Page 37 of Personal Foul

“Maybe that’s the problem, Garrett. I don’t believe you would ever hurt him on purpose, but you don’t think. People get hurt because you act without thinking the consequences through first. Today, for example. All you thought was that Nick would love to play football with two pro players. Two players that outweigh him by a hundred pounds, give or take. Two players who are competitive and may end up hurting him. All for some hero worship from my child. You didn’t think it through. I can’t have that around my kid.”

“So what? You’re going to break up with me? Let all this between us go because of one accident?”

“Yes, we said friends with benefits, remember? My child is more important than some fling with you. I never even wanted you around my kid. You bullied me into it.”

“Now I’m a bully? Fuck, Reagan. My feelings for you are so fucking deep, but you’re so blind you can’t see it. Nick’s more than my girlfriend’s kid. He is important to me too. You can’t just tear me away from him like this. It’s not right.”

“I can and I will. He needs positive role models. That’s not you. Hell, look at your past. You jump from bed to bed, never settling for one woman. You drink every night, getting blitzed to where you don’t remember half the shit you do. Then, when things get rough, instead of facing the consequences of your actions, you flee. What kind of role model is that?”

“You’re right. Who I was before I came here was no role model. I’ve changed since I came here. I’ll admit that I ran from the reality of facing what I did to Alonzo every day. That was a mistake. However, I can’t really think of it as one when it brought me here, to you. To Nick. I have only been out once since I’ve been here. With the team my first night here. I didn’t drink a lick that night. I have only slept with one woman since before I left New England. That’s you. I have straightened my life out and grown up. If you can’t see that, then you don’t care to look.”

“That’s a damn lie. Our first dinner, you drank wine with me.”

“Did I? I filled our glasses, but only yours was touched. I drank water. I’m falling madly in love with you, Reagan. I already love that kid as if he was my own. You’re going to let all of that go because you’re scared. Is that really what you’re going to do?”

“Yes, because that kid deserves better. He deserves someone who will always put him first. I told you from day one that I wasn’t available for a relationship. You pursued me anyways. You convinced me we could keep this separate. I never should have trusted you.”

“Yeah, I guess not. I would fight to the death for you and that kid, but I can’t be the only one fighting, Reagan. You need to fight too.”

“I can’t. I don’t want to. You need to go, Garrett.”

“Please don’t do this, Reagan. Please don’t end this because of this.”

“End what? It was nothing serious. You need to go. We can be polite when we cross paths, but I don’t want you talking to my kid anymore.”

“I’ll give you time, Reagan. But just know that even though you think you’re hurting right now, I hurt worse. You know where to find me.”

I flinch with the soft click of the front door closing, and blow out a slow breath.

You did the right thing.

“I have never been so disappointed in you, Reagan Kelly,” Dad says softly from the top of the stairs.

“He was bound to break my heart anyways,” I whisper to myself.

Or was he?

Chapter 9

Week 9

Reagan

“Ma, I don’t understand why I can’t call him. Garrett promised he would come with me to tryouts. I know I have a broken arm, but the coach said that I could still come and talk to him. I want Garrett there with me.”

It’s been a rough week. I didn’t realize just how much Garrett Stone became a part of my life. It’s not like the kid doesn’t know how to fall. We’ve taught him, but he made the split-second decision to throw his arm out.

The second I realized it; my heart sank. The words I said to Garrett can never be taken back. Which leaves us here. Nick wanting his friend back and me missing the man who wormed his way into my heart.

Fuck.

“I know, baby, but Garrett’s busy.”

His face drops. “Too busy for me? He promised he would never be too busy for me.”

“Okay, look, Garrett and I broke up. It’s one thing to see him, to talk to him when we’re at the field, but I don’t feel comfortable with you hanging out with him outside of the stadium. I’m sorry.”

“You broke up with him because of me.”

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