Page 19 of Replay

“Okay, Drama, you’ll survive sans happy hour. Just think by the spring you’ll be back at it and you won’t have to use a fake id anymore.”

I leave the two of them to debate the significance of getting to happy hour on time and head across campus toward The Wolfpack.

I’ve tried my best these last few days to take the long way through campus, so I don’t have an accidental run-in with you know who. But today I have to hope for the best since I'm already running behind to pick up the kids, and the quickest way to town is straight through the quad. I’m looking forward to seeing those munchkins tonight. A summer away is a long time, and I’ve missed them like crazy. I’ve been watching them since my second semester freshmen year when I got a job at The Wolfpack.

Shit, shit, shit.

Fuck my luck because, of course, dead straight in my path are Nathan Outlaw and Nola, swarmed by their adoring fans. Ugh, it makes me want to puke. Keeping my head down, I trudge onward, right past the groupies and the two men who seem to be eating that shit up.I chance a glance in their direction and can’t help but notice the superstar smiles they’re both sporting as they chat with the gorgeous girls pawing at them.

The two of them together are a dream. Nola has always been big with the ladies with his caramel brown skin, green eyes, and endless charm. Making him a well-sought-after member of the MRU football team. He’s handsome as hell, but in my eyes hedoesn’t hold a candle to the guy who stole my heart years ago, Nathan Outlaw. He’s so damn good looking, it hurts. His brown hair is perfectly tousled, curling ever-so-slightly at its ends. The hazel of his eyes shines brightly, and I'm sure every girl’s heart stops dead in its tracks when his attention is focused on them. And don’t even get me started on the new sleeve of tattoos he’s sporting. Ugh. I haven’t given myself permission to ogle the new addition openly, but it’s massive and extremely detailed. Everything about him is fucking perfect, and it drives me insane.

Slews of comments and curses come to my mind, but I bite my tongue and pass without a word.Good job, B,I internally praise, patting myself on the back. I can't let the sight of him dampen my mood because, let’s be real, I'm going to be seeing a lot of him.

But I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing the swarms of girls, and that’s why I blocked him on all my social media. I didn’t want the constant reminder of something that was no longer mine. That he was now free to be touched by anyone other than me. And walking past what I just saw stirs up a fuck-ton of those old emotions. Jealousy rearing its ugly green head yet again.

I stew for the entire walk to town. Replaying the dumb smile that he gave to every one of those cleat chasers. I arrive at The Wolfpack with a few minutes to spare and make my way inside to wait for Tiffany, releasing a breath that I’m now in the clear.

I'm waiting by the bar, sipping on a Diet Coke, when I hear my name being called.

Wait, that voice sounds familiar. Whipping my head around, I find Mr. Outlaw walking in my direction.

“I thought that was you,” he says with a genuine smile. The sight of him thaws my heart from the frost that has slowly crept in over the last few days.

Snapping out of my shock, I give him a genuine smile right back. “Brian.” I lean up to hug him.

“It’s been too long. How’s school going? Still doing education?” he asks. He’s always been such a wonderful man. Fully invested in his kids’ lives, their happiness, and their successes. Which means, while I was with Nate, he was invested in me, too. My chest twinges at that thought.

“I love it here, and yes, early childhood education,” I beam proudly.

“Always thought you would make a wonderful teacher. So much patience and compassion. You’re going to do great.” His hand squeezes my shoulder lightly.

“Here for the big game?” I ask, knowing he’s one of those parents who’s at every practice, every tournament, and every home game if possible.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. He scared the crap out of us last year when he got injured, but I'm glad MRU had the wherewithal to approach my boy.”

“He’ll do great, I'm sure,” I say, trying to tiptoe around the topic.

“Listen, I know it’s not my place or any of my business…but I’m going to say it anyway. I think you two should talk. Clear the air, maybe start the school year off on a better foot. It's been two years of radio silence, so I'm sure you both have a lot to say. I told Nate the same thing today. He has some things he needs to get off his chest.”

My stomach sinks at that. What else could he need to tell me? Taking me back to that last night we spent together in Nori Beach, my mind spins with scenarios. “Yeah, you’re probably right,” I say with a sad smile. I mean, he’s not wrong. It would make life easier if we were to talk…but am I ready to hear what he has to say is the real question?

Mr. Outlaw takes a look at his watch. “Well, I gotta go. I’ll see you in the stands tomorrow,” he says, rather than asks.

“Go, MRU,” I cheer, and he hugs me goodbye with a chuckle before walking out the doors.

I close my eyes and regain my composure, just as tiny squeals fill the air.

With my arms splayed wide open, I spin toward the stampede of kids heading in my direction.

“You’re back!” the oldest, Josie, says as she dives in for a hug.

“I missed you guys so much,” I say while rustling PJ’s hair, who decided to latch onto my leg.

Jack stands a foot away, looking at his feet sheepishly.

“What are you, too cool to give me a hug?” I ask him, reaching out to pull him closer. He smiles and wraps his arm around my middle.

Tiffany comes through the doors, holding on to Gwen, looking like she just stepped out of a windstorm.

---