Page 34 of The Power Play

We watch the game without any more interruptions from Tabitha, and I’m so beyond thankful for that. It makes me want to learn more about what happened between them from Charlie, especially since she thinks he would get back with her and he has made it extremely clear he can’t stand the mention of her.

I know she’s the reason he doesn’t trust easily and now, more than ever, I want him to trust me enough to let go. Because I want him. I may not be someone to be in a relationship with and I think that’s exactly what makes me the perfect person to help him work through his little problem. I’m not a long time, but I’m a good time and I want to have a good time with him.

16

Unfortunately, the Dragons lose the game. It always sucks to walk out of the home arena on a loss, the energy is low, and everyone is disappointed. I didn’t have any further interactions with Tabitha for the rest of the game. She sat by Martha, and I tried to watch them while not seeming obvious. From where I sat, it seemed that Martha was focused on watching her son play more than talking to his ex.

Chandler and I drove here together since she didn’t want to choose who to leave with and demanded she’s an independent woman. She drops me off at Charlie’s condo with a wink, “Make sure to help him feel better about the loss.”

“I just might,” I wink back.

I’m not sure if the team is planning to do anything after the game, maybe they plan to go out to commiserate about the loss and I’ll be asleep before Charlie even comes home. But maybe he will come straight home. And maybe he will want to see me.

Once I’m in the door I go to my room to change, pulling off my jeans and the jacket and Dragons t-shirt I was wearing. Putting on one of my loose shirts and boy shorts.

I check my appearance in the mirror, my shoulder length dark hair has fallen a little flat from the waves I put it in before the game. I clean up my makeup from under my eyes that ran slightly. With one last look in the mirror, I go back out to the kitchen to get some water and strawberries.

I cut off the stems from the berries, put them in a bowl and wash them before snacking while scrolling through my phone. I’m leaning over the counter, not bothering to sit down when I hear the front door open. I don’t move, just continue to scroll and snack on the fruit.

When Charlie appears in the kitchen, leaning on the other side of the counter I pretend not to notice him.

“So,” he finally says, “are you going to tell me what happened during the game?”

Without looking up at him I just shrug.

“Do I have to help bury a body or…” he extends the last word in question.

“Ha ha,” I finally look up at him. His brown hair is darker from being wet, he’s still in his game day suit, the fabric clinging to his lean muscular frame in a way that should be illegal. “Are you going to tell me why you look like a ghost every time your ex is mentioned?”

“I already told you the short version.”

“I want the long version.”

“Why?”

I shrug again.

He groans, running his fingers through his hair. “Fine, but I need a drink first.” He comes around to my side of the island and gets a bottle of brown liquor from one of the tall cabinets.

I stare at him unabashedly as he pours himself a finger worth of what I assume is bourbon, downs it in one gulp before pouring himself another and facing me. I pull myself up onto the island, shocking myself when the cold stone hits my bare skin. It brings me closer to his height and allows me to look straight ahead at him.

“Tabitha and I met freshman year of college; we were friends for a while then started dating our sophomore year. Our relationship was fine, nothing special. But I’d never had a serious relationship before her so I guess I didn’t really know what it should be like.”

“Did you love her?” I can’t help but ask. I’ve never been in love or had a serious relationship either, so I wouldn’t know what it should be like either.

He takes a sip from his drink. “I thought I was at the time, but looking back it was more like settling. Puppy love at best.”

I nod like I know what that feels like. I don’t.

“My senior year I was being looked at for the NHL draft, it was obvious, especially with the season I was having that I was going to be drafted. Of course, everyone in my life was excited, including me. It was always my dream to play in the NHL.” He finishes the rest of his drink and sets down the glass. He’s looking down at the floor, avoiding my gaze.

I don’t say anything, I just wait.

He runs his fingers through his hair. He’s nervous. “I overheard her talking to her friends one day. She was talking about how she was going to be set for life once I got drafted. She was trying to get pregnant so I would take care of her and the baby.” He looks up at me now, “I couldn’t believe it, but thinking back on how she was acting it really made sense. Obviously, I broke up with her and it made me hyper aware of the fact that she’s not unique and I never want to be used like that.”

“So that’s why you don’t trust many people,” I state, finally understanding his reasoning.

“Right. One day I discovered…well, you and it was a safe way to experience some level of intimacy, so that’s what I did.”

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