Page 51 of Snap

"You might have to explain the rules to me," Skye said. "All I can tell is a ball is being thrown around, and men are being tackled to the ground."

Another time, I would have rolled my eyes, but she was making an effort to take an interest in something Dad was passionate about. Wife number four, Lauren, never did that. Strange that she stuck around for so long, really. They couldn't have been more different.

Dad put his arm around Skye's shoulders, and in a low voice started to explain the intricacies of football.

I sighed to myself. Was I destined to end up like him? A series of failed relationships, broken hearts, a trail of mistakes left behind me?

Well, that was something to look forward to. Not.

The Rapids scored a touchdown and the crowd went crazy. We were the visitors here, but the spectators wanted a good, hard game, not a walk in the park.

I scanned the crowds for Rapids' supporters. Some would have driven a long way just to be here. I didn't envy them. This was one of those times when having a private jet was awesome. We’d flown from Storm Valley at about lunchtime, then taken a private car to the stadium. We came in through another entrance and didn't have to mingle with the crowds. No waiting in line, no waving to get the hot dog seller's attention. Everything we needed was in the private box.

Well, almost everything.

I sipped my coffee. It was cold. I grimaced and set it aside on a table.

I sensed my father watching me, but didn't look toward him. I knew he was worried about me. I barely said two words to him all day. It wasn't like me at all. I just… I had nothing to say.

Without knowing I was going to do it, I got to my feet. "Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies’."

Dad opened his mouth to say something, probably to ask if I was okay, but I hurried away before he could speak.

I slipped out the door and closed it behind me. For a few minutes I leaned against it, eyes half closed. I ignored the couple of people who walked past and gave me funny looks.

Here, most of the people knew who I was. They walked a little faster until they were well away from me. Having a reputation as a spoiled brat sometimes came in useful.

I headed for the bathroom and took my time to wash my hands and splash a little water on my face. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I should look like I hadn't slept in days, because I hadn't. Thanks to a touch of makeup here and there, I only looked slightly tired and pale.

By the time I was finished in the bathroom, the halftime siren had already gone off. A handful of people stepped out of the private boxes to use the toilet. I caught a few words as I hurried away.

A couple of people mentioned how badly Ollie was playing, but most were talking about how exciting the game was so far.

One thing was becoming more and more clear, I couldn't avoid Ollie forever. Especially if they won tonight. He could conceivably be part of my life until he retired. Maybe beyond that. Sooner or later, we were going to have to have a conversation.

I hesitated for a moment longer before I headed towards the stairs which led down from the private boxes. I could have taken the elevator, but the stairs would take a bit longer. That would give me time to think. Although, was that a good thing? I might reconsider what I was about to do.

Shoulders squared, because I had every right to be there, I marched towards the visiting team's locker room. A few people gave me funny looks as I stepped inside, but I lifted my chin and put on my best 'I am the team owner's daughter' face. Most people didn't question me when I was like this.

They stared, some leered, but no one tried to stop me.

It was all a façade. On the inside, I trembled like a leaf.

A couple of the guys stepped out of my way, but I felt their eyes follow me. Let them, I wasn't here for them.

I spotted Hawk and Bam and figured Ollie wouldn't be too far away.

I caught Hawk's eye. He jerked his head to the side.

I nodded to acknowledge the gesture. I wound my way through the sweaty guys who were already planning the second half of the game.

Ollie stood near Chase, a water bottle in his hand. His expression looked familiar. It was very similar to the one I saw in the mirror only a few minutes ago. Like someone stole our kittens, or ate the last of the chocolate.

Ollie saw me and his eyes widened. Then he looked toward the floor.

"You should talk to her." Chase gestured me closer, then moved away.

I gave a brief smile of thanks, then turned my attention to Ollie.

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