Page 49 of The Game

“Just a headache.” Please, go away.

Like that’s going to happen. We’re going to my parent’s house for Sunday lunch and football. My dad will prattle on about how good Gunner’s playing. If he plays. I cringe. Then, Ashley will talk about how sexy he is, and my mom will share everything she’s heard about his charity work. Welcome to my life.

My dad will kick my ass if I’m responsible for the backup having to step in. He considers the guy to be a total tool. I groan and hit the turn signal. The entire town will flip the fuck out if he’s not on the field. On the road to the playoffs, every game is essential.

“Why do you have a headache?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Bullshit.” She crosses her legs and twists her knees to point at me. Here goes the interrogation. “What happened with Gunner last night? Did you do something stupid?”

“No. Well…” My entire body floods with heat as images of our night rush at me like a motion picture through my brain. Everything was phenomenal. Until the call.

“Well…what?”

“Shit.” I shake my head and fight the stinging tears filling my eyes. “The night was spectacular, but we forgot to set the alarm. Someone called him, and he missed the first two calls.”

“So?” Her brow furrows like I’m not speaking English.

“He was late for the game.”

Ashley stares at her wristwatch, and then gives me a ‘You’re a freaking nut’ look. “It’s still fifteen minutes until the game. I got home at ten o’clock, and you were alone. He couldn’t have been that fucking late.”

“He has to be there early, and because of me, he might not get to play.”

“Did he say that?”

“No.” I shrug. “Everyone knows the players have to be there by a certain time to be on the field. He almost screwed up everything he’s worked for – over me. Not to mention, he said he was doing something stupid.”

“What was the stupid thing? Forgetting to set his alarm?”

“He was referring to having sex with me.” I click on the blinker and wait for traffic to clear before turning onto my parent’s street.

“How do you know that?” She arches her eyebrows and presses her lips together. “Did he look at you and say, ‘Having sex with you is stupid?’”

“No. I could tell.”

“God,” she sighs and uncrosses her legs. “You’re an idiot. Of course, you’d find a way to push him away.”

My mouth drops open as I pull into my parent’s driveway. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t think you’re good enough for him. Do you?”

“I’m not. If I was good enough for him, I would have told him I’d wait until the season is over, but I was selfish.” Tears fill my eyes, slipping over my lashes and running down my cheeks. “He deserves someone who would sacrifice their needs. Not jeopardize his career.”

“Get your shit and let’s go inside. This is a pointless conversation.” She shoves open the door, and her booted heels hit the concrete.

I follow her at a safe distance. Her irritation radiates off her, and I’m a little concerned she’s going to club me over the head. Did I read everything wrong? Was he not upset about being called by one of the guys? My shoulders sag. What if I broke up with him for no reason?

Ashley stabs the doorbell with her index finger. When my dad answers the door, he beams at us. Then, his face drops. “What’s wrong with you two? Ashley looks like she’s stepped onto a hornet’s nest, and you look like your prized goldfish died and got flushed down the toilet.”

I elbow her and shove past her. “She’s the hornet.” This entire day sucks ass.

“Daniel?” She crosses her arms and spreads her legs like she’s going to fight.

“Yes?”

I roll my eyes. This is going to be great. Now all my dirty laundry is going to be front-page news.

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