Chapter 3 #2
He doesn’t look surprised at my response, and I can’t see a day when I’m not single. Sure, I’ve slept with a couple of people since Maria, but only because I’m a man with needs and away series can get really fucking lonely at times.
“I think I’d actually pass away if I didn’t have Kendra.” He looks pained at the thought alone. “We should’ve been dating when we were in college. Thank fuck fate eventually brought us back together.”
A part of me thinks that if I’d met Maria after college, then we wouldn’t be dealing with the prospect of rebuilding our lives separately.
There’s no chance that we would’ve hit it off in the same way.
Even in our mid-twenties, we were different people from what we had been in school.
I’m ready to argue and tell my captain that it was a good thing he and Kendra got together when they were a few years older when I’m interrupted by my phone vibrating on the tray table. A message coming through via Wi-Fi.
Billie
This is probably the most random and out-of-the-blue message I’ve ever sent, but Dad just told me you’re planning to stop by for my birthday. Seriously, you don’t have to do that. I’m a mess, and no one wants to see me right now.
Hi, BTW. It’s been a while.
Billie’s right. This is the most random and out-of-the-blue message, but it pulls a smile from my miserable fucking brain nonetheless.
“Who’s that?” Jack asks, dropping his eyes to my screen, lips curling into a grin.
“My niece,” I tell him.
He looks horrified at his own inappropriate thoughts. “Shit, sorry.” His expression turns to confusion. “Wait. You’ve never mentioned having a niece before?”
“She’s Scott’s daughter,” I clarify. “I’m one of those unofficial uncles we all have.”
Jack’s face is devilish-looking, and I want to cover it with my palm and tell him to take his messed-up ideas elsewhere.
“So, she isn’t really family then?”
I’m typing out a response to Billie when I throw Jack a warning glare. “Take your mind out of the gutter and concentrate on drinking that weird-ass pond water.” I nod my head at his tea.
He sputters out a laugh, which I ignore, attention back on Billie’s message.
Me
Who said I was coming over solely to see you?
Billie
Over three years since we last saw each other, and you’re still giving me shit.
I scroll up on our message history and see the last time we spoke was almost a year ago—me sending a quick text to wish Billie a happy birthday and her telling me that she was at a house party before hitting the library for an all-night study session.
Jesus, life can change in the blink of an eye.
Me
It’s who I am. Plus, I figured you could use the laugh. Along with unnecessary bath salts or something equally predictable for your birthday. I know that you hate surprises just as much as I do.
My fingers hover over the keyboard, desperate to type out a message to ask how she is. They grip my phone tighter when I see her responding.
Billie
For what it’s worth, I’m sorry about everything with Maria.
I hold my phone tighter.
Me
Me too.
Billie
I’ll be home for a long while now, so I guess we’ll catch up at some point. Especially since all my high-school friends have left town these days. You really don’t need to make a special effort on my part.
Me
It’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m newly single. I have nothing better to do.
Billie
Umm … thanks?
Me
You’re welcome.
Billie
I guess by that logic, we’re both in the same boat.
I know she’s referring to Tucker, and I sort of want to ask her more about it. But it doesn’t feel appropriate or like it’s my place after so much time has passed since we last spoke.
Me
I’ll be over soon with lavender bath salts and a pair of fluffy socks.
Billie
Where are you for the bye week?
One thing about Billie? She’s arguably a bigger sports fan than her dad.
At least, she was when she left for college, and it seems that nothing has changed since she knows our playing schedule.
She even came to a couple of games with Scott back in the day and before Jack started playing for the Blades.
She also loves soccer just as much as I do, even if her theory over who’s the best player in the world is way off track.
I smile at memories of sports-related debates and how she always had a smart answer for everything.
Me
Italy for a wedding. I’m on a flight now.
Billie
What I wouldn’t give for an Italian Pinot Grigio.
Me
Well, as of Valentine’s Day, you’ll be LEGAL to drink it. After the baby’s born. Obviously.
Billie
Oh, please. You and I both know I drank before I was pregnant. Or have you forgotten your days in college, when they still had wooden money?
Me
I’m old. Not dead. And, yes, I remember college. Thank you very fucking much.
Billie
Wine can be my birthday gift since you insist on buying me something.
Me
I’m not buying you wine, Billie.
Billie
Dry Italian Pinot Grigio. Nice and light with citrus notes.
Me
No.
Billie
Yes.
Me
Drop it, or I’ll spill to Scott about underage drinking.
Billie
Emmett, I’m unexpectedly pregnant and about to drop out of college. Do your worst.
“Nice little chat you have going on there …” Jack’s breath fans the collar on my shirt as he leans over to read my exchange with Billie.
I know he’s only trying to fuck with me since that’s all we ever do on this team. I ignore him—again—and type out a final response.
Me
I’m about to land, so I gotta go.
It’s a lie; we have at least another nine hours to go. Regardless, my teammate’s prying eyes, combined with conversations about underage drinking with my best friend’s only daughter, drive me to wrap things up.
Billie
Sure. Me too. I just landed in the Caribbean for an all-expenses-paid vacation. Catch you—and a crisp glass of Pinot—later!