40. Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Zack
I wake up to Emilie draped across my chest. I didn’t wake up when she came in last night. Mitch came back to let me know that she and Eliza were together. I appreciated the update.
She stirs and looks at me, then at the clock.
“Ugh, I’m almost late,” she says, her head falling back on my chest.
“For?”
Emilie rolls on her back, stretching her arms above her head and replies, “Spa day with Eliza. Maybe some of the bridesmaids.”
“Is she okay? You don’t have to share any of the details.”
“She will be okay.”
Emilie rolls back to my chest, locking her eyes on mine. “Hey, I want to formally do this. For real. Like make it official.”
My smile is wide. I can’t get over this woman.
“Whatever you want. What do you want me to do?”
“I’m going to be tied up with Eliza today, up until the rehearsal dinner. Meet me at the beach at four. Where we watched the sunset.”
“And?”
“Tell me you want me. Want this. For real. No faking it.” She gives me a quick kiss.
“You got it. See you then,” I say as Emilie hops out of bed, turning on the shower.
I don’t need the starting point, or the clear transition, but she does. It’s not much to ask considering how much she’s already given me.
I’m getting ready, and my dad sends me a text.
Dad
everything is fine but we need to talk
when you’re home
have fun at the wedding
Me
sounds good. Looking forward to it
And I am. Looks like I’m going to finally get some insight into what’s been going on. There’s a few seconds where nervousness runs up my spine but is quickly replaced with some relief. I don’t know what he’s going to say, but knowing is better than not knowing.
I turn the iron off; my light blue shirt is free of wrinkles and is ready for me. I put it on and button it up, thinking about Emilie and smiling to myself. I kind of like this whole “if you want me, come tell me” thing. I’ve been thinking about what I’ll say all day.
It’s like I can’t get the words right, but I’m hoping to have some clarity when I see her. All I know is that she’s the only woman I’ve brought home, and I don’t care how wild this next part sounds, but I’d be happy if she was the only one. She fits into my life in a way I didn’t think women could.
When people would say that someone feels like a piece they were missing, I used to roll my eyes and laugh to myself, but now? I get it. It’s like she brightens up the best version of myself. Being around her makes my mood better, no matter what.
Maybe I’ve been playing it safe by dating around, hooking up with whoever is interested. Maybe, deep down, I knew I’d never be serious with anyone like that. It’s like my mind wanted to keep the energy and space for someone like her. I don’t want to play it safe anymore, I want to break the rules.
Emilie is the adventure I want to take.
I’m out the door and practically running to the beach. It’s close to four, and I don’t want to be late.
I walk by a group of guys, some of them ridiculously tall. When I see the logo for the Jersey Jaguars, it makes sense. These must be the NBA players the front desk was telling us about when we checked in.
I try to walk by them, because professional athlete or not, I’ve got somewhere to be and they’re moving too slow for me.
When I think I’m in the clear, I hear someone yell, “Zack! Zack Andersen.”
As much as I want to bolt to the beach, pretend I didn’t hear them, or that I’m someone else, I can’t. I’m not that guy, even though I wish I was in the moment.
I turn around and see one of the guys walking toward me, the group walking in the other direction.
“Hey, man.” I shake his hand. “I have somewhere to be but if you want to find me later—”
“You’re Zack Andersen? Football player from New York? Cosmos?”
“Yes. That’s me and not trying to be a dick, but literally late for something—”
The guy looks at the ground and back up to me, shaking his head. The look on his face makes me stop.
“Are you good?” I ask .
“I’m not sure how to answer that.”
“Well, if you figure it out, I’ll be right over there.” I go to take another step.
“I did figure it out.” He grabs my arm before I can go any further; his blue eyes are burning into mine. “I’m Brooks.”
“Okay, good to meet you. Let’s do this later.” I’m itching to get to the beach.
“Wait, you don’t get it. I’m your brother.”
What the fuck did he just say?