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Finncertainly never made me feel that way.Stupid.Stupid.Stupid.HowcouldIever have fallen for him?Histoo-pretty face, the too-perfect phrases, the way he treated me like his princess when we first started dating.Kimlaughed at the memory.Fooledme.
Whydidn’t she question how quickly they became a couple?Finnmade her feel beautiful, used words she’d always dreamed of hearing from a guy, did all the thoughtful boyfriend things, and even wooed her parents.Kimfell for him.Hard.Hequickly ensnared her in his world.
Maybebecause he was the first guy to pay attention to her?Becausehe didn’t care that her brothers played sports professionally?Hehad no interest in the university sports teams, much less pro-level leagues, and didn’t ask her out to get game tickets for his friends.Differentfrom other guys who pretended to show interest in her.
Soon,Finn’sfriends became her friends, and gradually, her long-time girlfriends slipped away from neglect.Finnthought them “silly” and “immature”; like a naïve fool, she embracedFinn’spreferred group, ignoring friends she’d known since elementary and secondary school.
She’dshake off pangs of guilt and promise herself she’d get together with her friends soon.Hernew life continued interfering, and weeks of no contact stretched into months.Later, no one returned her texts and calls when she needed a friend’s opinion.
WithLaurenhelpingDavepack for an upcoming three-game road trip,Kimdecided to tackle homework.Shesat atLauren’sdesk and opened a textbook, hoping to complete several assignments before the late afternoon game.
Whenher phone buzzed with her mother’s ringtone,Kimsighed.Shecouldn’t expectDaveto continue to make excuses for her, so she forced enthusiasm she didn’t feel when she accepted the call.
“Kimberly,I’mgladIfinally caught you,” her mother said. “IthoughtImight need to visitTampato catch up with you.Daveexplained how busy you’ve been—I’mhappy you could spend this weekend with him andLauren.”
Kimfelt sudden guilt for avoiding her mom’s calls. “I’msorry, just slammed with assignments.I’mtrying to stay one step ahead,” she explained. “ButI’vehad such a fun weekend withDaveandLauren.Rightnow,I’mtrying to finish my work for this week soIcan go to the game this afternoon.”
Theychatted a few minutes beforeDavegrabbed the phone to say “Hello” and then ruffled his sister’s hair when he finished.
Suppressinga giggle,Kimcontinued her conversation with her mother as she organized her assignments.
“Kimberly, beforeIlet you go, a handsome man here wants to speak with you.”
Immediatelypicturing her father’s face,Kimwaited for the familiar deep voice.
“Kimberly.”AvoiceKimnever expected to hear again hit her like a bucket of ice water.Finn?Whatthe…
“Whatdo you want?”Thevenom in her voice causedDaveandLaurento turn toward her. “Itold you not to contact me.”
“There’ssomething we need to discuss.”
“There’snothing to say.Itold youIdon’t want to talk with you.”Fromthe corner of her eye, she saw her brother’s expression darken as he stepped toward her. “Don’tever use my mother again to contact me.”
“Youdon’t mean that,Kim.Justgive us a chance to talk things through.Youowe me that much.”
“I.Owe.You.Nothing.”Kimtook a deep breath. “Don’tcontact me again.”
Davestood beside her, holding his hand out for the phone.Kimshook her head slightly as she ended the call, and her hand shook when she placed the phone on her textbook.
“Nowyou know whyI’mavoidingMom.”Shemet his stormy eyes and forced a slight smile as she stood. “Don’tget in the middle of this,Dave.”
“Iwon’t.ButIalso will not allow him to harass you.He’sat our house?”
“HisusualSundayafternoon with his adopted parents.”Sheheard the bitterness in her voice. “Don’tbother—Iknow you’ve got my back.”
Aslight smile hinted at the corners of his mouth. “Ihave no problem playing the older brother card.”
Kimpatted his chest affectionately. “Saveit for whenIneed it.It’sjust aggravation from far, far away.”
Laterthat afternoon,Kim’shead throbbed, a sudden headache derailing her intention of completing her assignments.Aftertaking twoAdvil, she foundLaurenin the master bedroom.
“Knockknock.”
“Hey,Kim, you ready to leave for the arena?”Lauren’swarm smile erased some of the tension that had produced the headache.
“Lauren, would you mind ifIreturn to campus?”Kimpointed to her head. “Idon’t get migraines, but this feels close to one.”
“Ofcourse not,Kim.”Laurenstepped to her side. “CanIget you someTylenolor…”
