Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Westbury elbows me and nods toward the towel. “What’s your issue?”
“I’m in a funk.”
“Because his girlfriend didn’t show up,” Chase Montgomery says from two seats down.
“Maggie’s in town?” Westbury asks quietly. He and his wife, Peyton, are, or were, friends with Maggie. The breakup wasn’t meant to be a pick sides sort of thing, but that’s how it ended up being. More so because she’s moved away.
“Not Maggie,” I tell him. “Besides, we broke up. It’s over. Done.”
“Who then?”
The image I have of Kelsey flashes in my mind and brings a smile to my face.
“Moore’s in love with the chick he had to show around the other day,” Montgomery adds. For emphasis, he slaps my bare back with his wet towel. It stings like hell. I’d stand to kick his ass, but naked guys fighting is never a sight anyone wants to see.
“Grow up, Montgomery,” I tell him before I slip a shirt over my head.
“You like her?” Westbury asks and I nod.
“We clicked. She’s fun to hang out with. I took her out to dinner the other night and invited her to the game, but she didn’t show.”
“She say why?”
My head shakes slowly. “Nah. I think I sort of left in the air, ya know? I didn’t ask her, no really. I was like, ‘hey you should come to the game. There’ll be a ticket for you at will call.’ And then I sent over a bunch of gear.”
“One ticket?”
“Yeah, I know. That’s where I fucked up, I realize that now. I should’ve left her two so she could bring a friend.”
“You should introduce her to Autumn,” Julius Cunningham, our wide receiver, says. Autumn is his wife and our local weather person. She doesn’t miss a home game. She’s also a mom and brings their two older children to all the games. I’m not sure Kelsey would want to hang out with her. Not that I’m saying this to Julius. Autumn’s great, everyone loves her. But not everyone loves kids.
“I doubt she wants to hang out with the wives,” Westbury says to Cunningham. He then turns back to me. “If you’re going to invite her to a game, give her an on-field pass and at least let her chill with Myles. I heard they hit it off. Don’t throw her to the wolves before she has a chance to get to know them.”
“See, I knew I messed up.”
“You didn’t mess up. You’re just used to Maggie.”
Noah’s right. Maggie used my games as a way to network with sponsors and whoever had suites. Anything she could do to raise money for the children. I never faulted her for using the ticket I left her to increase funding for her programs. In hindsight, it feels like she used me.
Noah stands and starts dressing. I do the same, now eager to get the hell out of here. “You should call her.”
I grimace at the idea but he’s right. I should call, or at least text her. “I don’t even know what to say.”
Cameron Simmons, our cornerback, comes up behind me and puts his arm around my shoulders. He’s the Romeo of our team. “Do you want my opinion?”
“Nope. But you’re going to give it to me, aren’t you?”
“Of course, I am. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?”
“What should I do, Cam?” I ask, sighing heavily.
“Go to her work tomorrow.”
“What? No way.”
“Yes, way,” he says. “Calling and texting is too impersonal. You helped her with this work thing, now go there, pretend you’re in the area, and help her again.”
The guys around me are silent and then each of them mutters in agreement with Cameron. I don’t want to admit that he’s right, but damn it, his idea is brilliant.
“Fine,” I say with as much exaggeration as I can. “I suppose I can be in the area.”
Simmons laughs. “Atta boy. Be sure to let me know if my plan works.” He walks away laughing. Something tells me if I fail at this, he’ll never let me live it down.
SEVEN
KELSEY
This morning, on my way to work, I stop at one of the cafés I pass by daily. I’m not the type of person who splurges because, let’s be honest, editors aren’t pulling in the big bucks, but sometimes it’s nice to be a little indulgent. I’m not ashamed to admit I live on a budget. It’s necessary to watch what I spend. My biggest expenditure right now is my apartment. It’s a little over my budget, but it’s close to work as well as the grocery store and any entertainment I might want to treat myself to.
Today, I’ve decided to try one of these amazing chocolate croissants I’ve heard about from my coworkers. As soon as I’m at the door I see Russ Curry, someone who works with me, is there.