“We are. But it’s difficult to date someone when you live in different states.” I don’t know why I’m so defensive. Maybe it’s because he’s acknowledging things I’m not ready to accept. I mean, we aren’t completely serious, even though we aren’t seeing other people. But it’s not like we’re proclaiming our undying love for each other. Hell, we haven’t even been intimate yet.
“All I’m saying,” Ross continues, “Is that nobody else brings their girl to practice unless they are married, or ready to take things to the next level.”
“Stop giving Bentley a hard time,” Jordan says from behind me. “He’ll realize for himself, eventually.”
Great, now they are both on my case. “Whatever. Let’s get this over with so I can take Jolene on a date before she has to fly off again.” I immediately wish I would have picked a better phrase. Let’s be real, that’s how this is going to end. She’ll constantly be flying off to her next adventure and I’ll be the one waiting for the next phone call, or visit, wondering if she’s going to leave forever.
I shake the thought from my mind. “All right guys, let’s get this show on the road. I’ve got things to do.” A series of whistles sounds around me, and I glance up at Jolene. Her cheeks are bright pink, and she knows she’s the reason for the sudden noise. “Shut up and let’s do this thing.”
Derrick stands next to me with a knowing smile. “Don’t say a word,” I warn. He still looks up to me and lifts his hands in surrender.
The rest of the guys gather around us with Coach standing on the end. Normally, he’d be in the middle with all the players surrounding him, but he doesn’t like being the center of attention. Sam grabs his phone out of his back pocket and holds it in front of him. “Okay guys, smile big. I’m going to take a few shots and they can figure out which one they want to use.”
We do as we’re told and step away from each other as soon as Sam puts his phone down. Derrick claps me on the shoulder, “Good luck on your date. If you need any help in the future, all you have to do is call.”
“Yeah, okay,” I snort. “If you think I’m taking dating advice from you, you’re nuts. How long did it take for you to get things right with Darcy?”
“We aren’t talking about me right now,” he waves the comment away. “You date and go through women like you change your underwear. They never last long with you, and I know that’s how you prefer it.” I open my mouth to interrupt, but he plows ahead. “I see how you’ve been looking at her, and how she was watching you. She’s not like the others. Not by a long shot. She’s one of those you take home to your parents and make a real go of it. It’s scary, but don’t let that fear get in the way of something good.”
He hit the nail on the head without realizing it. I’ve never told him any of the fears I have over people leaving. But I guess he knows how to spot it considering the lengths his roommate went through to get the girl he wants. “I think you’re spending too much time with Darcy. She’s turning you into someone who thinks logically.”
“Blame her if you want, but you know I’m right.”
I’ll never admit that. “Then you need to do the same thing with the team. They need a leader. Someone who will tell them, and guide them through, what they need to do. You may be one of the youngest on the team, but you have what it takes. Getting them here today was the first step. Finish taking that role by leading them toward a championship.” Yes, I feel like a hypocrite even as the words come out of my mouth. But the advice can be applied with both situations. The only way we’ll both get what we want is if we take a leap. It’s time for me to take mine. “Let me know if you want to get together to shoot around.”
“Will do,” he grins. As annoying as Derrick can be, he’s the only genuine friend I have outside of the team. “And remember what I said.”
“Yep.” I head toward the sideline and grab my open gym bag. I pull out my sweats and hoodie, slipping them on before walking to Jolene. “You ready to get out of here?”
“Sure.” Her smile brightens up her face, and I know that she’s happy to be here. She doesn’t say anything about the fact I haven’t showered and don’t plan to. It would take away time from her. She wraps an arm around my waist and points toward the door, “Show me what Austin has to offer.”
* * *
“This wasn’t what I was expecting.” She slides out of the backseat after me, and stares at the fast-food restaurant in front of us. Sam already told me he’s going to go down the street for tacos and will be back before we’re done. He’s burned out on this place, and I’m not sure how that’s possible.
It’s definitely not the most romantic date, but I warned her. “You are about to have your taste buds changed forever.” She side-eyes me and I chuckle. “I told you the first thing we would do when you had a few hours in Texas was get Whataburger.” I stretch out my arms in front of me as if I’m displaying a prize on a TV game show. “I make good on my promises.”
“I guess we’re about to see if it’s as good as you say it is.” I take hold of her hand and we make our way to the automatic doors. As soon as it slides open, Jolene takes a big sniff. “It smells amazing. Like camp cookouts and grills.”
I mentally high five myself. She could have been disgusted when we showed up here, but she’s taking it all in stride. I have a feeling Mom and Gabby will love her. Well, when the time comes for her to meet them. Derrick’s words from the gym come back to me. That’s not today, though.
She studies the menu as we wait in line. “Which is better? Onion rings or fries?”
“You really can’t go wrong. Either way, make sure you get the spicy ketchup. It’s a game changer.”
We place our order and find a table in the corner. I shouldn’t get too much attention here since we’re in my old neighborhood. Even though I’ve gone pro, they still treat me the same. It’s kind of jarring to the way other people act around me, but it’s a small way of keeping me humble. Jolene sits down on the bench beside me and bumps her shoulder into mine. “Doesn’t eating here go against all the healthy eating practices you set for yourself during the season?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I lift my arm and rest it on her shoulder before pulling her closer to me. Having her here with me feels natural and right. “Yeah, but I’m willing to have cheat days if it means being with you.” Ugh, I sound so cheesy. Why does she throw me off my game?
“Aw, I’m worthy of a cheat day.” It’s weird seeing her all cuddly and leaning into me. It’s a far cry from how she was when we first met. Maybe she’s decided to let go and take a leap herself.
I brush my fingertips along her arm and she shivers. “You are worth so much more.” And it’s true. I’ve never put this much effort into dating anyone, much less someone that lives in another state.
“You have no idea how refreshing it is to hear that.” Sadness fills her voice, and I have a feeling it has to deal with more than just her parents shunning her decisions. Now isn’t the time to dig around for the cause. I have my suspicions but we’re in public and I don’t want to make her uncomfortable.
One of the employees, Brandy, shows up with our tray of food and sets it down on the table. She reaches for the number they gave us when we ordered, but I slide it to the wall. “Is there any way I can keep this one?”
She shakes her head. “You’ve been here enough times to know I can’t do that.”