Page 2 of If Everything Was Easy

“You weren’t the only one needing to blow off steam. We’ve got a big week coming up. Next Saturday’s game is the Legacy Game.”

“Please don’t remind me.” I sighed as a bit of reality creeped in. I’ve been pushing it away for weeks.

“It’ll be great. We’ll win, they’ll retire the jersey, and you’ll be the only Slone they’re talking about on that field.” She side-hugged me, and as I wobbled, the room tilted. “Justin’s waiting outside for us. Let’s get you home, birthday girl.”

“Home,” I whispered. Home was a place where my mind could wander, and the deafening quiet let me question whether I was the one who could live up to her legacy.

The ride back to the apartment was quick and uneventful. Ashley jabbered away about some movie she wanted Justin to take her to for their next date, and I stared out the window, watching the street lights pass above us. We pulled into the parking lot, and Justin pulled into a space. Just as I was getting ready to open the door, Ashley growled, “What the hell?”

My head snapped up, and there sitting on our steps was none other than my boyfriend, Danny. I swung the door open and wobbled to my feet.

“What are you doing here?” I squealed as I attempted to run to him. I flung my arms around his neck, and pressed my body against him. He smelled so good and my alcohol soaked brain didn’t even care that he hadn’t called me today.

“I was in meetings all morning, and then I’ve been flying here to see you. I’m sorry I didn’t call, but I thought spending time together was better.” He smiled down at me as my eyes filledwith tears. “Don’t cry. I love you.” He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to my lips. “Seems like you’ve been doing a little partying tonight.”

“Someone needed to take her out,” Ashley grumbled from behind me.

“Ash,” I warned. I knew they didn’t like each other, but lately Ashley’s been getting more and more vocal about it. “How long can you stay?” I turned back to Danny.

“Only until tomorrow night. I have to be back in Denver for a big meeting on Friday.” He grimaced.

“So you’re going to miss the game?” I whined. Danny hadn’t been to a game since he graduated and it bugged me.

“I’m here now. Let’s get inside so I can get out of these work clothes.” He tugged at his tie.

I turned to go up the steps and Danny followed. I knew if I pushed him, it would just turn into another argument. We’ve been having a lot of those lately.

“I don’t want to hear whatever is going to happen in there.” Ashley moved her finger in a circle as she pointed to my bedroom door.

“We’ll try to behave.” I giggled as Danny lifted me up on his shoulder, and smacked my butt. I pushed everything aside that I was upset about, and lived in the moment. Right now he was here, and we were going to celebrate my birthday all night. I’d probably feel like death run over at tomorrow’s practice, but tonight I didn’t care.

“Ava.” His voice was gruff. I could feel his warm body press against my side.

“Too early. Need sleep,” I mumbled as I attempted to bury my face in my pillow.

“It’s time for practice.” He pressed a kiss to my neck, right below the ear. “I’ll reward you after,” he whispered.

“I don’t know if I can handle any more reward.” I rolled to my side. Every part of me ached, but in a good way. “Coach is going to be so hard on us today. Only three more days till the Legacy Game.”

“You were born for this. I know you can handle it.” He chuckled as he rolled to his back, taking his body heat with him.

“Why don’t you come to practice? We could grab food after and visit some of our old hangouts.” I was feeling better about him missing the game.

“Can’t. Gotta work.” He tossed his arm over his eyes, shielding his face. “And before you start, this was the compromise I made to make this trip.” He sounded like my dad did when I was little and I complained about his traveling for work.

“Fine. I get it.” I was short with him as I climbed out of bed. I quickly dressed in practice clothes, and then grabbed my gym bag to head to the living room. “You had plenty of time to fuck me, but you don’t actually want to spend time with me. Noted!”

“Ava. Don’t be like that. You know that’s not true,” he muttered. He still had his arm over his eyes.

“Right.” I shook my head as I rolled my eyes. Why did I put up with this crap? Because I’d been with Danny long enough and had been told that we were perfect for each other enough that I didn’t see myself with anyone different.

Ashley was already pouring a protein shake into a travel cup when I sat down to put my shoes on. “Can we go? Like now?” I grumbled.

“Oh, is douche bag being a douche bag?” She grabbed her keys off the counter. “I don’t know why you let him treat you like this, A. You deserve so much better.” She flung open the door and motioned for me to go ahead of her. “I mean, even if he is good in the sack. That’s not all there is, ya know?”

“I know.” I sighed. The truth was, I did know. I just never pictured myself with someone else and I guess I’d become complacent over the whole thing. It wasn’t always like this, though. Danny used to be so attentive. We had the same interests, then it was like he moved on in life and forgot all about me. He called less, came back to see me less, and didn’t seem to act like he wanted to be with me unless we were in bed. I kept hoping that things would be better, and I kept waiting for them to change, but now I wondered if I was only fooling myself thinking that they would.

Chapter 2

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