Page 122 of Unrivaled Love
Duncan confidently shoots paper but Emmett throws out scissors.
“Best two out of three!” Duncan yells but we just laugh.
“Nope, one and done bud. Guess we get to stack pick up cards.” I say and I tap my hand of cards against the table. “Should I write this down?”
“Yes.” Crosby says with another handful of candy.
I walk to the counter for a pad of paper. I see my phone and tap the screen. I’ve got a missed call from Jo. Before I head back to the table I send her a quick text.
Try you later babe, the guys are over playing cards.
We honed the rules to BrUNO over the next three hours. The Yard Sale rule resulted in Crosby cutting his knee as he dove to catch the cards he threw in the air when Emmett played a skip card to him. He caught all his cards before any hit the floor, but at what cost?
I clean up and climb into bed. I pull up Jo’s number and dial.
No answer.
I really wanted to tell her about my night. About practice. I wanted to hear how her day went. How the team dinner was last night. It feels like ages since we’ve spoken to each other. It is nearly impossible not to let my thoughts spiral to a version of this relationship that doesn’t work. I force it out of my mind and send her a text.
Hey Jo. I’m climbing into bed. Call me when you can. I miss you.
I curl into the pillow I’ve started hugging at night and drift off to sleep dreaming of a BrUNO tournament at Teamsgiving with Jo and the boys.
When I wake in the morning I see a text from Jo.
Sorry babe. I fell asleep on the sofa. I’m wiped out. Call metomorrow?
It’s five in the morning in Salt Lake so I’m not going to call now but, damnit, I miss her. I need some advice. After pissing and washing up I make breakfast and text Crosby and Duncan.
Boys, I need your help.
DUNCAN
Anything.
CROSBY
What's up?
It's girl problems.
CROSBY
Let's hear it.
I just haven't been able to connect with Jo. We've had like opposite schedules the last few days and I think she's slipping away.
DUNCAN
What makes you say that?
Well, nothing specifically, but like, we have only texted for the last few days.No phone calls or FaceTimes. I tell her when I'm available and she never is at the same time. So does that mean she doesn't want to talk to me?
CROSBY
I think you're catastrophizing but we've got an idea.
DUNCAN
