Page 18 of Healing Hearts
I shake my head, trying to clear it. "Nothing. Never mind."
As my teammates continue to celebrate around me, I can't help but steal another glance towards the football field. Trevor's gone, leaving me wondering if our electric moment was just another figment of my romance-writer's imagination.
The chatter of excited voices and clinking of glasses fills Hooplas. I lean against the polished bar, nursing another fruity cocktail and trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my body.
"To the Bad News Babes!" Kendall shouts, raising her glass. "And to Brooke, our clumsy hero!"
Laughter erupts around me, and I force a smile, clinking my glass with theirs. "Thanks, guys," I say, my voice barely audible over the country music blaring from the speakers.
As my teammates launch into another animated recap of our unlikely victory, my eyes can't help but wander the bar and restaurant, scanning the crowd. Each time the door swings open, my heart leaps, only to sink again when it's not him.
"What's got you so distracted?" Grace asks, nudging me with her elbow.
I startle, nearly spilling my drink. "Nothing," I lie, feeling heat creep up my neck. "Just... taking it all in."
But even as the words leave my mouth, I'm peering over Grace’s shoulder, searching for those piercing blue eyes that had me tripping over my own damn feet just hours ago.
"Uh-huh," Grace says, clearly unconvinced. "You're looking for someone. Spill it. Is it that guy you were talking to from the other field earlier?"
I bite my lip, debating whether to confide in her. "It's... complicated," I finally admit. "There's this guy?—"
The door swings open again, and I catch my breath, only to deflate when I see it's just another group of locals. A confusing mix of disappointment and relief washes over me.
"Go on," Grace prompts, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's probably nothing. Just a moment, you know? But I can't stop thinking about it. About him."
"The mysterious hunk from the field?" Grace asks again, and I nod, feeling my cheeks flush.
"Part of me was hoping he'd show up here," I confess. "But then again..."
"You're scared he will actually show," Grace finishes for me, her voicesoftening.
I nod, grateful for her understanding. "Terrified, actually. What if it was all in my head? What if he does show up and I make a fool of myselfagain? We have a coffee date tomorrow and I’m not sure I can go after my fantastical display of athleticism earlier."
Grace squeezes my arm reassuringly. "Brooke, you're amazing. Any guy would be lucky to have you trip over yourself for him."
I can't help but laugh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "Thanks, Grace. I just... I don't know if I'm ready for this. For him."
As the night wears on, I find myself caught between hope and fear, relief and longing. Each time I don't see Trevor, I'm both disappointed and oddly comforted. It's safer this way, I tell myself.
The room spins a little as I raise another glass to my lips, the sweet tang of strawberry daiquiri sliding down my throat. I've lost count of how many drinks I've had, but the warmth spreading through my body feels good, numbing the disappointment and anxiety that's been gnawing at me all night.
"To Brooke, our MVP!" Kennedy shouts, her words slightly slurred now.
I grin, the alcohol loosening my inhibitions. "To us! The worst team that somehow managed to win one!"
Laughter erupts around me, and for a moment, I forget about Trevor and lose myself in the celebration. But as the bartender calls out last call, reality starts to creep back in.
"Keys, please," the bartender says, holding out her hand as I fumble through my purse.
I frown, swaying slightly. "But how'm I supposed to get home?"
"Seriously, Brooke, it’s no trouble. I can call you a cab," she offers, reaching for the phone.
I wave her off, “I don’t need a cab. I’m perfectlyfine. Just…maybe one more glass of water, and I’ll walk home. It’s not that far. Hell, we live in a small town.”
Suddenly, a familiar deep voice cuts through the haze. "Actually, that won't be necessary, Steph. I'll take her home."
