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“Yeah.” I pull my phone out of my pocket, seeing a Words notification that Sean played a word. I shoot him a text.
ME: Where are you?
SEAN: On a plane getting ready to take off.
ME: For where?
SEAN: You already know. I know you track the schedule.
ME: Oh, you’re on the plane with the team. I thought they left your sorry butt behind this week.
SEAN: Lady, they want to score touchdowns.
SEAN: Now, play your word so I can triple-word score your losing ass.
ME: Sorry, I’m at rehearsal while you’re being pampered on your private jet. Later, sucka.
“Awwwwweeee, look at that flirty smirk,” Nora says in a sing-song voice. “If I were a betting woman, which I totally am, I’d bet a McDonald’s Happy Meal that our sweet but mostly sassy soon-to-be rockstar is texting the sexy, gorgeous football player.”
If I wasn’t afraid of breaking my phone, I’d throw it at her, but then she might see she’s right. Yes, I’m texting him, but I haven’t talked to him since the party last week.Wait, why am I defending myself to…myself?
When he dropped me off that night, after I’d gotten a shower and tucked myself in bed, I thought about what he told me about his birth parents. I knew by the way he wouldn’t look at me and kept fiddling with the cap on his water bottle, he didn’t want to talk about it. I also know that there’s a very real and very deep pain that resides within him from not only being given up but also from finding out that he was the result of a horrifyingly traumatic event.
When I asked him if he knew that horror was not reflected in him, I didn’t like his hesitant answer. I wanted to hold that pretty face and strong jaw in my hands and make him hear me until he believed it. No one should have to live thinking they’re only the consequence of a vile act.
The many layers of Sean continue to reveal themselves. All of that stone I saw at first is being chipped away shard by shard, leaving a man who is soft and tender and fun. I see a man who doesn’t take himself all that seriously but also one who honors right and good and just. An image of him hanging out on my couch with Axel on his chest skirts through my mind, causing a warming sensation I really want to ignore.
When he told me about the rumors of him possibly being traded, it made me want to kick every one of those suit-wearing pricks at the party in the balls. If it’s because of what his ex is saying, it’s such a slap in the face.
He told me it’s business, and part of me understands that, especially with how the labels came chasing me. But in the time I’ve known Sean, I know how much he gives and sacrifices for the team. How can they just toss him out because some chick decided she wanted to get back at him? Where is the team in that, the camaraderie, the loyalty?
I heard the hurt in Sean’s voice when he told me about the possible trade, and I saw him roll back his shoulders and stiffen as he talked to a guy at the party who I have to assume is the team’s GM. Only a GM, who holds the lives of his players in his hands, would look like a slimeball. I don’t know what they said to each other, but the feelings of betrayal were clear, and I can only sympathize with him.
Nora sits down next to me, pulling me from my thoughts. “Soooooooo, what made you do it?”
“Do what?” I ask, still trying to pull my brain back from thoughts of Sean possibly being traded.
“Decide to make an album on your own. Andie, this is amazing. You have no idea how many people want this. When we announce it, it’s going to blow up.”
I weigh my head from side to side. “At the Tigers party, when I heard that Sean’s crazy ex was telling everyone I couldn’t sing, I’d just had it. I’m tired of giving away my soul searching and pain for someone else to deliver to the world. If I’m going through it, I want to sing it my way.”
Nora grins. “I still can’t believe you sat on the bar and sang. You were like one of those lounge singers.”
Jonesy chuckles from behind his phone.
“What are you laughing at?” I kick his shin.
“I can see it. You sprawled out on top of the piano, singing your heart out for all those giants.” He starts singingMy Heart Will Go On,his pitch high but still on key.
“Whatever.” I shove his shoulder. “There wasn’t anywhere else to sit, and I needed those people to pay attention.”
Jonesy stifles his laughter. “Did it work?”
“You know it did. I know you both wish you could’ve been there. You’d be even more jealous to know Sean bought me tacos after my little moment of truth.”
Nora gasps. “Hold the freaking phone. He bought you tacos afterward?”
Crap. Why did my mouth let that out of the bag? Now, she’ll think we’re going to get married.
