Chapter 10
How about this? Grace said. All of us in one place, at the same time. She gestured around at the other women at the table.
My father would be proud of me. Waves was the Rapids favourite bar, and the three women I was drinking with were all dating Rapids players. I was practically one of them. Of course, I didnt mention my fathers plans. In fact, we spent the evening talking about anything but football.
Its been too long, Ashley agreed. Chases dark-haired girlfriend always looked immaculate. As a buyer for Laceys department store, she was more or less obligated to wear the latest fashion. If anyone was going to compete with me for the title of fashionista, it would be her.
It really has, Bec agreed. The blonde had a timeless style, which looked effortless on her. I suspected the oversized jacket she wore might be Hawks, but the Wonder woman socks which peeked out from under the hem of her jeans were probably all hers. According to Grace, Bec was secretly a massive geek who loved all things superhero and science-fiction.
Thank you for inviting me, I said. I had hoped to see Ollie tonight, but he was busy with some work thing. I assumed they were restocking shelves, or doing training. I thought about asking Ashley, but she worked in the buying department and probably had very little to do with the staff who worked on the floor.
Any time. Bec gave me a generous smile. Hawks family owns this place, so we get to support them while having a good time.
In unison, the three of them said, And they have the best burgers in the city!
We all laughed.
Youre not wrong there, I said. I was going to need an extra long training session to work off my dinner. No regrets. That was why I worked out. So I could eat things like that.
Part of me thinks I should come here more often. The other part of me knows Id wear out my treadmill. I laughed. Actually I dont have a treadmill, but I have a new personal trainer who would kick my ass. And later, kiss it.
Oh? Grace said. I thought there was a twinkle in your eye tonight. Youve got a new man?
I tried to play it cool but I couldnt hold back a smile. Yeah, I met someone. He is… Special. Different.
Sounds like love to me. Im happy for you. Her smile was genuine and warm.
Its new, I said carefully. But it might be.
It was like nothing I ever felt before. It felt…real and strong. Any other guy, I would have pushed away. I would have done everything I could to forget him. After seeing my dad and all of his wives, girlfriends, and flings, it was hard for me to believe in love. Or believe anything could last. The amount of times Ive seen my father head over heels…
I was sure he thought it was real every single time. Maybe it was. He still couldnt keep it together with anyone. And me, well, Im a lot like him. The idea of starting anything only to have it end was terrifying.
I know, with my hard exterior, people probably thought I never got scared of anything.
But love— Love was the scariest thing of all.
Awww, Ashley said. How nice that were all happy. Even if this new guy isnt a Rapid. She laughed softly.
Thank fuck for that, I said dryly. No offence, but I hear enough about them from Dad. So much for spending the evening not talking about them. I supposed it was inevitable.
Id imagine you do, Bec said. Does your father talk about the guys much?
I tilted my head at her. Are you asking as a girlfriend or as a journalist? Either she was curious about what we discussed, or she was wondering about my fathers opinion of Hawk.
She shrugged with one shoulder. A little of both I suppose. A girl likes to think her boyfriends boss has a good opinion of him.
Is there anyone who doesnt think the sun shines out of Hawks ass? Grace asked teasingly.
Probably not. He is pretty awesome. Bec smiled softly. The kind of look that said she was head over heels for the guy. A couple of weeks ago, I would have rolled my eyes at that look. Now, I know how it felt. It was surreal.
My father thinks highly of everyone on the team, I said, even Bam. I gave Grace a sly smile.
Grace sniffed. Dont you mean especially Bam? She gave me a lopsided half smile. Bam hasnt given him any trouble. Never.
I snorted. Oh no, never, I said sarcastically. Not even for one minute. I took a sip of my soda. Seriously though, its admirable how hes turned things around for himself.
He has Grace to thank for that, Bec said. Her and her PR skills.
Thats not true, Grace argued. He would have done fine on his own. He didnt want to get kicked off the team. You know what they say, women are not rehab centres for men.
That is very true, I agreed. You did well to put up with him while he got his shit together.
Thats more like it, Grace agreed. That was hit and miss for a while there.
I remembered. Bam had stood up Grace at some charity event. To say she wasnt impressed was an understatement. She was furious. My father was furious. I thought Bam was an entitled brat, but Grace forgave him.
So, Grace said. When do we get to meet this new guy of yours? She looked at me questioningly.
I dont know, I admitted. I mean, its all very new. Meeting my friends, he might think its going too fast.
It might be, Grace said, But meeting your father, That would definitely be going fast. Hes kind of a scary guy. Her eyes widened.
My dad? Scary? I considered that for a moment. I suppose he can be. On the other hand, they might get along pretty well. Theyre both big fans of the Rapids.
Oh really? Bec asked. Me too. I like this guy already. He sounds very mysterious.
Does he? I asked.
You havent told us much about him, Ashley pointed out.
My tongue darted over my lips. I guess I havent, but Im not much on talking about myself. I sipped my drink and kept my glass up in front of my face, as though that would deter them from asking any more questions.
We wont push you if you dont want to talk, Bec said gently. But were here for you if you want to. Okay?
Okay. I nodded. I appreciate that, thank you. After a moment and a deep breath I added, Im not used to having female friends. Or male ones for that matter. That sounded pathetic, but I was used to keeping people at arms length, always assuming they liked me for my money. It was a lonely way to be, if safer. These women though, they only saw me for me.
At least, that was how they seemed.
Bec reached over and put a hand on my arm. Were here for you, any time. She gave me a warm smile.
The one I gave her back was probably watery, but I appreciated her kindness more than I could have put into words.
Thank you, I said softly. Thats very sweet of you.
That is a perfect word to describe Bec, Grace said. Sweet.
Bec blushed. Im not sure if I agree with that. Remember how I spent years plotting revenge on Hawk for breaking my heart in high school?
Oh yeah, Grace said slowly. You harboured a lot of pissed off feelings.
Exactly. Bec nodded. I wouldnt call any of that sweet.
Did you kick him in the balls? I asked.
No, Bec said.
Well then, I said, I would call that sweet. Especially if he broke your heart. Some guys deserved a kick in the balls more than others.
I take back what I said about your dad being scary, Grace said. Because youre much scarier than he is. She grinned.
Hell yeah, I agreed. Id say it’s a redhead thing, but thats a stereotype. Lets just say its a Thomas thing.
They all toasted me with their wine glasses and smiles. None of them questioned my choice not to drink alcohol. Either they were very accepting, or I wasnt the only one they socialised with who preferred not to drink.
That was another thing I left to my father. Ive seen him drunk often enough. I didnt want to follow in those footsteps.
I guess your dad is at the meet and greet with all the guys? Ashley asked. When I nodded, she continued, Chase said he hates those things. He said the people there act like theyre your friends, not just paying guests. Thats why we dont go.
Because no one wants to think of their football gods as having girlfriends? I asked.
Bec wrinkled her nose. Exactly. It messes with their fantasies.
How do you feel about that? I set my empty glass on the table. People having fantasies about your man. Other women probably had all sorts of fantasies about Ollie. I did. Thank fuck he wasn’t in the public eye like their guys.
Of course the shoe might be on the other foot. Well, only if people were mad enough to fantasise about me.
It’s a bit disconcerting, Bec admitted. They send Hawk all sorts of strange things in the mail. The team has someone to open and check things, but apparently hes been sent underwear, locks of hair, letters with lipstick marks on them. And thats just the normal stuff. The things they send by email are much worse. So Ive been told anyway. She grimaced.
You probably get your share of weird fan mail? Grace asked.
Some, Bec replied.
I do, I admitted. The weirdest thing Ive ever gotten was someone who wanted me to pass on a marriage proposal, and a photo of her breasts, to my father.
Oh my God, really? Ashley said, half laughing. Did you pass it on?
I snorted a laugh. Hell no. He doesnt need my help finding women. They find him. And his money.
I noticed Bec checking her watch.
Hawk said he and the guys might be here after the meet and greet, she explained. After that, theyll probably be ready to let off some steam.
As long as they dont bring their hangers-on like last year, said John, the owner of Waves, as he walked past carrying a pile of glasses. He stopped and added, To be fair, they didnt bring them on purpose. They were followed. You know what those rabid fans can be like. He rolled his eyes towards the ceiling and kept on walking.
Yeah, that would suck, Grace said. Although, Bam would probably think its hilarious.
If anyone found it funny it would be him, Bec agreed. Hawk on the other hand…
I dont think Chase would be very impressed either, Ashley remarked.
That sounds like my cue to leave, I said. I dont want to cramp your style. And I really didnt want to be here if my father turned up. He probably wouldnt be alone. I couldnt even guess which woman hed come here with.
Dont let us chase you away, Bec said.
Youre not, I said firmly. Its getting late anyway. I’ll see you all later. I smiled, grabbed my bag and headed for the door.