Chapter 25
Raine
After the guys leave, I shower and dress in jeans, henley tee and boots. I like to dress down when I can as I live in suits nearly every day.
By the time I reach the lobby, the team is loading on the bus. I don’t wave at Dasher; I slip down to the parking garage and make my way to the arena. When I get to the box, Derek is waiting. He’s probably wonder why he’s had so many days off.
“What have you been up to?” he asks, grabbing me a beer out of the box fridge in the corner. The staff stocks it during the season for me. Food will be delivered for us during the game, though just popcorn for Derek.
I shrug and face the window, “nothing much.” Big lie but I don’t tell him that.
“Does it have anything to do with your guest?” he asks, making me spin around, “you’ve been checking up on me?”
He just smiles, “I haven’t heard from you in days, so I called Harold. Want to tell me what’s going on? You’re walking a thin line.”
He knows everything and wants me to explain it to him. He’s known me since I was young and has always looked out for me and right now, I feel like I’m being scolded like a child.
“Dasher needed a place to stay,” is my only explanation. I know he doesn’t buy it. He sees how I look at Dash.
“And the girlfriend?”
“Out of the picture, but nothing is going on,” I state. Another lie. I’m not sure what’s going on. I’m not even sure how he feels about me. But for now, I’m content.
He doesn’t say anything, just lets me have this, knowing I’ll tell him eventually.
The stadium fills and the players warm up, jumbo screen following Dasher’s every move. He looks like he’s hyper focused, which is good. He needs this win.
Scanning the crowd, I spot Dasher’s parents. Turning to Derek, “I need you to get a staff member to grab Dasher’s parents.”
He smirks, “we’re meeting the family now.” I laugh, “already met them but nothing is happening.” Oh, but everything is happening. Hopefully more. I digress.
“Please?” I plead and he sighs. I tell him what seats they’re sitting in, and he makes a call. I watch as someone asks them to follow them and soon, they’re being led into my season box.
“Raine?” Dean’s eyes widen as they take in where they are. I know they’re simple people, but if I’m helping their son out, I will show them the same respect. I know he cares about his parents deeply.
“Hey, welcome. I thought you’d like a bird’s eye view in luxury. Does Dasher know you’re here?”
Susan shakes her head, “we wanted to surprise him. He told us about the problems he was having with Poppy and wanted him to know we were here for him.”
Dean scoffs, “that girl has always been a problem. We’re friends with her parents and even they have had it with her.”
Good to know her family is regretting her choices as well.
“I’m sorry about that. Please grab a drink, enjoy the view. I’ll take us all out for dinner afterwards. Glad you’re here.”
Dean goes for the beer as Susan approaches me, “thank you for everything you’ve done. You’re welcome on our ranch anytime.”
I snicker, “I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
She giggles, “I’m sure you’re a natural. You should come visit after football season. You’ve been a good friend to Dasher.”
I’ve been doing much more, but I can’t say that to her.
The horn sounds and it’s kickoff. We press ourselves to the window, watching the game.
The fortune are receiving so Dasher is rushing out to the field.
He jumps up and down before lining up. First play, Jester snaps the ball, Dasher kicks back, looking for an open man.
He finds Tyler down field and launches it.
Tyler runs into the endzone. They scored in the first five minutes. That’s fantastic.
Dean and Susan watch as proud parents and they should be, their son is amazing in his zone.
The game goes back and forth, almost a nail biter with the Fortune kicking a last-minute field goal to win the game. We all cheer and high five, even Derek gets excited.
I turn to his parents, “let’s go see your boy.” Derek gives me a wink, and I wave him off. I don’t know how his parents feel about two men being together and I don’t want to cause issues.
We take the elevator down and stand near the exit as the players come out of the locker room, looking for their loved ones.
Tyler passes by and gives me a strange look, but I brush that off.
When Dasher exits, loud cheers erupt as he gives his interviews.
He then sees his parents and runs toward us, crushing them in a big bear hug.
He lets go, “what are you guys doing here?”
Dean shrugs, “we thought we’d surprise you. Sounded like you were having a rough week.” Dasher glances at me for a brief second, “Raine has been super helpful.”
I let him have that. We haven’t established what this is. And truth be told, I have helped him out a lot.
“How about we head to my place, and I order us a bunch of food. I have a guest room you can stay in, a pool you can check out,” I say to his parents, and they agree readily.
Dasher gives me a grateful look. One I hope means he will repay me later. I’m hopeful at least.