Chapter 36
Dasher
Coach Hart corners me after the warmups before we leave for Alabama, “you good?”
I take a long drink of water, “I’m great, ready to play.” It wasn’t a total lie. Playing gives me something to do than think about the friendship I imploded. I know that I could call Raine and talk, but I don’t think I’m ready for that—yet.
Coach gives me a nod and starts telling the team to get on the bus. I’m nervous even though I know I’m ready, but media outlets have still been reaching out to me for a statement. I’ve ignored it, but the press is relentless.
Poppy will be gone by the time I get back, her parents arrived this morning.
One less thing I have to worry about. A girlfriend of one of my teammates was going to go over and take pictures in case Poppy tried to start shit.
She’s still blowing up my phone with calls and text messages, alternating between anger and pleading.
I’ve ignored all of them, deleting them.
I didn’t want to get into another screaming match with her, she’s no longer my issue. She has no room in my head anymore.
Tyler takes a seat on the bus next to me, “how you doing?” With a shrug, “I need something to do.”
He agrees, “that’s the best way to keep from thinking about it. But are you sure you want to cut him off?”
I’m not cutting him off, I just want to think of what I want, how a relationship with him would look. Raine cared about me when Poppy didn’t. He was nice to my parents, welcoming. He took me in when I needed somewhere to go. He made sure I was taken care of, and he made me feel wanted.
Tyler leaves me with my thoughts, and I stare out the window all the way to the airfield, the plane ride, the bus ride to the hotel in Alabama.
The distance is a great way to breathe. The only message I replied to was Daniela’s text about the move out.
She’s Victor Bahely’s girlfriend. He’s a defensive lineman and a tank.
No, really, he’s bigger than Jester and can be quite scary.
The defense uses that to their advantage.
Daneila sent pictures of the house before Poppy started packing and after.
She is getting the locks changed for me and the garage code reset.
Bless her, she’s a life saver. I look over my shoulder and Victor nods at me.
I’m glad he’s on our team, and I’m grateful that Daniela did this for me.
I make a note to get her and Victor something nice for this.
Coach hands us our keys and we head up to the rooms to drop bags. Dinner is in an hour; with videos of the team we’re playing. I’m glad that I won’t have time to think about Raine and how much I hurt him.