Page 101 of Friend Zoned

“Maybe he got the message,” Jimmy says from up front. Maybe. I laid it out clearly for him, but I have a bad feeling about something. I have for weeks now, and I still can’t shake it. “He goes to work and goes home. He’s only been to see the baby a handful of times. He wasn’t there for the birth,” Jimmy whispers in disapproval. “I think he’s depressed.” Jimmy’s all about mental health. I don’t know what went on in his childhood, but he sees a therapist twice a week, and says it’s the best thing he’s ever done.

I scoff at his last statement. Anyone else, I would have empathy for. Anyone except that asshole.

“His sister and mother showed up at the hospital before he did. He didn’t get there until two days after the baby was born, and his sister had to drag him. Do you want to see the pictures?”

“I’ll take your word for it. Keep whoever you have on him. I don’t trust that he’s left her alone yet.” For his sake, I hope he has, otherwise I’ll have to deal with him myself.

Chastain types out one last thing and stares at the screen while he waits. His phone buzzes, and whatever he reads puts a smile on his face. He finally puts the phone back in his pocket and leans back in the seat.

“How do you do it?” I ask him.

He lifts his head and turns my way. “Do what? Be a talented athlete and be so handsome and charismatic? Easy,” he says. “I was born this way.”

I sigh. “Leave your wife and kids.”

He leans back and says, “It’s work, Coach, but it’s hard. It gets harder with each away game. I thought it would be easier because Evan would have her and not just a nanny, but it’s worse. It’s like the guilt has tripled.” He closes his eyes and leans back in his seat. “Vickie went from single to a mom virtually overnight. She’s embraced it. I couldn’t ask for a better mother for my kids, but I wish I was home more, you know. I feel guilty for dumping so much on her, so fast.”

I can’t imagine that. I wouldn’t do it, but I have a nine-figure trust fund and don’t ever have to work again if I don’t want to. Chastain doesn’t have that.

“Just between us, when my contract’s up next year, I’m out. This is it for me. I can’t take the traveling anymore,” I tell him. I’ve never formed a friendship with a team member before. I’ve always kept a very professional wall up, but I’ve kind of blurred the lines with Chastain a little. Especially since I’m hoping his wife and Jeannie will become good friends. I figure he’s part of the package, and he’s not so bad.

“I’ll hate to see you go, but my contract is up in three, and I’m retiring too,” he tells me. I’m not surprised. He’ll be thirty-three and in the league thirteen years. “I want to be around for my wife and kids. They deserve that.”

We don’t talk again for the next two hours. Chastain falls asleep while I look at the game on my iPad. It’s almost two a.m. when we arrive. Chastain’s been in that house before. I follow him inside since Jeannie’s room is across the hall from Vickie’s. It’s a massive property, as one would expect, but I’m too tired to look around. Besides, if you’ve seen one Montauk mansion, you’ve seen them all. The Walshes have a few houses in the area.

There’s loud wailing when we arrive in our designated wing. Chastain opens the bedroom door, and I stand to the side and watch.

“What’s all this fussin’?” He takes the baby from his wife, and despite the screaming, kisses his cheek. He puts him on his chest and gently rubs his back. “It’s okay. Daddy’s here,” he coos, and the baby instantly calms.

Before they catch me spying in on their intimate moment, I continue my walk down the hall to my own room. She told me she’d leave the door ajar. When I step inside the bedroom, she’s resting on the four-poster bed on top of the covers. There are two glasses filled with champagne on the nightstand, along with a tray of desserts. I peel out of my clothes. Normally, I’d never leave them on the floor, but tonight, all I want is the woman in the bed. She must sense my presence because her beautiful brown eyes flutter open. My heart nearly stops when she smiles and sits up. I open my arms and she comes right in.

“Hi,” she says against my lips.

I lift her, and she wraps her legs around me. “Hey, baby,” I say back. “You’re beautiful. Did anyone ever tell you that?” I whisper.

“You. Every day,” she says.

“I missed you.”

“I love you.”

“Me too. Let me show you how much.” I put her down on the bed, climb on top of her and kiss the lips that have called to me since the first moment I saw her.

According to my phone it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. There should be a warm, naked body wrapped around mine. I should just be able to pin her down and slide into her, but the woman can never stay in the damn bed after she wakes up. I don’t have much time either. I have a virtual meeting since I’m missing practice today. Then I go with the guys while the women have their day of pampering before the rehearsal dinner. I’d normally balk at doing all of that, especially since I don’t really know the bride or the groom, but Jeannie’s invited, and I’m going to be by her side.

I need to find my woman, but I need to freshen up first. Ten minutes later, freshly showered, I step out of the room to go find her. I hear the same loud crying as I did last night. The door to their bedroom is wide open, and I spot Jeannie cradling the baby while she looks down at him.

“Mama’s coming, baby,” she whispers. “She’s just helping your big brother get ready.” The crying continues but not as loud. I lean against the wall and watch. “You’re such a handsome boy, did anyone ever tell you? God, you’re cute.” She lifts him and puts him over her shoulder. She stands and starts to pace the room with him, softly humming a song. Vickie comes out of the adjoining bathroom with Evan behind her. He's already dressed. She takes the baby from Jeannie and sits on the bed while Evan pokes at his dad.

“Let him sleep, baby,” Vickie says to Evan. “He needs his rest so he can win.”

“But I’m hungry,” Evan whines. “I want him to eat breakfast with me.” Vickie takes his hand and gently pulls him away before he can poke Colt again.

“Why don’t you come have breakfast with me?” Jeannie offers. Evan leaves his mother’s side and takes Jeannie’s hand. I don’t miss the way he grins at her. “If it’s okay with your mom.”

“Oh, yes, please. I need to feed this one and I’ll be right down,” Vickie says.

I clear my throat as Jeannie and Evan come out closing the door behind them. Evan takes off running ahead of us.

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