Page 82 of Lucky Baller
“Send me a message about what you need. I’ll stop by and get your key and go pick it up.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Tessa, it gets you in my arms that much faster. I’ll be by in about half an hour. Need anything? You got lunch?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks, babe.”
I smile at the endearment. She doesn’t use it often, but when she does, it makes my heart race.
“Love you,” I say, ending the call. It’s amazing how just hearing her voice and knowing that I’m on my way to see her can brighten the shittiest day.
I’m sitting on the couch, waiting for Tessa to get here. My house smells like the baked spaghetti that’s in the oven, staying warm, and my mind is racing. The more I think about that little scene with Bridgett today, the more pissed off I get. Who does she think she is? Telling me who I can and can’t date. I abide by the terms of my contract. I’m a damn good football player. She doesn’t have the right to tell me what I can and can’t do in my personal life.
My phone rings, and I see Case’s smiling mug on my screen. “Hey, man,” I answer.
“You want to grab a beer?”
“Nah, thanks, though. Tessa should be getting here soon. She had to work late. They have a sick horse at the shelter.”
“Sucks. What’s up with you? Missing your girl?”
“Always, but that’s not what’s wrong.”
“Care to fill me in?”
I release everything about this morning on him, including my rant about how Bridgett has no right. By the time I’m finished, I’m breathing heavy, and my fists are clenched at my sides.
“Fuck her,” Case seethes. “She can’t do that. You need to go to Coach Neil and tell him what’s up. You don’t want this shit backfiring on you.”
“I know. I need to tell Tessa, too.”
“Fuck, maybe go straight to Stamper himself. Wait, maybe take Coach with you as backup. I can’t believe her. That bitch is shady as fuck. You can see it in her eyes. Stamper seems like asolid dude. I haven’t spent much time with him, but they don’t seem anything alike.”
“I agree. I haven’t really thought much past telling Tessa.”
“She’s going to freak on you, isn’t she? Try to push you away and shit to save your career. She’s that kind of woman, putting those she loves first.”
“You think she will?”
“Yes.” There is no hesitation in his answer.
“Fuck, now I really don’t want to tell her. I know she’ll be worried about my position, she’ll be angry for me, but I never once considered she would end us over this.”
“She’s one of the good ones, Barker. Kind, selfless. I don’t really know her well, but I can see that in her. I’m not saying it would be forever or even that she would be successful, but I know she would try.”
“Fuck me. I’m telling you right now, Case, if I lose Tessa over this, fucking heads are going to roll.”
“Calm down, Incredible Hulk. Talk to Coach.” As he says it, I hear the front door open.
“Hey, Tess just got home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Talk to Coach,” he says before hanging up.
“Hey, how’s Buckwheat?” I ask, meeting Tessa in the hall. She looks exhausted. Taking her hand, I lead her into the dining room and pull out a chair for her.
“He has equineprotozoal myeloencephalitis.”
“Dumb that down for me, Freckles.” She laughs, which is what I was hoping for.
