Page 39 of Aftersome
Did she not realize just how big of a fucking deal it was that she was here? After ten years of no communication, she was standing in front of me.
Now working for the team I played for.
And acting as if it was another day for her.
Just… indifferent to it all.
“I heard,” I grumbled. “Why here? Why for this fucking team?”
Out of all the teams. Out of all the professional sports out there, she chose this one.
It didn’t make sense.
“Why not? It’s a great organization.”
I searched deep into her eyes for answers. For the truth, but I didn’t believe her.
“No,” I simply stated. I had no other words besides no.
Fuck no.
“What do you mean, no?” Her blonde brows bunched together. A slightly amused-slash-confused look stared back at me
“No, as in, no. Not fucking happening. You’re not working here.” It came out harsh, but I had no other option. I couldn’t have her here. I wouldn’t survive it.
Even just the look she was giving me was tearing at my insides, but she seemed to have quickly recovered.
“What makes you think you can decide whether I work here or not?” She crossed her arms over her chest, challenging me in a stare-off that had my heart hammering.
Fuck, she was beautiful when she was mad.
“Because I said so.” I leaned in closer, causing her to shift backward. “Now, go tell whoever it is you have to tell that you quit, because this…” I pointed my finger in her direction. “Is not going to work for me.”
“No,” she answered with the same one-word response as I did. “You can’t just expect me to quit because you don’t want me here.”
Jesus Christ.
Why was she being so fuckin’ stubborn about this? Did she really have the strength to see me every day? Wasn’t I just areminder for her too? I wanted inside her head, her brain, and figure out her ploy.
“You’re right. I don’t want you here. Either you do it, or I’ll find someone who will.”
Her eyes narrowed. A pinkish hue spread across her cheeks as she closed her eyes on a sigh.
Was she about to cry?
Only seconds ago, she was holding her own, refusing to listen to me. But now, she looked defeated. Her eyes now opened, but avoiding mine completely.
“Why… Why are you being like this?”
As her voice cracked, so did a piece of me. She’d already been through enough in her lifetime, and I was only adding to her torment. Or at least, it seemed like I was.
“I don’t want you here, Doe.”
I tried softening the blow by using her nickname, but it only messed with my head even more.
Her eyes shot up toward mine. Wide and searching, she looked almost lost and confused.
“I left and haven’t come back for a reason. The last thing I need is a reminder of the past and looking at you, that’s all I fucking see.”
