Page 69 of Take Care, Taylor

Something in his tone made it impossible to doubt him, even if every piece of logic in me screamed not to trust it.

“So, just to be sure, you’re not sleeping with anyone else and?—”

“I’m only sleeping with you.” He interrupted me with a kiss. “I’m not going out with anyone but you, and since I know how you are about lunch dates with corps members, I’m not eating lunch with anyone but you either.”

“Robyn from Advanced Critique wants to fuck you.”

“Perhaps,” he said, smiling. “But her name isn’t Audrey Parker, so I’m not interested.”

TRACK 28. ENDGAME (3:57)

TAYLOR

First Preseason Game

“Ican’t believe my little bro is the star quarterback of a franchise.”

My older brother, Michael, snapped my picture like a proud parent. “Your first big game.”

“I’m not even playing…”

“So?” He shrugged. “You’re getting paid as long as you show up. Where’s Stacey?”

“We broke up.”

“What?”

“It’s a long story.”

“She called me a few days ago saying she wanted me to set up a big dinner for you.”

So, she’s still using drugs…“I’m dating someone else.”

“Good for you.” He patted my back. “Never get stuck on any of these sluts.”

“She’snota slut.”

“Ease up, man.” He eyed me. “Lighten up. Is she here tonight?”

I shook my head.

“Why not?”

“I didn’t think to ask if she wanted to come,” I said. “Besides, she’s busy.”

“No offense, but if she’s too busy to come see you on your big day, you’re already on the wrong track.” He crossed his arms. “You’re juggling a writing program and being a pro. I doubt she’s doing anything more important.”

“Yeah…” I didn’t feel like getting into this with him, and I couldn’t believe I didn’t ask Audrey to come.

The stadium lights always hit differently from down here. I’d dreamed of this moment my whole life, but somehow, the only face I wanted in the stands was hers.

“Excuse me for a second, Mike.”

“Sure thing.”

With two hours left until kickoff, I figured I could send a driver to get her if she was interested. I pulled out my phone and called her.

“Hey, Taylor.”