Page 4 of Off Sides

Derek smirks at me over the top of his coffee cup, “I won’t wait up.” I just snort and keep walking, “go home and tell Vicki hi for me.” Derek and Vicki have been married for decades; she’s a lovely woman. Derek worries about me, habit after being my right-hand man for years. I’m good, kind of.

The drive to Dasher’s is short, but that’s probably because my mind was elsewhere. Poppy’s car is in the driveway and now I don’t know if I want to go in. She has a crush, makes innuendos at work. I should fire her, but she’s good at her job, though what’s she doing is grounds for termination.

I knock on the door and the devil herself opens the door, giggling when she sees me which me has internally rolling my eyes.

“Raine, you came,” she gushes, leading me into the living room where Dasher and three other guys lounging around the living room. I know who they are, Tyler Styles, Dade Reckon,and Jester Nasher. Tight end, running back, center all with good stats. I know these things when it comes down to money.

Poppy grabs my arm, “look who joined us.” I see Dasher’s face drop a little bit and I know why. This is them watching two other teams, taking notes, trying to get into the game. This isn’t for pleasure, but I’ve ruined it. My guess is he told her I might stop by, and she decided to wait around.

I unlink from her, “I ordered food, it will be delivered soon. I didn’t know what your friends liked so I ordered a little bit of everything.”

Poppy giggles again, “isn’t he sweet?” Her tone is high pitched, “let me grab you a beer.” I need to get her out of the way, out of my hair and Dasher’s at well.

Thinking on my feet, “hey Poppy, do you want to do me a favor?” She hands me the beer, practically drooling at her doing a favor for me.

“My cousin needs someone to watch her two kids for a few hours; it would mean a lot to me if you could do it. Comes with a bonus.” She practically leaps at me, “yes, yes, yes.”

I nod, “great. Here’s the address. It’s in Mesquite. Sorry for last minute.”

She turns to Dasher, “are you good if I go?” He enthusiastically nods, “yeah, of course, go.”

“So sad you won’t be here, but you’re helping her out,” I say, and she just takes off out the door. Before I turn around, I text my cousin and tell her that she’s getting a day off. Her response is a heart emoji, not even questioning who I’m sending.

I turn back around to four people staring at me until Jester breaks the silence, “you’re like a wizard or something.” Everyone laughs and Dasher introduces me, though they all know who I am. Everyone in the world knows who I am.

“Thank you,” Dasher gives me a grateful smile, and we turn to the games on. I’m glad I could give him this.

6

Chapter 6

Dasher

The guys hung out all day, we watched and dissected footage on the other games. Raine was surprisingly knowledgeable about football.

Tyler and the guys grab their stuff and head out, “we’ll see you Monday. Be ready rookie.” I take the hit; I am the rookie. But it gives me anxiety, knowing that a lot is riding on this game, this season.

When they’re gone, I turn to find Raine cleaning up after all of us. It’s weird to see a man cleaning my house. When I first met him, I thought he was a stuffy, rich guy, but this is different.

I clear my throat, “you don’t have to do that.” He shrugs, “I don’t mind.” For a few seconds I watch him move around the living room stuffing trash into a garbage bag. I’m about to say something when Poppy throws open the door. She bounces inlike she’s high on sugar and takes one look at Raine, “Dasher, he’s a guest. He doesn’t have to clean.” She grabs the bag from him, fawning over him like he’s fragile glass.

“Thank you, Raine,” I saw awkwardly and head upstairs for bed. I don’t know what to say or how to react. And once Poppy entered, I was invisible.

Is Raine using me to get to her? She clearly likes him and that makes me question my relationship which is not the stress I need before the game of my life.

Tomorrow will be here before I know it and I need to get some sleep.

After changing into my sleep shorts, I check my gear bag before slipping into bed. I try to close my eyes and sleep, but nothing comes. I can hear Poppy talking to Raine downstairs, she’s very animated.

After about an hour of staring at the ceiling, Poppy comes upstairs. I don’t want to argue with her, so I pretend to be asleep. She goes about her business, quietly, which is surprising.

When she turns out the bathroom light, I finally drift off.

7

Chapter 7

Raine