Page 31 of (La)Crosse My Heart

With a small smile, I say, “Well, I’m glad you finally realized that with Dan the Dud. The guy’s personality was awful.”

She regards me before saying, “Yeah, but maybe that was how I look to him, you know?”

“Is that what spurred on the fresh start out here?”

She nods and says, “Absolutely. I knew if I didn’t change scenery, I’d end up in the same position, not making any significant progress in my life.”

“And how has it changed you for the better?”

She laughs. “Maybe we should have you on the other side of the camera. Your questions are good.” She thinks about it for a moment and says, “Well, in my less than a handful of days experience, I’ve learned how to move across the country, for one, and I’ve had to be outgoing because I don’t know anyone yet.”

“Except for me,” I say, giving her a cheesy grin.

“Except for you,” she says, smiling. “Then again, there’s been a lot of years in between when we were teens and now. It’s kind of fun getting to know the older you.”

Something in her eyes is different, as if she’s seeing me for the first time. And with all of her openness about her past relationship with the golfer wannabe, I have this urge to be that for her. To be the one who helps her experience things and enjoy the big and little things in life.

What’s going on with me? I’ve never had the thought of wanting to pursue a relationship with a woman while still playing lacrosse.

My health is good and I hope to continue playing for the next ten years.

The endorsements help, but could I support a family on what I’m making now?

Who am I kidding? There’s no way she’d even look at me as anything other than Brock’s friend.

Something about that hurts and I wish I could fix it now.

Jessa stands up, swiping the sand off her pants and working to get it out of her sandals.

“Did I pass, Coach?” I ask, trying to change the mood. Not that there’s anything wrong, but I need to shake this from my system and now.

Lacrosse needs to be my focus, as well as helping my teammates improve.

Jessa laughs and says, “Maybe. Hopefully, there’s no lingering injuries with your shoulder.”

I roll the shoulder I landed on and say, “I think we’re good. Why don’t you ask me another question while we stand here? I can probably handle it now.”

She raises her eyebrows and says, “Okay, let’s do this.”

14

Jessa

He did not, in fact, handle it.

What can I do to help him, to get him to where he'll be able to look at a camera and not worry so much about it?

Then I think of his mom. Maybe she'd be able to help.

"Can I see your phone for a moment?" I ask.

I reach out my hand to him and he gives me a quizzical look.

"If you want my number, all you have to do is ask."

I groan, knowing while he's improved somewhat, he's definitely got some of that teasing still in his system.

It irritated me several years ago, but after a crappy relationship with Dan, I don’t mind it as much. In fact, it’s flattering that he’d even try to flirt with me. I’m not good at returning it, though.

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