Page 56 of Replay

Her facial expression softens again, and she nods. “Yep, he’s in second grade. I’m focusing on early education.”

I smile, happy to hear her dreams are coming true. “Just the way you are with them shows how perfect of a fit that will be with you.” I nod to the house. “And Josie really looks up to you. That was super obvious.”

“I think Josie, like every other girl in Mountain Ridge, has a crush on you, Outlaw.” She playfully jabs me in the stomach, and I feel it down to my toes.

I would kill to truly feel her hands on me.

I move closer and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. “Well, there’s only one I want, and I’m not so sure how she’s feeling about me these days.” Picking her hand up in mine, I gently slide the scrunchie off her wrist and onto mine before she even realizes what I’m doing.

Berkley gasps. “Hey, that’s my favorite!”

I shrug, searching her eyes. “Come on…for old times’ sake.”

Again, she fights her smile, shaking her head at me.

A loud crash comes from inside, and Berkley immediately turns to head up the front porch. Josie yells from somewhere inside that everything is fine, but Berkley doesn’t stop.

I rush out, “When can I see you again, BB?”

She stops, possibly considering her words before she turns around. “Give me a few days, Nate. I’m trying to work through some things in my head. Just get through this weekend. You have another big game ahead.”

Understanding, I nod, trying not to let my disappointment show. “I know you have to go, but I want to make sure you believed me earlier. That report was bullshit. I didn’t even look at another girl this weekend. I stared at my phone, waiting for a text from you most of the time.”

She stares at me for a few beats before whispering, “I believe you.” Then she twists the knob on the door, leaving me with a softly spoken, “Have a good night, Nathan.”

I stand there for a few minutes after she disappears through the door, contemplating when it's appropriate to text her again.

Smiling to myself, I walk down the sidewalk.

I’ll give her a few hours.

Fifteen

Me

I see someone unblocked me on socials

BB

Yeah, kinda regretting that at the moment, though.

Me

Damn, already?

BB

Remember her?

Apicture comes through of me and two girls I was tagged with my freshmen year. I immediately realize why this particular picture bothers her.

Me

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but it wasn’t like that.

BB

Yeah, ok.

---