Page 63 of Not Before Game Night
Finding that fence I jumped it, landing right near where the bleachers ended.
I was so crazy. So damn crazy, and I would be an idiot to not admit that I was crazy for her.
Right through training, I did the same autopilot thing I had since being with her. Catch the ball, run with the ball, throw when necessary, don’t let the other side get the ball, keep an eye out for Eric, Gilly, Sam, or Denver. It was almost like a game of chess. You look to use the best guys. If you saw them, you just went in for the kill. To me that meant Gilly as the quarterback was as powerful a piece as the king, queen, knight, or bishop. A piece that could win the game.
I was a man who knew his talent, and I could run as fast as lightning. I could also accept when someone else was better than me, and he was.
I was on autopilot going through the motions, but I had to admit we had a good practice session and we were on fire.
I showered quickly and got ready to leave. Before I got to the door though I saw Denver in the corridor with two women. One I knew.
Brittany Tate. She gave the press a story I wished she hadn’t a few weeks back. I knew it bothered Vanesa a lot, like everything else did.
They saw me, and Denver smiled, beaming from ear to ear.
“Bro, come out with us. Look who’s here.” He laughed a deep hearty laugh, and Brittany bit back a smile.
“Sorry, can’t. I’m busy.” I shook my head.
He gave me an incredulous glare and rushed up to me. “What the fuck’s wrong with you? That’s Brittany Tate, and her tis look bigger than the last time she had them done.”
“Denver, you know I’m with Vanessa, right?” I stared him down.
“With her, likewithher?” He raised his brows.
“I’m with her. Doesn’t matter what capacity, I’m not going with you.”
“Come on, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”
Brittany made her way over as I’d expected and dreaded. I was kind of hoping she would hang back with her friend. A few years back, I was really into her. I mostly loved ‘em and left them after a night, but we’d hooked up a lot.
“Hello, stranger,” she cooed. “Don’t tell me I heard you decline Denver’s invite to come with us.” Her bright blue eyes flickered with mischief. Against that white blond hair, they were striking.
“Hi, Brittany. Yes, you heard right. I’m busy.”
“With your new toy?” she asked.
“Looks that way,” Denver added. “Are you serious, man?”
“I’m serious,” I answered.
Brittany stepped closer and ran her fingers over my chest. “Not even a round for old times’ sake?”
“No.”
I stepped away from her, my eyes on Denver, who really was looking at me like I was crazy.
As I walked away, I realized I definitely had changed, and it was time to acknowledge why I had.
I wasn’t just busy.
I was leaving to be with my girl.
My girl.
Vanessa.
Chapter 18
