Chapter 48
48
CHUCK
The rumble of excited fans fills the convention center as I take my seat at the autograph table. It's our annual ‘Meet the Aftershocks’ event, where fans get to interact with the team, get autographs, and generally geek out over their favorite players. Usually, I love these events. The energy, the excitement, the chance to connect with the people who support us game after game is a blast.
But today, my mind is elsewhere. Specifically, about five miles across town, in a certain library where a certain redhead is probably shelving books and definitely not thinking about me.
I'm so lost in thoughts of Ruby that I barely notice when Tyler slides into the seat next to me. It's only when I feel the weight of his stare that I turn to look at him.
"Uh, hey man," I say, thrown off by the intensity of his gaze. "Everything okay?"
He doesn't answer immediately. He just keeps staring, his expression unreadable. I feel myself start to sweat, and not just from the bright lights overhead.
Finally, he speaks. "What are your intentions with my sister?"
The question hits me like a truck. I blink, trying to process. "I... what?"
"You heard me," Tyler says, his voice low but intense. "What are your intentions with Ruby?"
I swallow hard, my mind racing. What does he know about Costa Rica? I mean, sure he’s seen the photos, but does he know more than that? What about the other night at my apartment? Has Ruby told him everything?
"I don't have any intentions," I say carefully. "Ruby made it clear she doesn't want anything to do with me."
His eyes narrow. "So you're just gonna hit it and quit it?"
"What? No!" I protest with a surge of indignation. "It's not like that. Ruby's the one who said it was over. She's the one who walked away."
Tyler leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Well, I think she might have changed her mind."
For a moment, I'm sure I've misheard. "What are you talking about?"
"Ruby," Tyler says slowly, "has had a change of heart. About you."
My head spins. "What do you mean, a change of heart?"
Tyler sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I probably shouldn't be telling you this. But last night, Ruby kind of... blurted out that she thinks she's in love with you."
The world tilts on its axis just then, no shit. Ruby? In love with me? It doesn't seem possible. And yet...
"Are you sure?" I ask, hating how hopeful I sound. "Maybe you misheard, or?—"
"Trust me," Tyler interrupts, "I didn't mishear. She said it, clear as day. Nearly made me drive off the road when she did."
A thousand thoughts race through my mind. Ruby loves me ? Ruby, who I thought had written me off as a mistake, as someone not worth the trouble. Ruby, who I haven't been able to stop thinking about since Costa Rica.
"What... what did she say exactly?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
Tyler rolls his eyes. "What are we, in high school? She said, and I quote, 'Oh my God, I think I'm in love with Chuck.' Happy now?"
I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "Yeah, actually. I am."
Tyler groans. "God, you've got it bad, don't you?"
I nod, not even bothering to deny it. "Yeah, I do. Tyler, I... I've never felt this way about anyone before."
"Okay, okay, spare me the romantic declarations," Tyler says, holding up a hand. "Just tell me this — are you serious about her? Because if this is just some game to you?—"
"It's not," I interrupt, my voice firm. "Tyler, I swear to you, this isn't a game. I care about Ruby. More than I've ever cared about anyone."
Tyler studies me for a long moment as if to decide whether I’m full of shit or not, then nods. "Alright. I believe you. But Chuck, if you have any feelings for my sister at all, you'll make this right."
I nod, determination flooding through me. "I will. I promise."
"Good," Tyler says. Then, with a mischievous grin, "Because if you hurt her, I'll have to kill you. And then we'd be down a player, and Coach would be pissed."
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. "Noted. So... any advice on how to win over your sister?"
Tyler shakes his head. "Oh no, you're on your own there, buddy. I've already interfered enough. But knowing Ruby? Make it thoughtful. And for the love of God, don't screw it up."
As Tyler turns to greet the first fan approaching our table, my mind is already racing.
Kind of fucked up that I found out from Tyler instead of Ruby herself, but hey, I’ll take it.
I sign autographs and pose for photos on autopilot, my thoughts a million miles away. By the time the event ends, I have the beginnings of a plan forming.
It's got to be big. It's got to be meaningful. It's got to show Ruby that I'm all in, one hundred percent.
As I'm leaving the convention center, Tyler catches up with me. "Hey," he says, clapping me on the shoulder. "I meant what I said earlier. If you hurt her?—"
"You'll kill me, I know," I finish for him. "But Tyler, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to hurt her. The real danger is her hurting me."
His expression softens slightly. "Yeah, well, that's the risk you take when you fall for someone, isn't it?"
I nod, the truth of his words hitting home. "Yeah, I guess it is. But you know what? Ruby's worth the risk."
"Glad to hear it," Tyler says. Then, with a grin, "Now go get her, you idiot."
As I drive home, my mind is whirling with ideas. I want to do something that speaks to who Ruby is, something that shows I've been paying attention, that I see her for who she really is.
And then it hits me. I know exactly what I need to do.
It's going to take some planning, some favors called in, and probably more than a little groveling. But for Ruby? It's worth it.
Because the truth is, I don't just have feelings for Ruby. I have all the feelings. Every single one. And it's time I showed her just how much she means to me.
Watch out, Ruby Brooks. Chuck Newcomb is about to bring his A-game. And this time, I'm playing for keeps.