Page 37 of Waiting for Redemption

“Tank, I swear to God, I’m not playing around. I will text him in five minutes to make sure he’s coming to get you.”

“Okay, Ruby. I got it.” For the first time I realize, I don’t like when Tank uses my real name. He’s called me Honey for so long now that it feels…strangewhen he doesn’t.

“Be safe, please.”

“Will do, Honey.” He salutes me lazily with two fingers then the line goes dead before I can say another word. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach after we hang up—the same one I got when I saw Tank’s head hit the wall while we were in San Francisco. He’s been off ever since that night and it's starting to worry me.

I hate seeing him revert back to the quiet, to himself guy that he was when I first met him. He’s still friendly, but there’s a look in his eyes telling me that something’s changed. It’s like any good moments in his days are few and far between, and I just wish I could do something to help.

Me

Please tell me you’re going to get Tank.

Max

On my way now. How’d you know?

Me

He called me to come get him, but Hendrix is already asleep so I told him to call you.

Max

Don’t worry, I’ll get him home safe.

Me

Okay, good. Thanks

I bite the inside of my cheek, still staring down at my phone while my mind swirls with so many thoughts about Tank. I feel a little better knowing Max is the one in charge of getting him home safely tonight, but it still doesn’t change how uneasy I feel over the way he’s been acting lately. Maybe he just needs a little bit of normalcy to get him out of this…funk?Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to pull him out of it.

After crawling back into bed with Hendrix I toss and turn until I get a text that helps put my mind at ease.

Tank

Thanks for not letting me feel alone tonight.

Me

Anytime.

Almost immediately after, I nod off and dream of the night we danced together at the bar. I never knew your heart could physically ache from missing someone’s touch during a dream that’s supposed to make you happy. But somehow, it does.

* * *

“I am so excited. Okay, so we’ll all meet here for pre-game shots and then head over around six o’clock.” Shane claps her hands together excitedly while Leah and Lauren sit next to her at the bar. Max grumbles in disapproval as I stand back watching in amusement.

“And where are y’all going?” Tank asks, wiping down the other side of the counter.

“Oh no, you’re coming too. I got you a ticket and I will drag your ass there if I have to.” Max slams a ticket down on the counter, sliding it over to Tank.

“Country Music Festival…The fuck I am,” Tank scoffs, sliding it back to Max.

“Come on man, I will buy your first three beers if you go,” Max offers. It’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to him begging, and I have to say—it’s entertaining. My eyes bounce between the two of them as Tank contemplates his decision.

“Are you going?” he asks, looking directly at me. I hate the fact that my cheeks instantly heat at his inquiry because I can feel all three girls staring at me intently.

“Yeah, I am,” I answer, turning to organizenothingjust to keep myself busy.

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