Page 37 of Home Town Advantage
I scrunch my face. He’s going to be pissed. “Sorry. I messed up the time zones. I had a meeting with Tanner this morning. I’ve got this?—”
“Are you fucking for real right now? I told you it was important to me. It was a big game, and my coach was finally giving me a start.”
“I’m sorry, Shane.” I feel terrible. “I’ll watch the replay when I get home tonight from my game. Things are just a little crazy for me right now.”
He audibly sighs. “It’s always crazy with you, with the world revolving around you,” he says with a steely voice dripping with sarcasm. “This whole relationship is about you and your needs. What about me? What about my needs?”
I sigh. “You're right. You specifically asked me to watch the game, and I fucked up. I’m truly sorry. I promise to make it up to you.”
His tone softens. “How do you plan on doing that from across the Atlantic Ocean?”
“I’ve got an opportunity in Italy. That’s what I was discussing with Tanner. When my season is over in October, I’m going to be able to come visit.”
“Really?” He sounds so hopeful.
“Yes. Really.”
“Ahh. I’m so fucking happy right now.” He lets out a moan. “I’ve got the worst case of blue balls in existence.”
I giggle. “Me too. Well, not balls, but you know what I mean.”
“I do, beautiful.” He starts breathing heavily. “How about some naked pics to tide me over?”
We’ve been through thismanytimes before. I can’t risk that, but I don’t want to piss him off. “I’ve…umm…got to head to the stadium. Maybe when I get home.”
Thirty minutes later, I’m in my locker room. As we all change into our warm-up uniforms, I turn to Kennedy. “Do you send naked pictures to men?”
If anyone does, it would be her. She’s probably the most sexually uninhibited woman I’ve been around. When we go out, it’s common for her to aggressively flirt and sometimes go home with a new, random guy. She doesn’t even hide it. I admire how bold and unapologetic she is.
She shakes her head. “Fuck no. You can’t trust any of them. I’m semi-famous, and you’re legit famous. We have to be extra careful. Talk about the quickest way to go from a serious athlete to a two-dollar whore. Is Shane asking?”
I nod. “He’s been asking for over a year. I haven’t done it yet for fear of them somehow getting out.”
She looks at me for several long beats. “Look, Shane seems like a nice enough guy, but unless you feel complete and total trust in a man, I wouldn’t do it. Do you trust him toneverrelease them, even if things go to shit?”
I’m silent, and she gives me a small smile. “I think we have our answer.”
I run my fingers through my hair. “It’s not that I don’t trust him, I just don’t think he’s…he’s…”
“He’s not your forever. You told us he’s not the one. I get it.”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so. I don’t know. I guess I’m not sure.”
“You should cut him loose so you can go out and have a good time.”
“No, I don’t want that. I care about him. He’s…comfortable.”
She twists her lips. “Ahh, the beginning of every great love story. He’s…comfortable.”
I scrunch my face at her repeating my words. I did use the word comfortable.
She places her hand on my shoulder. “I’m not here to tell you what to do. As your friend, I just want to support you.”
I smile. “Kennedy Jeffries, are we friends?”
She bites back her smile. “Frenemies.”
I let out a laugh. “Sure. Frenemies.”
