Page 49 of Second Down Scrooge

I don’t hear from him before I go to sleep, exhausted from a taxing day.

And when I wake up in the morning, I don't have a call back from him.

Instead, as I scroll through my Instagram, I see him tagged in photos from last night.

I don't really care if he goes out with his friends and his teammates, and I'm not here to stop him from doing that. But if he is as sad and worried about his reputation as he appeared to be, should he really be out drinking in public?

And the bigger question it begs is whether this is truly what I want for myself and for Mia, who’s still sleeping soundly in the little travel crib my parents bought for her to sleep in here.

Do I want to be with someone who ignores my call in favor of drinking with friends? I push those thoughts away. I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding. I set my phone down and walk over to the window to stare out at the gray morning. The cold, gray skies match my mood.

Snow is starting to fall, so we’ll have a white Christmas. Just like the song, and just like all my memories of the holiday growing up. Mia will have those same memories.

But will Austin be a part of them?

I watch the snow fall as a deep sadness washes over me.

I would love for this to work, but I'm afraid we might be at another point where we missed our chance again.

Chapter 24: Austin Graham

A Developing Story

Two Days Until Christmas

My head throbs as morning dawns.

Going out last night was probably a dumb idea.

Scratch thatprobably.

Itwasa dumb idea, but it seemed smart at the time since I was flying solo and feeling the sting of nerves.

I had a shitty meeting with the team owner as he yelled at me for something I didn’t even fucking do. I tried to convince him I was innocent, and he relented a bit—but not totally.

My track record speaks for itself, and none of my coaches believe me. They were in the meeting, too—the head coach, the offensive coordinator, and the tight end coach. They were all there, and they looked at me with disappointment.

I demanded an appeal. They demanded a retest.

I’m trying so goddamn hard not to let it get me down, but I will fight like hell for my innocence.

I just need Kelly to believe me. Everyone else can kick rocks, but if she believes in me, that’s all that matters.

Asher texted me to invite me out for that beer we talked about, and I knew I couldn’t sit around the house waiting for the results staring at a Christmas tree that I’m not even sure I have the heart to decorate anymore.

So I went out.

I confided in him, and I was absolutely shocked when he told me he believed me.

“If you say you didn't do it, then I believe you didn't do it,” he said, and I've never felt more grateful for someone to actuallybelieve me. It was what I needed in the moment, but I regret it this morning—or at least the drinking portion of it.

Now, I wait for test results that I shouldn't have to wait for because I know I didn't take anything I wasn't supposed to take. But then the thoughts turn dark as I start to doubt myself.

Was I drugged?

Is somebody trying to sabotage me?

Did Chase put something in my Gatorade so he'd get the starting position over me?

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