Page 42 of Chasing Clouds

“Tell me what she was like—what did you do together?”

“This is a weird question.”

“I know it is, but I’m trying to get to know her and understand her better. It’s easy to see how someone is when they’re in their normal environment, but it’s not like that here.”

It’s silent for a few moments as I listen to car horns and muted conversations of other people.

“Are you regretting marrying her? A girl you didn’t know?” He ends with sarcasm.

“No, jackass, it’s nothing like that. I’m just curious about how she acted around other people.”

“I don’t know . . . she was always quiet. Unless you spoke to her, she stayed in the background and observed more than participated. The most I ever heard her speak was on New Year’s Eve when she told us she was getting married. Don’t get me wrong, she’s always been super nice, but she reminds me of a beautiful piece of art—pretty to look at, but completely untouchable.”

“Is that why?” I rub my towel over my face, wanting to know his answer and not wanting to at the same time.

“Why what?”

“Why you never asked her out?”

“No. I didn’t ask her out because she was with someone else. I respected her enough to respect her choices, and I didn’t pursue it.”

“Even though you knew she didn’t really want to be with that guy.”

“But I didn’t. She never flirted with other guys or gave the impression she wasn’t happy, and honestly, it wasn’t until months after meeting her that I even found out she had a boyfriend. She never talked about him. She never talked much at all.”

That’s when I know I don’t need to feel guilty about Nate anymore. He’s never been the kind of guy to sit back and not take what he wants. He might have some type of infatuation with her, because yes, she is like a beautiful piece of art, but he wasn’t interested enough to have gone after her, even when he thought she was single.

But, just to make sure the air is clear between us, I ask, “Are you pissed at me about this?”

“I was at first, but I’m over it. Then again, I couldn’t decide if I was angry at you or at myself. Why are you asking me all these questions anyway?”

“I’m just trying to get a feel for who she is when she hasn’t found herself in a life-altering situation.”

“Is she doing okay?” He sounds concerned.

As if I don’t ask myself this at least fifteen times a day.

“I think so.” This makes me pause. Would she tell me if she wasn’t okay? I’d like to think she would, but I’ll watch her closer to make sure.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that. You two are getting along okay?”

“Of course—who do I not get along well with?” I smirk.

“Why are you always so arrogant? There’s no need for that,” he scoffs, and I laugh.

“It’s not arrogance, it’s that Jackson charm. You should know—you’ve got it too.”

“Maybe. So, when do I get to see you again? Mom will be due for a visit soon, too.”

“I’m not sure. I need to get through these two months with Camille and into the offseason workout program, then I’ll have a better hold on what’s happening.”

“All right, but . . . Reid, man, I hope you’ll allow yourself to let go and have some fun. This little arrangement might work out well if you let it.”

Arrangement.

That’s exactly what this is, but I find I don’t like that word, not at all.

Commotion from the hallway grabs my attention just as Jack sticks his head into the locker room. “Ready to go?” he mouths, attempting to not interrupt my call.