Page 31 of Off Sides

He blinks, “not the field.”

Snorting, “I like it on the field as well. But if I had to leave the sport tomorrow, I know I have another calling.”

He nods, “you’re really good. Have you looked into property outside of Vegas, one where you could have horses? You could give lessons in the off season.”

I hadn’t looked or thought of that, but it would keep me busy until football starts again. And I could hire people to run it when the season starts.

“I’ll look into that,” I tell him as we exit the barn and stop in our tracks. Poppy is standing by the front door, looking small and unsure.

Tyler snarls, “what is she doing here?”

I nudge him, “I don’t know. But play nice. Let me talk to her and I’ll be in for dinner.”

He just shakes his head and then glares at Poppy before heading inside. I stop at the steps of the porch, hands in my pockets, “Poppy, what are you doing here?”

She gives me a sad smile, “I’m only here to apologize. I was horrible to you. You were right. I let fame and fortune go to my head. I made a choice of going out with that douchebag when you were gone. I’m not here for you to take me back, I just want you to know I’m sorry.”

My eyes narrow, “anything else?”

A tear slips from her eye, “I am deeply sorry for leaking that story to the media. You didn’t deserve any of that. I ruined years of friendship and love. I’m a horrible person and was horrible to you.”

With a sigh, “Pop, you’re not a horrible person, you just made a few bad choices. We won’t ever get back together, but we can build a friendship. It won’t be easy; my trust has been broken.”

She smiles, a small one, “you are a good person, Dash. You deserve all the happiness in the world, including Raine.” I wince when she says his name, but don’t say anything.

“Anything else?” I ask, not wanting to talk about Raine.

“I’m just here to work off a debt.”

My eyes widen, “debt?”

She nods, “I told your mom I would help out around the ranch, doing everything you used to do. If you don’t want me here, I can go.”

My response is to walk past her, “come on. Lunch is almost ready.” She gives me a grateful smile and then adds, “will Tyler be nice to me?”

I laugh, “probably not, but he’s harmless.” She snickers as we walk to the kitchen, finally past everything. Have I totally forgiven her? No, but at least we’re going to rebuild our friendship.

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Chapter 43

Raine

Sheila came through faster than expected. I was writing a check for everything within two days. Movers were scheduled for Friday. Derek did lecture me, but I explained that it was something I needed to do. I’m going to rent my penthouse out as a vacation rental. In fact, I listed it as available for next month and already have it booked.

I don’t need the money, but I don’t want to give it up yet.

I sit on the balcony, overlooking the Strip and enjoy this view as it will be one of the last times I will see it. I mean see it from this place. Tomorrow I’m buying a new bed, bigger one for the master suite and having it delivered the next day. I will be moving what I can in tomorrow. Brad is in charge of the office for the next couple of days.

I sip my whiskey and breathe. This is the best I’ve felt in the last week or so. Change is good.

The date Margaret set me up on went better than the last two but still didn’t feel like it was going to go somewhere. But we are going on a second one Saturday.

Her name is Isobel. She’s a teacher but comes from a wealthy family. She has her own job, her own money, and was pretty cool with my lifestyle, men and all. She heard all about the Dasher relationship on the TV. She felt bad for both of us. She is exactly what Dasher would like. She doesn’t live richly, loves horses, and football. I’m sure there’s more he would like. And there I go thinking about him again.

Oh well, life moves on.

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