Page 16 of Personal Foul
Chapter Six
Rush
The next few days after I stopped by Sydney’s office went by quickly. With our first preseason game only days away, our practice schedule has kept me busy. Leaving the gym Wednesday afternoon filled me with a renewed energy and excitement, knowing tomorrow we have a short practice in the morning, then I’ll be with Sydney for the rest of the afternoon.
I remembered Coach said Sydney would be working from home in the morning, so we made plans to meet at our apartment and drive to the clinic together.
Every time I pass by her door, I’ve contemplated stopping to see her. The desire I saw burning in her green irises was all I could think of when I was alone.
We’ve only known each other for a short time, so if she wants to take this slow, we can. I’ll move at whatever pace she is comfortable with, but I still can’t deny how badly I want her when she is around. Even though she tries to say otherwise, she doesn’t do a good job of hiding how she is feeling this, too.
The night we went for dinner at Ireland’s Pub, I remember her telling me how she preferred her coffee. She takes hers with a douse of creamer, making it extra sweet, whereas I like mine black.
Clutching the to-go cups of coffee in my hands, I contemplate how I can adjust my grip on each cup to knock when the knob turns, and she opens her door in greeting.
“Hey,” I greet, surprised. “How’d you know I was here?”
“Just an instinct, I guess.”
My eyes narrow at her. “You were watching through the peephole, weren’t you?”
She bites down on her lower lip, knowing I caught her as she gives in and nods her head.
Giving her an out, I change the subject and hold out her sugary drink. “I got you this. Thought we could both use some energy before spending the next few hours with seventy-five kids.”
“Good point. Thank you.” She giggles when our fingers touch as she takes the cup from my hand. Her throat bobs as she swallows, her gaze shifting from mine.
“Are you ready? Do you need help carrying anything?”
She’s dressed in black running shorts, a Community Cares shirt, and black sneakers. Her hair is pulled up in one of those high bun things girls like to wear, with strands of her soft, red hair framing her face.
She pulls the strap of her purse over her head, adjusting it over her body to sit on her hip.
“Nope, everything is loaded up and ready to roll.”
“How’s your knee been feeling? Looks like it’s starting to heal up now.” Her knee is free from any bandages. The wound is starting to scab over, and the bruise is fading into yellow.
“A lot better, thank you. It was sore the first couple days, but it’s been much better since.”
We take the elevator down to the parking garage. She hits the lock on her all-black BMW M4. I wouldn’t have expected to see her driving a sports car, but as I’m peeling back each layer of Sydney, I still find myself pleasantly surprised by the woman underneath.
The entire drive to the community center, I’m itching to pick up where we left off in her office despite knowing there’s no time for that right now. Not to mention, I can’t be distracted by her. I need to be on my A-game, giving the kids one hundred and ten percent of my attention.
They weren’t lying when they told us how many kids were going to be here. I’m glad they called in reinforcements when I see a couple of the coaches and the community center director here to help us run the event.
The kids form a line around the outside of the gym, and we ensure everyone has a T-shirt with their nametag on. Once each of them is situated, we get everyone together in a big group.
Sydney ran through our plans before we got here, giving me time to talk with the kids when we got started, going through a few brief talking points to cover. I’ve done this before; I’m used to being where these kids are. Growing up poor meant there were times when my mom didn’t know where she’d be getting our next meal from or if she’d have the extra money for my school supplies.
I knew what helping with these necessities meant and how much of a relief it would be to ease this burden on their parents.
“Hey, everyone, how’s it going today?”
Their cheers ring throughout the gym.
“Is that all you got? I said…how’s it going today? Are you excited to be here or what?”
This time, their cheers grow deafening as they scream and stomp their little feet on the gym floor.
