“I’m sure she feels the same about you,” I laugh. The sports channel is on the small television in the corner again, and it’s playing whatever game is on tonight. I don’t pay too much attention. At least, not right now. When I get home tomorrow, I’ll be glued to the screen, taking notes on what the players are doing. It’s smart to keep an eye on other teams. It’s the only way to get better.
The bartender sets my drink in front of me, and a small grin crosses her lips as she eyes Ross. “If you need anything else, just let me know.”
“Thanks,” I say.
“So, I hear you’re trying to heal a broken heart.” He takes a long sip of his drink before setting it on the counter and pushing it back and forth between his hands. I wish he’d sit down. He’s taller than me when we’re both standing, and now it feels like I’m talking to a giant.
“I think Jordan talks too damn much.” I grimace at my glass. Did he have to tell him anything? How in the hell was there even time? Unless…he somewhat set this up before he left. I wouldn’t put it past him. He seems to know what’s going on with my life before I do. It must be because he’s ‘older and wiser’ or whatever. He’s not even that much older than me and already acts like a grandpa.
“Is it a broken heart?” He finally sits down on the barstool and spreads his legs out so his knees don’t hit the counter. “I’m not one to judge, but the best medicine is to find a night of fun.”
“You know, I think this is the most I’ve heard you talk since I signed onto the team.” He shakes his head but doesn’t say anything, waiting me out until I’ll answer his question. Fine. I’ll do it only because I want to talk about something, anything, else. “Not really a broken heart. I’ve only seen the woman a handful of times. She got under my skin and bruised my ego, though.”
“That’s tough, man. You can’t let the females get you down.” He takes another sip of his drink. “I’m sure there are plenty of women in here tonight that wouldn’t mind warming your bed.”
I’m not looking for a bed warmer. I just want to get my mind off Jolene for a while. Seeing her on the plane ride back home tomorrow will be a punch to the gut. I wonder if it’s too late to upgrade my ticket to first class. No. I’ll sit in my seat and act like her rejection meant nothing. Fake it until you make it, right? “Honestly, this is helping. I don’t hang out with much of the team.”
“That’s because you’re arrogant as hell,” he slaps my shoulder, almost knocking me off my stool. Son of a bitch, remind me not to get on his bad side. If that was a playful push, imagine what he could do if he fought anyone. “Nobody wants to hang out with someone like that.”
“Then why don’t you go out with the guys?” It’s a genuine question, I’ve never seen him in any of the local tabloids.
“Because my mama would kick my ass if she thought I was causing trouble.” He shakes his head as if he’s ashamed of fearing his mom. I get it. My mom is one of the kindest women I know, but if she actually picked up any of the trash magazines, she’d give me a good ass whipping. “I do the same things the rest of them do, but I keep a low key.”
“That’s smart,” I agree. “I do too, except I’m by myself.”
“Dude, don’t even lie. I’ve seen the pictures online. You always have some hot chick hanging on your arm.”
“Yeah, and they usually get pissed off when I send them packing the next morning.”
“That’s because they’re looking for a payload. They don’t give a damn about you, just their fifteen minutes in the limelight.” He’s not telling me anything I don’t know. He glances up at the television screen and nods. “How do you think we'll do against them?”
I pick up my glass and take another long pull. At the rate I’m going, I’m going to need another one pretty soon. “It’ll be a win, easy. We just have to watch their defense. They don’t like—” I pause with my drink halfway to the counter at the sound of her voice. What the fuck is she doing here?
“They don’t like what?” Ross has no idea that the reason for my mood just walked into the bar.
I hold my finger up and tilt my head to hear what they are saying. Of all the places they could go in this city, and they come here.
“He’s probably out with his teammates. I don’t know why you’re worried.” Lana’s voice is loud and captures Ross’s attention.
“Because, I basically told him I didn’t have time for him. Why did you pick this place, anyway?”
I want to turn around. I want to see her, but I don’t. I stay perfectly perched on my stool, waiting to see what else they are going to say.
“Hey man, is that her?” Ross whispers.
“Shhh.”
Lana finally answers, “It’s the only place that doesn’t care about casual clothes and the drinks are reasonably priced.”
“I swear, Lana, if he’s here, I will smack you.” She’s quiet for a minute. “I’m regretting coming out with you.”
“Oh, get over yourself,” Lana admonishes her. “It’s not like you can avoid him forever. In case you don’t remember, he’ll be on the flight in the morning.”
They walk around the bar into my line of sight. I duck my head so they can’t see me, but I can still see them. They head to the opposite side of the room, and I can no longer hear them.
“Son of a bitch. Do I have some sort of unlucky sign attached to my back?”
Ross laughs and smacks his hand on the bar top. “That was the funniest shit I’ve ever seen. I don’t think I’ve ever seen your face that pale.”