Page 99 of Waiting for Her

“Now you’re calling me a freak?” I ask, mock hurt in my voice. I can practically hear her rolling her eyes. The honeymoon phase of our relationship passed before it even started. When I had her back, I wondered if we would feel as comfortable with each other as we once did. I had nothing to worry about. It’s as if no time has gone by, our relationship picking right back up where it ended. Maybe it’s because our love never ended. Or the fact she’s my other half. Whatever the reason, I’m so damn grateful it sometimes feels overwhelming.

“You’re such an ass, and your tactics aren’t working. Admit I’m right on this. After this weekend, I’ll be on the sidelines if you want, but today isn’t about me or us. This is a big deal and there will be enough eyes on me as it is, I want people focusing on the team and their win tonight.”

“Promise you’ll be there at the next one?”

“I notice you’re not admitting I’m right.”

“I’m not a maniac, Bri. I know my limitations.”

She giggles then cries out, “Oh!” as her hips jerk toward me.

“Already?”

“No. Well, maybe, but I just felt a cold wet nose in my ass crack!”

“Rocky wanting attention?”

“If it’s not Rocky, I don’t want to know what it is.”

I laugh then whistle. The big oaf jumps up on the bed, somehow managing to straddle Bri between his legs as he heaves his klutzy body onto the mattress. He pants happily, licking her cheek before coming over to stand next to me, staring down at me.

“What do you want?”

In answer, he plops down between us on his back, as if to say he wants attention from both of us. He nudges his chin in Bri’s direction, rubbing his head on hers. She gives in easily, scrubbing him on his neck, around his ears, and over his belly. He glances over at me with a huff, reminds me I’m not participating in the love fest.

“Fine.” I join Bri in petting him and he sighs, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth in complete satisfaction for getting what he wants.

Bri looks at me over his head and I wonder if she’s thinking what I am, this is our life from now on and maybe, and if it’s in the master plan, one day we’ll be cuddling with a baby or two between us as well.

"Ithink I’mgoing to go back to school.”

I glance up at Bri over my coffee mug, feeling all sorts of domesticated as we sit at the kitchen table, eating omelets Bri made for us. I’ve been single for long enough I know my way around the kitchen, but she loves to cook, and I love to watch her flutter around my kitchen.

A big boom of thunder sounds causing Rocky to jump up and run to my bedroom, likely hiding under the bed which is his typical behavior during storms. It’s been raining for a few hours which will make today’s game a soggy mess, but it’s supposed to clear out soon. I hope, anyway. We can play in the rain but obviously not lightning, and while I wouldn’t be opposed to a day in bed with Bri, I’m antsy to get our first home game underway. “Okay.”

“Okay? That’s it?”

“Well, I’m not going to fight it, if that’s what you were afraid of. I think it’s great. What are you thinking of going back to school for?”

“I want to teach, I think.”

“You think?”

She looks out the window, watching as rain slides down the panes of glass. When we were little, Bri loved rainstorms. She even had an old CD of rainstorms to help her fall asleep at night after her dad passed away. “I don’t think. I know, all right?”

“What?” I press when she begins fiddling with her fingers on the table, setting down my mug and leaning over the table.

“I’d like to teach high school journalism,” she says, raising her bright green eyes alight with happiness to collide with mine, but I can see she’s nervous about my reaction. Why, I’m not sure.

“That’d be perfect for you,” I tell her.

A grin splits both our lips and I reach over, squeezing her hand. “I think so, too.”

“What are you nervous about?”

“Nothing, really. I think it’s nervous excitement. I feel a little embarrassed, too. I’m twenty-six and finally figuring out what I want to do with my life.”

“There are plenty of people in their fifties who still have no idea what they want to do.”

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