Page 29 of Off Sides

She clicks her tongue, “what about your football player?”

“We’re not together. I don’t want long term, just someone to hang out with a few times a week.”

I hear her typing on her computer, “let me see who I have in the system that would be suitable for you. I’ll call you tomorrow.” She pauses, “if the rumors are true, you and that football player would make a cute couple. Don’t let people take something from you.”

I hang up and go back to watching the game. The Fortune are ahead; Dasher is looking great this game. I love that he’s doing so well. Hopefully by tomorrow I can move forward with my life.

38

Chapter 38

Dasher

Iget a high on life after a win. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. We file on the bus back to the hotel for the night and I just want to kick back with the guys.

Victor told me that Daniela will be picking him up from the field and will have my keys for me, which is another win for me. I can go home and move stuff around, make it a home, make it mine.

“Pool?” Tyler asks and I high five him. It’s time to party. Some of the guys ordered steaks to grill, some ordered drinks, non-alcoholic of course. And Tyler is having the buns, veggies, and chips delivered. It’s a party and I deserve it.

Season is almost over, and I can feel the championship ring on my finger.

My phone rings and this time I pick up as it’s my parents, “hey guys.”

Dad replies, “great win, son.” Mom adds, “you looked like yourself again out there.”

“Thanks. How’s the ranch? How’s Ruby?”

I can hear the smile through the phone, “Ruby is good. She misses you.” I’m sure she does, she was always my favorite.

“I’ll be home soon,” I tell them. We hang up and my phone pings with a text from Poppy. Delete. Then I get a text from a number I don’t know.

Your man is going on a date tomorrow. Thought you would want to know. It would be a shame to throw a great relationship away.

Who the fuck is this? I mean I did kind of break up with Raine. Why should I care if he dates someone? I do care, but it’s not my business what he does with his life.

It does sting, but I did this. I can’t blame him for wanting to move on. I should do the same. But do I move on with girls or guys?

Girls, dummy. The only man I will even want is Raine. Fuck my life.

Tyler taps my shoulder, “soda?” I take it, grateful that I’m brought back to the present, to celebrate.

“Hey Tyler,” I smile at him, and he turns. He’s about to ask what I want when I shove him in the water and everyone cheers. He comes up glaring but soon joins in. Good times.

39

Chapter 39

Raine

Margaret set me up with an accountant. He is good looking and can hold a conversation. But he’s not the right one for me.

Dave just finished a story about spreadsheets, and I zoned out, knowing he’s just not it. I call for the check and he doesn’t lift a finger to try and pay. I get that I’m the one with money, but he could offer. Dasher did.

I drop the cash on the table and tell Dave, “thank you for a lovely evening, but I have an early morning.” He looks disappointed but doesn’t say anything. As I head to the door, I text Margaret that Dave wasn’t working for me and to find me someone else.

I drive around for a bit and find myself driving past Dasher’s house. He’s home, his truck is in the driveway. That meansPoppy must be gone. Glancing at the open window he’s with someone. A girl. Guess he moved on as well.

I’m not bitter, just wishing him the best. Hopefully Margaret finds me someone new soon. It’s no use pining after someone that has moved on that quickly.