Page 39 of Chasing Sunsets

“No,” Kelly insisted. “This time you decide. I’ve chosen the individual tasks we’ve done.”

He turned his back to the cameraman taping them and mouthed, “What’s up?”

She truly didn’t know, she didn’t understand her insistence for him to decide, but for some reason, it mattered to her at this moment. “I want you to choose.”

“Fine, I’m a soldier.”

Hours later, after she served meals on a Riverwalk restaurant boat and Brett fought a paintball battle in a mock Alamo stand; they reproduced a sun mosaic to the exact number of tiles, colors, and design specifications. They were fifth to finish, mere seconds before sunset.

They spoke to each other very little, their words curt and cold.

She felt the distance between them growing and hated it.

~

Upon returning to hissuite after having dinner with Sadie, Zack found the bag he’d put his phone, charger, and wallet inside the first day. Since tomorrow was a day off, they could spend their own money on anything they wanted.

He’d felt close to Sadie today. They’d worked together when they stopped at the wreck site, and again while designing the sun mosaic. With his colorblindness, he couldn’t have gotten the damn thing right without her.

A knock rapped on the door as he turned on his phone. He crossed the room and opened the door. “Hey, Ruben.”

“Some of the guys are going down to a pub on the Riverwalk. Come and I’ll buy you a drink for helping Tamara and me the other day.” The guy’s huge frame filled the doorway.

“Sure.” Zack slid his wallet into his back pocket and his phone into his front. “You owe my wife more than me though. I suggestedyouski.”

“Yeah, I guess I do. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a high school football coach.”

“I love football. Some of the best times of my life were on the field.” Ruben sounded nostalgic as they boarded the elevator. “I tore my ACL my senior year, in a game ten college scouts attended to see me play. Needless to say, my hopes of a scholarship vanished.” He ran a hand over his face. “I tried to walk on at Texas Tech the next fall. My knee wasn’t ready, and I injured it again. I dropped my college classes and started working at a gym part-time.”

“You look like you’re still in shape.”

“I am. I have buddies, and we push each other to continue developing our skills. But it’s nearly impossible to get noticed by NFL scouts.”

When they arrived at the pub, Zack said, “I’m going to make a quick phone call.”

Ruben went inside, and Zack punched Dre’s number on his phone and wandered away from the noisy pub.

Dre answered on the third ring. “How’s the race?”

“Okay, I’m hopeful. How are you?”

A groan came over the line. “Spring training is kicking my ass.”

Twenty minutes later, Zack entered the pub and walked over to where a few of the guys from the competition were seated with a bunch of young girls who looked college age. A man played piano and patrons sang along. He motioned for Ruben to follow him outside to talk in private. Once a few yards from the entrance, Zack began, “I explained your story to a friend of mine who knows Snyder White.”

Ruben’s back straightened. “TheSnyder White? The linebacker?”

“Yeah. His story is similar to yours. He was able to get into spring training eight years ago and has played ever since. My friend set up a call between you and Snyder tomorrow morning at ten if you want to talk to him.”

Mouth open, Ruben gaped at him.

“Nothing may come from this meeting, but you’ll be able to ask him questions.”

Ruben shook his head. “Are you screwing with me?”

“No. I merely called a friend. He made the rest happen.” Zack gestured with his phone. “I need your cell number to send you the Colts’ number. Tell the receptionist your name, and you should be put through to Snyder.”

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