Page 52 of Replay

You have no fucking clue what you’re talking about.

Me

Then explain it to me. Let me see you tonight.

BB

Get fucked.

BB

And not literally…or maybe I’ll hear about it on the Howler report tomorrow too.

Fuck this. I have avoided doing this to her, but I know exactly where I’m going when I get home.

I’m used to funneling my nervous energy into fuel as the quarterback of a division one school. But I’m not used to the nerves that cloud my mind as I walk into The Wolfpack on Sunday afternoon, wondering if I’m making this whole situation worse by ambushing her.

The hostess greets me, “Hi there, just one?”

Debating on how I should play this, I go with using my armor first.

Her boss.

“Is Phil available?” I ask, pretending to look for him, but really, I’m seeking out my favorite petite blonde.

“He’s actually cooking tonight. But let me tell him it’s you and see if he can step away.”

I’m still not quite used to people just automatically knowing who I am.

“Let him know I have something for his son. Just really quick.”

She nods, giving me a smile before heading to the back. I let my eyes roam the busy restaurant, but there’s still no sign of Berkley.

Did she lie about being here? She doesn’t owe me anything, so why lie…? Maybe she’s out on the enclosed patio area.

My eyes stay trained in that direction, not wanting to miss her, until I see Phil coming from the back.

“Outlaw, what’s up man?” He shakes my hand. “Great game yesterday. Hell of a start to the season.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Pulling the tickets out of my pocket, I hand them over. “I brought your little guy something.”

After our first win, I spoke to our family ticket liaison and worked out a four pack for Phil and his family. I was planning on dropping it by one day next week, but I knew this was the perfect excuse to show up at Berkley’s job after our argument earlier.

A huge smile spreads across his face when he sees the tickets. “Holy shit, this is like right behind you guys.”

I smile, his excitement contagious. “Yes, and I got you four. I wasn’t sure how big your family was, but I can try to get more if needed.”

He pats my shoulder. “This is perfect. My wife is more into basketball, plus our sitter likes to go to the games, so I’ll probably go with our three older kiddos.” With a bright smile, he looks at the tickets again. “Man, thank you so much.”

“I was happy to do it.”

“We are super short-staffed tonight. I’m actually cooking and my wife is behind the bar.” I take the chance to look around, and there’s still no sign of Berkley.

I wave him off. “No worries, get back to it.” He shakes my hand, and I know if I don’t ask now, I’ll lose the chance. “Hey, is um, Berkley working tonight?”

He looks a little surprised at first. “Are you friends with Berkley? I’m going to get that little shit for gatekeeping.”

I laugh at that, but swallow roughly. “Yeah.” For some reason, just calling her my friend out loud hurts to say. “She’s my friend, and I thought she was going to be here tonight.”

---