Page 33 of Off Sides

Mom nods and then hugs me again, “call me when you get home.”

She knows I will, I call at least twice a day if I can. We board the flight and settle in. I don’t miss Tyler texting on his phone. He looks up at me and then puts his phone away. I think I know who he is texting and I’m alright with it.

The flight is short and soon we’re collecting our bags from baggage claim. I call for a car as the guys do the same, “BBQ at my house tonight?”

They all confirm, “wouldn’t miss it.” I hug the kids goodbye and grab a cab home. I love being at home, but I’m glad to be back. It was a good reset before this week’s game. I’m ready for it. The season is almost over. After this game we are onto playoffs if we win. I’m sure we will, but I’m okay if we don’t.

Since leaving Raine and everything went down, I’m feeling the best I have.

I get home and put in an order for food. I text Victor to see if he and Daniela want to come over. I invite most of the team and then add more to my order. Time to really celebrate this year, this season, my freedom.

47

Chapter 47

Raine

The Fortune play Salt Lake City again. They won last time so it should be an easy win. I asked Isobel to come to the game with me, as friends. We’ve been on dates, but nothing past good conversation has happened. I hate being alone after spending all that time with Dasher, so she is a good substitute.

She’s never been to a game, and I thought I would bring her. This game is huge for the team; this determines if they win the wild card slot for the play offs.

“How do you keep up watching the ball? There is so much going on. My brother plays football, but I’ve never really paid attention.” I just chuckle, “I just wait until someone on the Fortune scores and then cheer.” That’s a lie, I know how to follow, but I don’t think launching into a full-on lesson would bevery fun for her. The bartender pours a glass of wine for Isobel and opens a beer for me while she watches from the window. Her face is literally smushed up against the glass, “it’s all very exciting. I wonder what it’s like in the stands.”

I’ve always wondered about that as well. I’ve always had my box, but maybe if they win, the next game which will be a huge one, we can sit down in the stands.

“Maybe next time we can find out,” I tell her, handing her the glass of wine. Her eyes brighten and she smiles. I must admit she’s pretty, but I’m still not ready to move on.

Dasher looks amazing out there, fit, hitting all the right passes. I’m happy for him. The team is really looking great out there.

“We are down to the last few seconds and Vegas is already celebrating,” the announcer says on the TV, “Vegas is going to the playoffs!”

There are loud horns, smoke, confetti everywhere.

Good for them. Isobel looks at me, “what now?”

I just laugh, “that’s the game. They have a bye week and will play their first game in the playoffs here at home.”

She taps the window, “and what about Dasher?” She’s fishing and she means well.

I shake my head, “how about we go to dinner and then I’ll drive you home?” She nods, talking about how her kids will be so envious of her. She had stopped at the gift shop earlier and bought key chains for all her kids. I love that she cares so much.

I take her to a small Italian place in Summerlin, quiet. Conversation is easy with her. We talk about the new house, her school, and her family. I tell her about the work that is happening with the small strip mall. In fact, we cut the tape on the new shops this week. I’m excited for the owners and all the business we’ve been drumming up for them. It’s going to bea great grand reopening. For a while I wasn’t in it because of everything, but work has helped me get through all of this.

I pay the bill and take her home, wanting to sit outside and just enjoy the night air.

I try to enjoy it, but it’s times like this that my mind wanders to the person I wish was here with me. I could call him, but does he want to talk to me? Does he think of me?

I sound like a broken-hearted teenager, but this is still new. Eventually I’ll get over it. Just not tonight.

48

Chapter 48

Dasher

Isit out on my back deck with Tyler, enjoying the high of the win. The only thing that put a damper on it was when I saw a clip of Raine out with a woman. I’m surprised he is dating a woman. I know he likes both sexes but prefers men, so I shouldn’t be surprised. She was really pretty.

I guess my shot is over. I should have called, should have texted. But what would I have said to him to fix this?