Chapter 6
Dasher
The guys hung out all day, we watched and dissected footage on the other games. Raine was surprisingly knowledgeable about football.
Tyler and the guys grab their stuff and head out, “we’ll see you Monday. Be ready rookie.” I take the hit; I am the rookie. But it gives me anxiety, knowing that a lot is riding on this game, this season.
When they’re gone, I turn to find Raine cleaning up after all of us. It’s weird to see a man cleaning my house. When I first met him, I thought he was a stuffy, rich guy, but this is different.
I clear my throat, “you don’t have to do that.
” He shrugs, “I don’t mind.” For a few seconds I watch him move around the living room stuffing trash into a garbage bag.
I’m about to say something when Poppy throws open the door.
She bounces in like she’s high on sugar and takes one look at Raine, “Dasher, he’s a guest. He doesn’t have to clean.
” She grabs the bag from him, fawning over him like he’s fragile glass.
“Thank you, Raine,” I saw awkwardly and head upstairs for bed. I don’t know what to say or how to react. And once Poppy entered, I was invisible.
Is Raine using me to get to her? She clearly likes him and that makes me question my relationship which is not the stress I need before the game of my life.
Tomorrow will be here before I know it and I need to get some sleep.
After changing into my sleep shorts, I check my gear bag before slipping into bed. I try to close my eyes and sleep, but nothing comes. I can hear Poppy talking to Raine downstairs, she’s very animated.
After about an hour of staring at the ceiling, Poppy comes upstairs. I don’t want to argue with her, so I pretend to be asleep. She goes about her business, quietly, which is surprising.
When she turns out the bathroom light, I finally drift off.