Chapter 25
Randy
A few days later, I spot Rachel across campus, walking alone with her backpack slung over one shoulder, eyes fixed on the path ahead.
The campus is quiet during the school break, making her easy to find.
I could lie and say I had a reason to be here, but the truth is, I came on the slim chance I might run into her.
“Gotta go!” I say to Jason, slapping him on the back as I jog toward Rachel.
I haven’t stopped texting her since I realized what she must’ve overheard. If anything, I’ve been texting more and still just radio silence. Maybe I’ve been blocked.
I slow my jog as I approach her, her head rises to mine with the sound of my footsteps.
She looks at me, a deep scowl passing over her brow, though she doesn’t say a word.
God, she is still so damn gorgeous. I can’t believe how much I’ve missed that perfect face, even if she is looking at me with eyes so fierce they could melt steel.
“I know why you’re not returning my calls.
I know you returned my jacket and what you might have overheard. ”
She keeps walking, but my long strides easily keep up with her. She doesn’t act shocked that I figured it out, and her silence is confirmation that that is what happened.
“I know how my conversation may have sounded, but I didn’t mean it.”
Silence.
She looks up at me briefly, her hair hanging around her shoulders, with small pink clips holding a few strands back from her face.
“Have you been getting my texts?”
Silence.
“Can we talk?”
Her eyes don’t waver. “You called Sam baggage.”
I sigh heavily. Fuck, she definitely heard.
I jump in front of her, walking backward, because she isn’t stopping, I can jog backward if I need to.
“You need to know I didn’t mean what I said, it was just the wrong words while trying to talk things out with Seth.
” She keeps walking and I stay in front of her.
“I’ve never felt like this about anyone before and you do have a son, which is massive, and I’m-I don’t know, it just scares me, Rachel.
” I continue to walk backward, hoping anyone behind me keeps out of my fucking way because I’m not taking my eyes off her.
“Weren’t you scared when you first found out you were going to be a mom? ”
She ignores my question completely. “I don’t think there’s anything you could say to excuse calling my son baggage,” she says, eyes locked on mine, her stride unwavering.
“That’s my flesh and blood. I don’t care who you are—you never talk about my child like that.
Ever. In fact, knowing how you feel, I don’t want you to refer to me or my family ever again. ”
“I’m sorry, okay; please, just hear me out. Have coffee with me?”
“Go away, Randy! Now.”
I slow slightly, praying that she stops, but she just detours around me.
“I’m sorry, Rachel, please,” I beg to her back.
I watch her shake her head as she walks away from me.
“Fuck!” I swear to myself. I shove my hands through my hair watching her walk away for a good few minutes until I can no longer see her.
She never stops, nor did she ever look back.
Feeling lost and distraught, I opt for home.
Walsh: Don’t look at IG, Randy.
Christian: Fuck Cole.
Walsh: Flexing like he is about to win the Super Bowl.
Christian: Can’t even bring myself to watch the film.
Me: Coach will make us next meeting.
Walsh: Rather watch that than the Championship game.
Christian: Cyclones better not win. Rather watch Randy’s strip run on replay.
Seth: *Left the group*
Now that football season is over and our five hours-plus training days are done, I have far too much time to think about the jerk that I am.
I drop into the living room and turn on the television, lying down and seeing what’s on.
I flick through the channels finding nothing but the sports news—fine, because I’m not concentrating on it anyway.
My phone buzzes beside me and I check it instantly.
Nope, not her, just some random flirty text; guess I’m not the only restless person.
I don’t have the energy to respond, nor do I want to.
Usually, I would be all over these texts messages, but now I want no one but Rachel.
I flick to my Instagram and see a post that I’m tagged in.
@Lukecole: @Cyclonesfootball are going to the Championships!!!
24 to 16, nothing but class and ass. It’s all too easy.
@RandyHarrisonQB grab your tickets, seats are selling fast.
#Cycloneschampions
I throw down the phone in frustration. This day just keeps getting better and better!