Page 37 of SCRUMptious

Chapter14

D O N AL

It’d beenthree days since I’d last seen Lauren. Seventy-two long hours since I’d walked out of her apartment to give us time and space to think about what we both wanted from our relationship. I wanted her, but I needed her to want me just as much. And if she didn’t … well, I wasn’t sure I saw the point in staying together. It would suck to break up, but until recently neither of us had seen our relationship going the distance, so I tried to tell myself I’d get overit.

Tried, and failed.

I didn’t think you simply got over a woman like Lauren Andrews.

On the bedside table, my phone pinged, alerting me to a new email. Because it was after midnight, I figured it was just spam or something, but I was an addict when it came to my phone, so I rolled over and grabbed it anyway. Launching the email application to my screen, I sucked in a quick breath when Lauren’s name appeared at the top of my inbox.

With a moment of brief, nervous hesitation, my thumb hovered over the bolded text, and then I swiped to openit.

My eyes rushed over her words, and when I reached the end, I started all over again, my jaw slack and my mind disbelieving.

Donal,

I spoke to Martha Kennedy, and with Harold back in the kitchen, we’re going to wrap up my contract with Dublin Rugby a week early. I didn’t want to tell you like this, but, you asked for space, so ...

I know I hurt you when I wasn’t able to say that I saw us growing old together. I never meant for that to happen, but you have to understand that nothing in my life has ever led me to believe that was a possibility for me. My mom and dad were more in love than any two people I’d ever seen, and he was ripped away from her. And I know you don’t like it when I say his name, but when Javier left me, that just reinforced every worry I’d everhad.

In my life, love—no matter how strong—doesn’tlast.

It doesn’t go the distance.

I want it to, trust me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.

And if I’m honest, I wanted it with you. I just couldn’t let myself hope for it, or believe it could. And now, maybe I’m glad I didn’t … because if we had continued down the road we were on and you walked out on me a couple of years from now like you did the other night, I don’t think I could handle it. You would have brokenme.

Anyhow, my flight back to California is tomorrow. I wish we’d gotten to spend these last days together, and that you were coming with me. I wish for so many things. But mostly, I just wish that you’d stayed.

I wish you nothing but the best, and I hope that life brings you everything you’ve ever wanted. You’re a special man, Donal Casey. I’ll never forgetyou.

All mylove,

Lauren

Mother fucker! Lauren was right; I had asked for space—just not a whole goddamn continent’s worth.

Shit, shit, shit.

I’d fucked up when I’d left her apartment and then not called her like I’d promised—I knew that—but this wasn’t how things were supposed to end for us. Hell, they weren’t supposed to end atall.

I wouldn’t letthem.

Lauren had been partially right, but she was wrong too. Love could last. It could go the distance. If, after watching my dad blow through one woman after the next for my entire life, I could believe in the power of relationships, then surely I could make Lauren believe ittoo.

I clicked out of my email app and brought up my contact list. Clicking on my favorites tab, I tapped her name and brought the phone to my ear. As I listened to it ring, I scrubbed my other hand down my face. Fuck, I was exhausted, but not too tired to have this out tonight. Something this important couldn’t wait until morning.

Which was why when my call jumped to voicemail, I hung up and tried again.

When Lauren didn’t answer for the second time, I nearly threw my phone against the wall in frustration, but at the last second, dropped my arm back down. Then, I pulled up a browser to check tomorrow’s flights from Dublin to Los Angeles. Without stopping to think things through, I bought the last available seat on the last remaining direct flight to the west coast. With my size, I hated sitting in economy—especially on such a long flight—but if ever there was a time for sacrifice this wasit.

As soon as the purchase went through, I heaved out a heavy sigh. And then, despite the late hour, I dialed my dad’s number.

“Hey dad,” I said when he answered. “I hate to ask, but I need a hugefavor.”

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