Chapter 16
Dasher
Idon’t know why I asked to meet. Maybe he would have some insight into what I saw on social media or could give me some advice on what to do.
When I got home this morning, she was sitting on the couch scrolling on her phone. She smiled when she saw me, jumped up and kissed me on the cheek telling me she was happy I was home. I didn’t really react. I didn’t confront her yet.
On the one hand, I can’t believe that she was the same girl I fell in love with.
On the other hand, she has been acting off since I was drafted.
I want to say something but I’m afraid of being gaslit into thinking I had everything all wrong.
And maybe there is a completely reasonable explanation as to why I saw what I saw.
Maybe she fell into the guy’s lap. Maybe someone pushed her.
Or she’s fucking this guy and I’m just a backup.
Or she’s still into Raine and this is a coverup.
Okay, I’m spiraling.
She texted that she had work to do and wouldn’t be home for a while and that works for me.
I find a nice suit in my closet to put on and comb my hair before brushing my teeth.
I look put together, like I have my shit together.
I need to have my shit together because I not only have a team counting on me, but a whole ass city.
I can’t let them down and this crap is messing with my head.
I hire a car to take me to the Strip, calling the restaurant ahead of time. They let me know there is a back entrance I can use which is perfect. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fans but tonight is about me getting clarity.
The driver drops me off and a staff member meets me to let me in through the employee entrance. Raine is already seated when the hostess takes me to the back. He’s impeccably dressed, but he wears suits for a living really.
I kind of envy him, the way he is always so put together, his life in order.
Fuck, I’m spiraling all over again.
“Thank you for meeting me,” I say as I slide into the seat across from him. He gives me a small smile, “you sounded serious.” The waitress comes to take our drink order, and I actually order a shot of Tequila. His eyes widen which lets him know I’m serious.
We get our drinks and then order our food all the while he lets me process whatever I’m processing.
Finally, I saw a picture of Poppy on social media and I’m not sure how to take it. When I left for the game, I basically told her I didn’t feel like she wanted to be with me. I gave her the space for her to make her mind.”
I let that sit for a minute. I can almost see the wheels turning.
I run a hand down my face, “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I told you all of that.”
He waves me off, “I’m an outside opinion. My assumption is that you don’t have really anyone else to talk to or you don’t want to talk to your teammates.”
“You would assume correctly. Not that I couldn’t talk to Tyler or Jester. But they don’t like Poppy.”
He leans back in his chair, “I have to tell you something that I don’t think you’re going to like.
I saw Poppy flirting with another man yesterday when we cut the ribbon for the electronics store, we just opened back up.
I didn’t want to say anything. I told her she needed to tell you before someone else did. ”
I was afraid of this, “ever since we moved here, she hasn’t been herself or the woman I fell in love with.
I hate that. Poppy wasn’t ever self-centered or into money.
But it was like the minute we moved here, and she saw the expensive side where women have the name brand clothes or expensive handbags, she wanted that.
She used to be fun and would rather roll around in the dirt than care about her looks. ”
He nods, “what do you want to do?”
“I have no idea. But I’m not sure I can stay in this relationship. I hate to break up with her, she won’t have anywhere to go.”
He sighs, “she makes good money working for me, she can find an apartment.” Yeah, she probably can. But being that we were high school sweethearts, I’m afraid of what her dad might do.
He gestures to my food, “right now, eat your steak. You can come back to my place if you want a break. I have a big guest room; a pool you can swim in.”
The house is in my name, I’m on the lease, but maybe a break will help me out, “I appreciate it. I have to go home and grab my gear for practice. Are you coming to the game Thursday?”
“I will if you want me to.”
For some reason I do want him to, “If you haven’t figured it out, I don’t have many friends other than the guys on the team.”
“I’m here if you need me. Eat up.”
For some reason, this helped. And now I have a place to stay to get more clarity.