Page 14 of Faking it With the Player Next Door

Chapter Fourteen

Van

I stared at my phone, thumb hovering over Taylor’s name on my contact list. I’d lost count of how many times I’d almost called her over the past few days. With a frustrated sigh, I tossed the phone onto my couch and ran a hand through my hair.

The sound of a car pulling up next door caught my attention. I moved to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Taylor. Instead, I saw Travis, and my jaw clenched at the sight of Taylor’s ex-fiancé heading towards her house. What was he doing here? Again?

Another car rounded the corner as if the universe was conspiring against me; I recognized it immediately, Ellie’s sleek sports rental. I groaned inwardly as she parked and stepped out, looking like she’d just walked off a magazine cover.

“Perfect,” I muttered to myself. “Just perfect.”

I’d been trying to focus on my new project - a foundation to help underprivileged kids get into baseball. Still, between Taylor’s sudden distance, Travis’ appearance, and Ellie’s constant presence, I was finding it hard to concentrate on anything.

Before I could retreat from the window, Ellie spotted me and waved. I forced a smile and waved back, knowing there was no avoiding her now. Sure enough, moments later, my doorbell rang.

I took a deep breath before opening the door. “Hey, Ellie,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“Van!” she exclaimed, flashing her million-dollar smile. “I was hoping to catch you.” Without waiting for an invitation, she breezed past me into the living room.

I closed the door, steeling myself for whatever was coming. Ellie and I had history, sure, but that was a long time ago. Her constant pop-ins were becoming more of a nuisance than anything else.

“So,” Ellie said, perching herself on the arm of my couch, “I was thinking about your baseball foundation. Have you considered bringing in some celebrity endorsements? I have connections, you know. I could make some calls...”

I sighed, leaning against the wall. “Ellie, that’s... that’s unnecessary.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t be silly, Van. This could be huge! And think of all the press we could get if we worked on this together.”

The way she emphasized “we” made me uncomfortable. I knew I needed to nip this in the bud.

“Look, Ellie,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I appreciate the offer. I really do. But this foundation... I want to create it completely from scratch, you know? It’s not about celebrity endorsements or press. It’s about the kids, about giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have.”

Ellie’s smile faltered for a moment before returning full force. “Of course, of course. I just thought... well, with our history, it might be nice to work together again.”

I took a deep breath. It was time to be clear. “Ellie, you’re a great person, and what we had was special then. But that’s in the past. I think it’s best if we just remain friendly acquaintances.”

Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hurt crossing her face before she masked it with a laugh. “Oh, Van, don’t be so serious! I’m not proposing we get back together or anything.”

But we both knew that wasn’t entirely true. I was gentle, but firm.

“Ellie, I need you to understand. The constant visits, the offers to help... I appreciate the thought, but it needs to stop. I’m at a different place in my life now, and I... well, there’s someone else.”

At that, Ellie’s facade cracked a little. “It’s her, isn’t it? Taylor?”

I nodded, not seeing any point in denying it.

Ellie stood up, smoothing out her dress. “I see. Well, I suppose I should go then.”

“I’m sorry, Ellie. I hope you can understand.”

She paused at the door, giving me a small, sad smile. “I understand, Van. More than you know. I hope she makes you happy.”

With that, she was gone, leaving me feeling a mix of relief and guilt. But I knew it was the right thing to do. I needed to clear the air, to make room for what mattered.

***

I woke up the next day feeling relief that Ellie was finally going back to California and accepting that we were never going to be together again.

Throughout the day, I have been determined to speak to Taylor face-to-face soon. I texted her last night to ask if we could have coffee today, but she turned me down.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I opened it to find Hunter, folders in hand and a concerned look on his face.

“Hey man, ready to work on those foundation plans?” Hunter asked, stepping inside.

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

We settled at the kitchen table, spreading out blueprints and documents. But as we worked, I found my mind wandering, my eyes constantly drifting to the window that faced Taylor’s house.

Hunter noticed my distraction. “Alright, what’s going on with you?” he asked, putting down his pencil. “You’ve been off for days.”

I hesitated, then let out a long breath. “It’s Taylor,” I admitted. “She’s been avoiding me, I think. And now Travis is back in the picture, and I just had to ask Ellie to stop coming around.”

Hunter’s expression softened with understanding. “Look, Van, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but... Taylor’s thinking about going away for a week.”

“What? Why?” I asked, the alarm clear in my voice.

Hunter shook his head. “She needs some time to think, I guess. But Van, if you ask me, you need to talk to her. Tell her how you really feel before it’s too late.”

I stood up abruptly, determination setting in. “You’re right. I’m done waiting. I’m going to tell her everything.”

Without another word, I strode out of my house and next door to Taylor’s. My heart was pounding as I knocked, rehearsing what I’d say. But after several moments of silence, I realized no one was home.

“She left a few hours ago, dear,” a voice called out. I turned to see Mrs. Peterson, the elderly neighbor from across the street, peering at me over her fence. “Had a suitcase with her, too.”

My heart sank. I was too late.

“Thank you, Mrs. Peterson. Have a nice day.”

She nodded.

I trudged back to my house, finding Hunter still at the kitchen table. “She’s gone,” I said, my voice hollow. “Mrs. Peterson said she left with a suitcase. Hunter, where did she go?”

He shifted uncomfortably. “Van, I don’t think…”

“Please,” I interrupted, my eyes pleading. “I need to know. I swear I won’t do anything to hurt her. I just need to talk to her.”

He studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Alright. But you didn’t hear this from me, got it?”

At my nod, he continued, “She’s staying at the Horton family resort. Amelia Horton - you remember her from high school? - she’s managing it now. Invited Taylor for a week-long stay.”

I was already grabbing my keys. “Thanks, Hunter. I owe you one.”

“Van, wait!” He called after me. “What are you going to do?”

I paused at the door, a mix of determination and hope surging. “I’m going to tell Taylor how I feel. It’s long overdue.”

As I rushed out to my car, I felt a surge of nervous energy. I did not know how this would play out, but I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t let Taylor slip away without at least trying to tell her the truth.

The drive to the Horton resort would take a few hours, giving me plenty of time to think about what I’d say when I saw Taylor.

As I pulled out of the driveway, I caught sight of Mrs. Peterson watching me with keen interest. In a small town like ours, news travels fast. When I got back, everyone would probably know about my impromptu road trip.

But right now, I couldn’t care about town gossip. All that mattered was getting to Taylor and finally being honest about my feelings. As I merged onto the highway, I allowed myself a small smile.

Things were about to change, no matter what.