Page 10 of Off Sides

She nods with a shrug and leaves. I know it’s not my place to tell him. But I also would like to see him again. His game wasyesterday so they should be on their way back. What’s the harm in calling?

I type out a text message about hanging out and put it back on the table. I’m not sure what he’ll say, and I’m not sure if I should even be doing this.

My phone lights up with his name across my screen. I pick up on the second ring, “hey, how was the game?”

He sounds irritated, “it was good. Are you free tonight? I’d like to ask some advice.”

Advice?

“Sure. Where would you like to meet?”

He is quiet for a moment, “the seafood place you took my parents to. A quiet booth in the back if possible.”

“Of course. See you around six?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there.” He hangs up and I check the time. I have about an hour until I need to be there. Paperwork and then I’ll have Derek drive me down. I hate the Strip at night.

16

Chapter 16

Dasher

Idon’t know why I asked to meet. Maybe he would have some insight into what I saw on social media or could give me some advice on what to do.

When I got home this morning, she was sitting on the couch scrolling on her phone. She smiled when she saw me, jumped up and kissed me on the cheek telling me she was happy I was home. I didn’t really react. I didn’t confront her yet.

On the one hand, I can’t believe that she was the same girl I fell in love with. On the other hand, she has been acting off since I was drafted. I want to say something but I’m afraid of being gaslit into thinking I had everything all wrong. And maybe there is a completely reasonable explanation as to why I saw what I saw.

Maybe she fell into the guy’s lap. Maybe someone pushed her.

Or she’s fucking this guy and I’m just a backup.

Or she’s still into Raine and this is a coverup.

Okay, I’m spiraling.

She texted that she had work to do and wouldn’t be home for a while and that works for me. I find a nice suit in my closet to put on and comb my hair before brushing my teeth. I look put together, like I have my shit together. I need to have my shit together because I not only have a team counting on me, but a whole ass city. I can’t let them down and this crap is messing with my head.

I hire a car to take me to the Strip, calling the restaurant ahead of time. They let me know there is a back entrance I can use which is perfect. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fans but tonight is about me getting clarity.

The driver drops me off and a staff member meets me to let me in through the employee entrance. Raine is already seated when the hostess takes me to the back. He’s impeccably dressed, but he wears suits for a living really.

I kind of envy him, the way he is always so put together, his life in order.

Fuck, I’m spiraling all over again.

“Thank you for meeting me,” I say as I slide into the seat across from him. He gives me a small smile, “you sounded serious.” The waitress comes to take our drink order, and I actually order a shot of Tequila. His eyes widen which lets him know I’m serious.

We get our drinks and then order our food all the while he lets me process whatever I’m processing.

Finally, I saw a picture of Poppy on social media and I’m not sure how to take it. When I left for the game, I basically told her Ididn’t feel like she wanted to be with me. I gave her the space for her to make her mind.”

I let that sit for a minute. I can almost see the wheels turning.

I run a hand down my face, “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I told you all of that.”

He waves me off, “I’m an outside opinion. My assumption is that you don’t have really anyone else to talk to or you don’t want to talk to your teammates.”