Page 17 of Nailing Heat

“I get that.”

“So, you used to be a trainer for the Patriots?” he asks me. I raise my eyebrows, wondering if everyone on this team has Googled me. “When August announced that he had found us a trainer, he mentioned that you were a former Patriot’s trainer and a pro footballer player.”

I shake my head. “I played ball in college. I was never in the NFL. I was headed there but I was sidelined with an injury. So, being a trainer was the only way to still be around the sport.”

“Yeah, I know the feeling. I used to be a goalie for Manchester United. Now I coach… and girls at that,” he chuckles before continuing. “So, I know a bit about what you’re going through.”

“Hell, we all might,” Danny adds in from across the table. “Former swimmer and now I coach it.”

I nod and smile. “Sounds like I’ll fit right in here.”

“Told you it would be great if you came here,” August says like he knew he’d get me here one way or another.

Little did he know that my fuckup was the only reason that I came here. The fresh start, minus the disappointed looks, is just the icing on the cake.

“You did and I think this will be good,” I tell him.

He winks at me. I force a smile back at him. Conversation continues around the table and it’s not about me, thankfully. I sit there quietly, taking it all in. August talks shop, so I add in few things here and there. But mostly I observe the group.

It’s all coupled up. Cassie and Jase. Mac and Danny. Amelia, Hendrix, August and I are the odd ones out. The couples sit closely, holding hands. And a few times Mac reaches over and places a kiss on Danny’s lips. It makes my heart clench when I remember doing that with Elise. Pain stabs at my chest and I swallow. I don’t overlook the way Jase is watching me.

“You okay?” he asks me.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I force a smile.

“This divorce, is it recent?”

I nod. “It is.”

“Let’s go get another round of pitchers at the bar.” Jase gets up and motions for me to follow him.

I follow him. But I know right now that I’m not going to be baring my soul to the man.

He cuts right to the chase as soon as he orders our pitchers. “So, who was at fault in yours?”

I sigh. “I was.”

He nods. “I tell myself that it was her, but I am guilty too. In the end we were just different people.”

“Not with mine. It was a hundred percent my fault,” I admit, sharing a bit more that I had planned to with someone who wasn’t August.

“Want to talk about it? I know you’re new in town and you only know August. So, if you want to talk to someone who has been there, I’m happy to listen. Or help you with anything you need. You know, since you’re new in town.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. I really do. I don’t feel comfortable unburdening myself to you on our very first meeting. Or on my first full day in town.” Jase nods and I continue, “But I appreciate the offer and when I’m ready, I’ll take you up on it.”

He slaps my back. “I hope that you do, because regardless of who was at fault or what happened, the ending of a marriage is rough. And you need someone you feel comfortable talking to.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

“I hope you will.”

The pitchers arrive, which thankfully ends our conversation. We head back to the tables. I drop down on the stool, and I notice that the seating arrangement has changed a bit. I’m now seated beside Amelia. August, who was beside me, has found himself beside Danny, and they are leaning in closely, deep in conversation about something.

“You okay?” Amelia asks me.

My head spins quickly and my mouth opens but the words aren’t forming in my mind.

“Oh relax, football, I can be nice to you.” She laughs awkwardly and adds, “It just looked like serious conversation with Jase. Wanted to make sure all was well and that he wasn’t threatening you or anything.”