother.
“Hey, Mama,” Peyton says as she answers the phone. “Please tell me it’s freezing cold down there because that’s the only thing that is going to get me through today.”
“You’ll be fine. They have those giant heaters on the field. If you get cold, stand by one.”
“I think those are for the players,” she tells me.
“Feign innocence. Bat your eyelashes at the security guard. Ooh, better yet, flirt with one of the players and maybe he’ll give you one of those super big jackets that we always see Noah wearing.”
Peyton laughs loudly. “I’m not doing that, Mom. I’ll be sure to bundle up.”
Elle would. That’s the difference between the two girls. Elle won’t think twice about using her sexuality to get what she wants. It’s bothersome, but seems to be the norm in Hollywood. Harrison tells me all the time that Elle has strong morals and just because she’s flirting doesn’t mean she’s selling herself out.
Peyton, on the other hand, is reserved, but knows when to turn on the charm. She doesn’t overdo it often; she prefers the background over the limelight. Not sure how that is going to work for her since she wants to be behind the desk on national television.
“Do you think I’ll be able to see you on TV today?”
“Probably not. The cameras focus mostly on the players and coaches. No one really cares about the sideline reporters.”
“Well I do, and so does everyone else you know.”
“Noah says that I have to stand way in the back, behind the boom mic so that I don’t get run over.”
“Wait, is there a chance you’ll get trampled?” I ask, now worried that she might get hurt.
“I doubt it. It’s not like in high school when I could have my toe on the sideline. I’ll be on the field, but during game play, media is required to stand in one spot.”
“Phew, okay. Oh hey, I was talking to Quinn a few minutes ago and I’ve decided that we need a vacation. He wants to ski—”
“Ugh, I live in Chicago and it’s snowing.”
“And he suggests we go somewhere warm for a week. Wherever you want to go.”
“Yes! That is what I’m talking about. A week sitting by the fire place in a lodge while my overly sun-kissed family skis and a week basking in the sun while you guys stay inside with the AC.”
It takes me a minute to realize that she’s being sarcastic. I sigh heavily, knowing there isn’t any way to appease everyone.
“Well, if you have another suggestion, your father and I would be happy to hear it.”
“It’s just…”
I know what she’s going to say, but she refuses to finish her sentence. If Elle and she had gone to school together, things would be different. Peyton wanted them to be at the same school, while Elle wanted something completely different. It’s not unheard of with twins.
“We’ll work it out when I get home. Maybe we’ll invite everyone.”
“The days of all of us taking family vacations are long gone. Noah’s too busy.”
“I suppose you’re right. The days of big family vacations are long past us.”
“Yep, sucks,” she says. “Okay, I should probably go and read my notes on the players. I don’t want to get caught not knowing my stuff.”
“That would never happen. I’m so proud of you, Peyton.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you.”
“Love you too, baby girl.”
Once we hang up, I’m back to staring at the surfers. A few wipe out, causing me to laugh. Every time Harrison falls off his board, he tells me it was planned and that he needs to do that every now and again to psyche himself out. I let him think that I believe him and tell him that he crashed gracefully.