Page 9 of Rushing Her: Seattle, Westerners
“You do what you need to, but you’d be better together. I hate to admit it, but I’d like to see him go out with a ring, and the only way he can do that is if he plays with his whole self.” T.K. kisses my sister deeply before he stands up and returns to his table.
Brea reaches across the booth again and grips my hands in hers, encouraging me to look at her. “You’d be better off if you stopped living in fear. You can do this. Just let it happen. Live your life, and don’t listen to whoever did this to you.”
I shake my head as I consider those words. Coach apologized, but the proof is still out there. I can’t do that to either of us. “I’m an excellent agent and provide the best for my clients.”
“You do, but what about you? What about what you need, sis? Alex, you haven’t been the same since you ended it with Brayden.” Brea squeezes my hands again, and I look over at T.K., who just nods.
We eat our desserts, and I sip my tea as we change the subject to her pregnancy, and I decide to share with her a little bit about what I’m doing. “Don’t get your hopes up, but I had my IUD removed a couple of months ago. I’m seeing Dr. Jarvis to have some of my eggs harvested.”
Brea’s sky-blue eyes go wide. “Really? That’s good, but you still have time. Dang, if you didn’t use protection last night, you could be pregnant now.”
Instantly, my mind flashes back to the fact that wedidn’tuse anything, so it’s a real possibility. Extra hormones already course through my system, but Dr. Jarvis said I’d need the trigger shot for ovulation.
To cover up the awkward silence, I ask how her best friend is doing. She and Adeline have been close since they were little. Brea shares with me that Adeline is starting to plan her baby shower and will get in touch with me to discuss what date works best.
We continue visiting before I hug her and T.K. goodbye.
“Remember to think about what we said,” Brea says in parting, and I stand motionless on the sidewalk as they drive off, wondering if I’m crazy for even considering it.
Thirteen years have passed, and I’ve followed the rules, but in one night, everything might have changed, and I’m left adrift in distress. I can’t face Brayden right now, so leaving Portland is the best choice, even though I won’t be able to stop at the doctor’s office to get my other shots.
Boarding the private jet, I head home, sure that I’ll have to face my behavior in a few weeks, but right now, I need my safe space. And my organized planned out life.
Brayden
The moment I roll over, I know she’s gone. It pisses me off enough to chase her ass down, but there’s not enough time. I haven’t overslept in years, so I rush through my shower and dress in a pair of slacks with a V-neck pullover. I’m packed, checked out, and ready to head to Coach Winters’ house within an hour.
Pulling my black G-Wagon to the curb, I shoot off a quick text to my security team to locate Alexandra. She doesn’t know it, but I’ve kept an eye on her for years. At any given moment, her whereabouts can be known to me. I have even planted people as her neighbors to keep a careful eye on her in case she brings someone home or needs help. Her last date gave up with only an autographed football from me. It’s a low blow, but it shows that these men aren’t worthy of her.
I’m curious why she’s going to a women’s reproductive health clinic, though. I know that Dr. Jarvis has been hergynecologist for many years, but the fact that she’s had so many appointments with her recently concerns me.
I’ve tried to hack into her medical records, but have been unsuccessful. I even asked a couple of good hackers I know, but they won’t do it. They said they have rules, and that’s one they won’t break.
Stepping out of the SUV, I stand at the curb, setting my phone to silent before slipping it into my pocket along with my key fob and walking to the front door. Many times, in college, I’d find myself here eating dinner or spending time with Coach and Mildred. They never had kids, and he was like an adopted father or uncle to me.
My own parents never came to SeattleorPortland to see me; my brother would, but not my parents. Not because they didn’t love me; they just felt that continuing to work would help me along more. To make ends meet through the rough years, I also worked part-time.
Mildred opens the door before I even rap my knuckles against it. She looks tired, and I lean down to kiss her cheek.
“He’s in the back on the deck. Don’t be mad at him, Brayden,” she says softly, and I raise an eyebrow, unsure of her meaning.
Walking through the house, I step out the back door, where Coach Winters is rocking in a chair, a cup of water beside him. He remains silent as I round the other chair and take a seat. His fingers thump against a manila folder on his lap.
“I’m here, old man. What’s up?”
He finally turns to look at me, and in the bright sunlight, I see what I couldn’t last night. He’s not only thinner, but his face looks gaunt. “Son.” He drops his head, breaking eye contact. “I have to apologize.”
“No, you don’t. What’s going on, Coach?” I reach across the chairs to pat his arm, but when he looks at me this time, I see not only hurt, but regret.
He takes a deep breath. “It’s all my fault. I changed everything when I talked to her. I didn’t realize how bad you’d take it. I should have because if she meant anything to you like Mildred means to me, that’s everything.”
I shake my head as I lean away from him.What could he possibly mean?
“I blackmailed her.”
“Who? What are you talking about?” I lean forward in the chair, unsure if what he’s about to say is something I want to hear. I drop my head into my hands and rest my elbows on my knees. “No.” My head shakes. It can’t be.
“Alexandra.”
