Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Coach West and Ava aren’t here, but I knew they were taking a quick trip to Charlotte to meet with her boss whose company is based there. Brienne and Drake aren’t here either, but Drake’s sister Kiera is. She’s become part of our regular crowd and fits in well. Drake likes to grumble and warn all the single players away from her but you’d find every one of us fiercely protective of her. She’s family.
For the next hour, I spend most of the time making the rounds among my friends. I willingly accept birthday beers and play a few games of pool with Bain. I watch as a fight breaks out between two bikers near the front of the bar and smile when it’s Stevie who wades into the brawl to break it up while Hendrix watches with an uneasy expression. Stevie’s a tough chick and she’s not afraid to keep the peace. Still, it’s a hard pill for Hendrix to swallow since his instinct is to jump in and handle it. I saw this firsthand on a prior visit here.
As time moves on, I notice that no matter where I am and what I’m doing, I’ve got an eye out for Danica. While she knows a handful of people here, she’s meeting most of the new players for the first time. I stand at the ready to swoop in if she’s left alone or looks uncomfortable, but on the contrary, she seems to be having a great time. She wears that natural smile I’ve come to appreciate over the last three weeks since we reconnected, and part of me wants it focused my way.
Since I helped her organize her garage day before yesterday, I feel an even stronger pull toward her. I know it has everything to do with the fact that she broke through a barrier that I’ve not allowed a single person past since the plane crash. I shared with her about my nightmares, and it doesn’t count that I divulged that to Coach West. That was done under duress and fear I’d lose my job.
But Danica somehow presented a safe environment for me in that small stone garage with a broken concrete floor. Within the confines of that space, she learned that I’m still struggling to accept the crash and that my background plays into it. I told her enough about my family dynamics that she’s aware that I’m not someone who puts my feelings out there. She knew exactly when to back off so that I never felt cornered or overwhelmed.
Consequently, I’m like the curious, starved dog. I want to sniff and nudge at her hand to see what other treats she might have, but I’m a bit too skittish to go all in.
“That was nice of Danica to come.” I turn to see Bain with another beer in hand for me. I accept it with a nod of thanks. “I assume you invited her.”
“Yeah. Figured she’d enjoy being around the team again.”
Bain knows I’ve had a few interactions with her since I was ordered to attend the support group. He knows I played on the same line as Mitch, and I even told him I feel a little guilty for not having done more for her until now.
“I talked to her a bit ago. She sure is singing your praises.”
My gaze cuts over to Danica sitting at a table with Tillie while Coen plays pool. Whatever they’re talking about has Danica laughing hard.
I don’t let a single facial muscle move in response to Bain’s words, denying that it feels a little too good to have her appreciation. It means that what I’m doing for her means something to her personally, and for whatever reason, helping Danica seems to be a balm to my tortured thoughts about the crash. I manage to keep my tone neutral. “She’s done an amazing job of rebuilding her life after Mitch died. I admire her a lot.”
“I also notice you haven’t hung out with her at all tonight,” Bain muses.
I turn my gaze lazily to him as if the question doesn’t bother me. “Why would I? It’s not like this is a date or anything.”
Bain’s mouth curves upward, his expression knowing. “Never said it was. But it does seem like you’re avoiding her.”
“I’m not avoiding,” I grouse. “She’s been busy talking to other people and I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“If you say so,” Bain says blandly before nodding at an empty pool table. “Want to play again?”
No, I don’t. I want to talk to Danica and I realize I’ve been keeping my distance because I didn’t want anyone to think poorly of me. I didn’t want anyone to think I invited her for any reason other than friendship.
I’ve got enough beer in me now to remind myself that I am indeed nothing but her friend and it’s totally permissible for me to hang out with her. “I’m going to pass,” I tell Bain, walking away without a backward glance.