Page 122 of Reckless Storm
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Reed
Iwave to the Uber driver and stumble up my driveway, still on a high after winning our first playoff game. We celebrated hard tonight, but we deserve it. With only one game left before the Super Bowl, the championship is in our sights. And I don’t want to be cocky…but fuck, we are good.
Everything fell into place today and we couldn’t be stopped. A force to be reckoned with. I couldn’t be more proud of the guys. It was a team effort all around.
The only thing that would have made it better was if Hayley hadn’t been MIA—holed up in some exotic country, leaving her mark on the world.
I smile to myself as I think of her—her long, blonde hair blowing in the breeze like she has her own personal fan, cameras flashing, everyone enamored by her talent.
I miss her.
Patting my pockets, I locate my phone and bring up her name. She’s only been gone a week but it feels like longer. She’sback after our next game. We’re almost there. But I can’t resist messaging her.
Reed: One down. One to go, Baby
I text her, smiling as I press send, only then noting the time.
Reed: Fuck, it’s 2am. Sorry
Reed: Wait, no it’s not. What time is it?
Where is she? She was in London yesterday, or was it the day before? I know she’s in another time zone right now, but other than that…
The three little dots appear and my throat bobs as excitement builds in my chest. Did I mention I miss her? In such a short span of time, she's cemented herself in my life, and now that she's gone, I’m a little out of sorts without her. And not at all ashamed to admit it.
To myself.
I’m not sure she needs to know just yet.
Hayley: It’s seven. I’m in London. But lucky for you, I’m already up to catch an early flight
I was right…London. I knew that because I’ve been keeping up with her premieres. Not in a stalker way like that guy who better leave her the fuck alone, but in a supportive way—like a boyfriend would. And I can report…Jaded Beginningsis killing it. Audiences are eating it up, just like I knew they would. Australia’s sweetheart is taking over. Or is she America’s sweetheart now?
Either way.
Reed: Paris next, right?
Hayley: Oui
I smile, getting comfortable on the couch, kicking my feet up on the armchair beside me, flexing my toes to stretch out my aching calves, though I can’t for the life of me figure out why they ache.
Hayley: Congrats on the win. I saw the end of the game when I got back last night
Reed: You watched?
Hayley: Of course. You’re my man. (Wink emoji)
Reed: Of course. (Laughing emoji)
My heart jolts but I ignore it. I’m going to chalk it up to the copious amounts of alcohol I have coursing through my body. Hayley’s myfriend. That’s why she watched. That’s what friends do. They support each other, even when they’re busy.
At least that’s what they’re supposed to do.
My chest tightens for an entirely new reason now and I ignore that too. Even a simple “best of luck” message would suffice, but no…fuck. Now is not the time to process feelings…good, bad, or indifferent. Especially where Hayley and Bria are concerned.
Hayley: Also…Luke told me I had to watch. He said he’d have a pop quiz for me today. On that note, who scored the first touchdown?
