Page 28 of Off Sides

Rachel goes to appoint someone, leaving me to my thoughts again.

Is Dasher okay? Did he sleep? Did he eat? I know he has practice today, but I’m not going to just show up.

He also has another away game. Maybe I’ll go, just to show my loyalty. But then the media will see that and start harassing him again. I’ll stay home.

Brad checks in with details about the project and informs me one side of the strip mall had to be demolished, but it’s being rebuilt at this very moment.

“Good, keep on the contractors. Get the owners to take a few business classes at the college, just to rehone their skills.”

He nods and heads out, grabbing someone to go with him. My team is great, I picked the good ones, other than Poppy.

I text Derek that I’m ready to go home, even though I’ll be there alone, but I don’t want to be around people today.

36

Chapter 36

Dasher

Coach Hart corners me after the warmups before we leave for Alabama, “you good?”

I take a long drink of water, “I’m great, ready to play.” It wasn’t a total lie. Playing gives me something to do than think about the friendship I imploded. I know that I could call Raine and talk, but I don’t think I’m ready for that—yet.

Coach gives me a nod and starts telling the team to get on the bus. I’m nervous even though I know I’m ready, but media outlets have still been reaching out to me for a statement. I’ve ignored it, but the press is relentless.

Poppy will be gone by the time I get back, her parents arrived this morning. One less thing I have to worry about. A girlfriend of one of my teammates was going to go over and take pictures in case Poppy tried to start shit. She’s still blowing up my phonewith calls and text messages, alternating between anger and pleading. I’ve ignored all of them, deleting them. I didn’t want to get into another screaming match with her, she’s no longer my issue. She has no room in my head anymore.

Tyler takes a seat on the bus next to me, “how you doing?” With a shrug, “I need something to do.”

He agrees, “that’s the best way to keep from thinking about it. But are you sure you want to cut him off?”

I’m not cutting him off, I just want to think of what I want, how a relationship with him would look. Raine cared about me when Poppy didn’t. He was nice to my parents, welcoming. He took me in when I needed somewhere to go. He made sure I was taken care of, and he made me feel wanted.

Tyler leaves me with my thoughts, and I stare out the window all the way to the airfield, the plane ride, the bus ride to the hotel in Alabama.

The distance is a great way to breathe. The only message I replied to was Daniela’s text about the move out. She’s Victor Bahely’s girlfriend. He’s a defensive lineman and a tank. No, really, he’s bigger than Jester and can be quite scary. The defense uses that to their advantage. Daneila sent pictures of the house before Poppy started packing and after. She is getting the locks changed for me and the garage code reset. Bless her, she’s a life saver. I look over my shoulder and Victor nods at me. I’m glad he’s on our team, and I’m grateful that Daniela did this for me. I make a note to get her and Victor something nice for this.

Coach hands us our keys and we head up to the rooms to drop bags. Dinner is in an hour; with videos of the team we’re playing. I’m glad that I won’t have time to think about Raine and how much I hurt him.

37

Chapter 37

Raine

Icrack open a beer and take a seat in front of the TV to watch the Fortune. Hart says that no one from the media harassed Dasher and that’s a start. Rachel and Olivia have been monitoring Poppy’s social media and so far, she hasn’t posted anything. For her own sake I hope she sticks to that.

The announcer starts talking about Dasher and his stats as he walks onto the field for the coin toss. He looks good, fit, ready to take on the world. I’m happy that he’s doing well.

I’m not. I hate that it all came down to this.

He wants nothing to do with me and I have to get over it. What’s a way to get over it? Dating.

I turn the TV down and call Margaret Covington. She helps rich men and women find dates. She’s a dating coach and is good at it.

She answers on the second ring, “Raine.”

“Magaret, can you find me someone suitable to date?”