Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
Rome
S o far, the movie is everything I hoped it would be—the premise is what pulled me in. The main character’s name is Shay, and she has a neurological condition that numbs her ability to feel fear. She enrolls in an experiment to visit a haunted manor, hoping the experts may be able to help her. Of course, there’s a love interest, but I enjoy romance more than the average guy. We’ve already had a few jump scares, and each one has caused Chrissy and me to either scream or jolt in our seats.
Chrissy puts on the sweater and covers her face with the hood. I smirk when I catch her hiding behind the fabric. Just when I thought she couldn’t get more adorable, she goes and proves me wrong.
I grab popcorn from the bucket mindlessly, and another hand reaches in, making me jump.
“It’s just me,” Chrissy reassures as our hands brush together.
Peeling my eyes off the screen, I look at her and become distracted from the movie. What would it be like to have someone like Chrissy in my life? Someone I could joke around with but who would still love me deeply. What would happen if I didn’t let my fears get in the way?
The music hastens, and Chrissy’s posture stiffens in response. Grabbing her slushie with her free hand, she slurps on it as her eyes widen.
With a lopsided smirk, I turn back to the screen just in time to see the main character enter a room that she discovered behind a portrait.
“That was amazing!” Chrissy cheers when we leave the theater. Her hair is slightly mussed from wearing the hood the entire time. “The ending?!” Chrissy makes a gesture like her head is exploding. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes, it was definitely worth the wait. Thank you for coming with me.”
Chrissy nudges my arm as we walk side by side back to my car. Rushing ahead, I open the door for her, and her facial expression softens.
“Why, thank you, kind sir.”
I close the door once she slides in.
Back in the driver’s seat, I start the engine and fasten my seat belt. After blasting the AC, I drum my hands on the steering wheel. The idea of going home makes my skin crawl. I don’t want to be alone. I’m tired of being alone. I don’t want to drag Chrissy around with me all day though. She’s probably sick of me by this point.
“What’s next?”
Her question catches me off guard.
“You don’t want me to bring you home?”
“It’s still early. Why don’t we crash the Waylens’ house, or maybe we can get some lunch?”
I’m baffled. That’s the only word I can think of that accurately describes how I feel right now. My original plan was to drop her off and then do everything possible to avoid going home. I like this idea a lot better.
“Can I take you to one of my favorite places?”
Chrissy nods, so I shift the car into drive and start back toward the Castle Brook campus.
“Please tell me you’re joking.” Chrissy’s unimpressed as I walk her toward the football stadium.
“Just trust me.” I grab her hand and lead her down the walkway.
We step onto the field, and the space around us is open. The hash marks to designate the yard lines are freshly painted. The first time my cleats touched the dark green grass, I felt at home.
Chrissy takes a silent step forward, slowly spinning around to take in the brilliance of this place. The stadium can seat twenty thousand people. If the team is doing well, seats will fill, and the audience will roar. Their chanting and shouting used to be a distraction, but you learn to use it as motivation.
“I never noticed how huge this place is,” Chrissy mutters in astonishment.
“You never come to any games,” I remark.
“Well, you never invited me, now did you?” She purses her lips and places her hands on her hips.
“Would you come to opening day? You, Gwen, Ash, and Zack?”
I never have anyone in the crowd cheering me on. Sure, I have fans, but the idea of having someone who means something to me out there feels different. “I’d get you good seats, free food?—”
“Can I get a jersey?” she cuts in.
“Absolutely. Which player do you want?”
“Yours, duh.”
Chrissy goes back to admiring the field, completely clueless that she’s left me breathless. She wants my number? She wants to wear my last name on her back? The image of her wearing one of my jerseys barrels into my mind, and my face burns.
“I’ll give you whatever you want.”
Chrissy beams in response, leaving me speechless. She skips over to the player’s bench and sits down, patting the spot next to her.
“I have a question for you.”
Following her gesture, I straddle the bench and face her.
“When did you start playing football?”
“Dad and I used to play catch and watch the games. I fell in love with it, so I begged my parents to sign me up. They didn’t want to initially, but I always got what I wanted.” Well, not everything.
I’m not your typical sports kid. My parents didn’t force me into football. In fact, I begged them to let me play. They were concerned about the concussion rate, and they didn’t want my body to bruise or my bones to break. I got my way in the end. Football is therapy in my own twisted way. Dad stopped caring after Mom left. He drowned himself in alcohol and TV. He got better over time, but he’s always on the brink of a mental breakdown.
“They didn’t push you into it?”
“No, not at all. They supported me even though they were terrified I might get hurt. It was only when—” Fuck, there she goes again. How does she manage to pull my secrets out of me? She must have a trick up her sleeve...
“Only when, what?”
Peering over her shoulder, I ponder whether I should tell her about my mother. Chrissy has good parents. Would she understand? Or would she throw me a pity party and offer me fake sympathy?
With a sigh, I meet her eyes again and decide to tell her. After all, this is what this mentorship is all about, right?
“My mom left when I was eight. My dad and I don’t know why. All she said was that she needed time away. I don’t think he was abusive. They seemed to love one another, but I don’t know what happened behind closed doors. My dad withdrew after that. He went to work and provided for us, but emotionally, he was a ghost.” I clear my throat to keep the emotions that bleed into my words at bay. I don’t avert my gaze, and neither does Chrissy. I can’t stop now, might as well get it all out. “There’s a reason I don’t have a girlfriend or go out on dates. I’m afraid to open myself to the possibility of heartbreak because what if I do and the person ruins me just like my mom did to my dad?”
With a tiny smile, Chrissy reaches for my hand and holds it. “That’s a lot to carry, Rome. And you’ve been carrying it for years, haven’t you?”
I can only manage to nod. Tears threaten my eyes, and I know if I speak, they’ll break free.
“Love is tricky, and it’ll always be a risk. No one walks into a relationship knowing they’ll be safe. Love is dangerous and exciting. But it’s always scary. I understand why you feel that way, and know you’re not alone.”
I sigh, and the tears in my eyes slip free. Dropping Chrissy’s hand, I wipe them away immediately. I was a fool to think she would judge me over my past. This is Chrissy. The sweet ray of sunshine who exudes love and warmth wherever she goes. She’s good at this, and I hope she knows it.
“Want my advice?” she asks gently. “Don’t force anything, but if there’s someone you like, ask them on a date. It’ll be terrifying, but no more than that movie we just saw.”
I can’t help but snicker, and she follows suit.
“One date might turn into two, and that might turn into three, and so on. You can’t let your past determine your future.” Chrissy runs her thumbs along my cheekbones to dry my tears.
I want to ask her on a date. I want to see if one date turns into two. I want to see if we become anything more than friends. But my past isn’t the only thing holding me back from that. It’s also my best friend and her brother.
“Don’t worry. I still think you’re cool, Captain.” She messes with my hair and brings a smile to my face.
“Thank you, Chrissy. For everything.”
Her shoulders relax, and her eyes brighten against the midday sun.
“That’s what friends are for. Now, why don’t we go raid the Waylens’ and make Max order us dinner?” Jumping to her feet, she offers me her hand, and I take it.
Friends . Who knew such a simple word could hurt so much...