Page 32 of Off Sides
Chapter 44
Dasher
Ilisten to the kids giggle as we walk the trail. They’re laughing at how silly Jester looks on a horse. He’s pretty big and it was a struggle to get him onto one. I love the sound of their laughter. I’m glad that everyone is having a good time. Poppy has been around, keeping her promise to Mom. I don’t mind it. We’ve joked and laughed. She apologized to the guys and at least Dade and Jester are okay with her. Tyler has some lingering hate going on. He’ll get over it.
She’s actually leading the trail ride, the kids right behind her. She helped them saddle the horses, got them on and then helped the others. Seeing her back in her element, the way she used to be was refreshing.
We stop to have a picnic, and she sits down next to me, “I know I apologized, but I’m going to do it again and again. I justwant to say that you look miserable and if that’s because of what happened with Raine, you’re dumb.”
I glance over at her, “I’m dumb?”
She pats my leg, “Raine likes you and you obviously like him. Stop being dumb.”
I lean back, “but my career?”
She dismisses me, “your career is solid. Vegas loves you; the team loves you. I’m sure these guys don’t care who you’re with. I might have been a bitch and released that story, but I know it was true and so do you. And you’re letting others dictate your life. I think you had something good, better than what we did. You’re throwing it away.”
The fuck?
I tap her head, “are you in there?” She swats my hand away with a laugh, “don’t let him get away.”
Someone else text that to me but I don’t say that. I know he’s been on dates; the media is all over it. He’s moving on and I should as well.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell her as she gets up to help clean up. I don’t miss the looks Tyler gives her, he doesn’t hate her, he likes her. Get your girl, buddy.
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Chapter 45
Raine
Isobel walks around the new house, taking it all in, “it’s a little big for you, don’t you think?”
I lean against the wall, “yeah, but hopefully I’ll have kids someday. My niece and nephew will love the pool.”
She nods as she walks to the kitchen. I asked her over and I’m going to cook for her. The ziti is baking, and the kitchen smells like garlic and heaven. She places her purse on the counter and runs her hands along the counter, “nice lines, great back yard.”
I go to the oven as the time goes off. I gesture to the backyard. I bought a nice patio set, comfy really. She takes a seat outside as I plate the ziti with garlic cheese toast and red wine. I manage to get everything outside without spilling, it’s the little wins.
“It really is amazing view,” she says before taking a bite. She moans and I almost get hard.
“I like how quiet it is. I plan to sit outside most nights as it’s really peaceful out here.”
She smiles at me and continues eating. It’s still awkward small talk but I like her. I wonder if Dasher would like her.
46
Chapter 46
Dasher
Ihug my parents goodbye as we head into the small airport to fly back to Vegas.
“Bring those kids anytime,” Mom tells Tyler, and he agrees to come back with me after the end of season.
She turns to me, “I’m glad that you and Poppy found some common ground.”
I run a hand through my hair, “I know she’s sorry. She knows we’ll never get back together, but there is hope for friendship.