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Dad sighs, running a hand down his face. “We were so close; I just want my son back.”
Guilt swarms my stomach, but it shouldn’t. I’m not the one that did this. “Maybe one day, Dad. That’s the best I can offer.”
I turn on my heel to walk away just as he says, “That’s better than nothing.”
He’s right; we were close. Closer than most. And maybe that’s why it hurts so much.
Slamming the door to my Jeep, I bang the steering wheel and curse like a sailor the second he goes back inside.Why the fuck can’t I forgive him?Everyone else has. But for the life of me, I can’t get past it, and I’m not sure I ever will.
Chapter Five
Dani
Myboss,Rita,andI sit patiently in the meeting room, waiting for Heartwood University’s Athletic Director, James, to arrive. While I love my new role as a marketing and events coordinator for the football team, and am so grateful I got a promotion last year, it’s moments like these I dread.
“The season’s over, people have moved on, and yet, I’m still hearing about Dwayne in the media,” James rants before he’s even sat down. And from his tone alone, it’s obvious the headlines he’s referring to aren’t great. “And none of it’s positive. None! Why is that?”
Sometimes I hate being right.
Rita sits tall, mustering her confidence, and smiles. “Because he’s twenty, has some trouble at home, and the best arm in the country right now. He’s attention seeking because he gets nothing from his parents, and the media are lapping it up.”
My jaw drops, and my insides squirm. I didn’t know any of that. I just assumed he was a typical college student, rebelling against the world.What the hell is wrong with me?I’m better than that. I’m a strong believer in not casting aspersions, and yet, that’s exactly what I did.
“He’s going to need a babysitter if he keeps this up,” James remarks and I jolt.What?!
“A babysitter?” I ask, completely naive.God, is that really a thing?
Rita chirps up, a smile now on her face. “Yes! My wife told me this happens a lot in romance novels.”
James actually smiles. “My wife gave me the idea too. I wonder if that’s where she got it from?”
What is going on here?
I nervously nod, pretending to keep up with the conversation, but I’m struggling. I mean, I know what they’re talking about. Specifically. I’ve read a few romances like that. But it’s not really a thing, right? It doesn’t actually happen in the real world.
“Seems more like a matchmaking move to me,” I mumble, more to myself than to the room, and flinch when Rita clicks her fingers at me.
“Ooh, she’s right,” she says with joy. “Alana did say that often happens.”
I’d say always, but sure, we can go with “often.”
James’s expression morphs to one of concern as he thinks that through. “We’ll have to either find someone he won’t fall for or someone that won’t fall in love back.”
Okay, so this has gone from a general idea to it’s happening.
“I’ll start thinking about people,” I say, to move this ridiculous idea along. “Maybe Sean, from the PR team. I know his wife is working in New York for the year, so he might have more free time than others. And I’m assuming there would be a significant incentive,” I add, trying not to cringe as I do. This whole idea does not sit well with me.
“Sean’s a good backup. But I think I already have it sorted,” Rita says, her hand sitting beneath her chin.
James smiles even brighter—something I haven’t witnessed often—then picks up a stack of paper in front of him. “Perfect. Next item on the agenda.”
And just like that, it seems the problem of Dwayne is solved, and although I highly doubt it, I keep my thoughts to myself.
The rest of the meeting goes by rather painlessly, but it’s really freaking long. By the time I make it back to my office, I have a ton of work to catch up on. But of course, Rita follows me in. “Where are we at with the winter and spring events? Do you need any help with them?”
“Winter is pretty much done,” I say honestly. “The cheer girls have been amazing. Most of them have taken on the task. The guys as usual have all volunteered to help on the day, but anything more than that is a struggle. The spring event, being bigger, is still a work in progress, and the guys don’t really want to help with it yet.”
Rita nods, blowing out a raspberry as she leans into the doorframe. “I miss Nate. He was always happy to volunteer his time. And convince others to do the same.”
