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What could be paining him so much that he can’t heal from?
Why did it feel like I wanted to cry? What could I do for him to not feel such pain during the game? It really felt like what I was doing wasn't enough.
Chapter 11
Naomi
I entered the hotel, clutching Alexander’s jacket against my chest. I had taken it off with the sole reason of returning it to him, and now I was heavily regretting my decision. Why the fuck was it so cold suddenly?
I walked to the bar, admiring the dimmed blue lights that set a relaxed mood, although because of the people around, there was such a vibrant energy. This seems like it’s going to be a fun night. I looked around the room, and I could see some familiar people along with some people I didn’t recognize.
I really thought this would be a party for the CG’s—boy, was I wrong.
“Came to enjoy the party with us, Sweet Naomi?” Leo asked as he threw his arm around my shoulder, briskly taking a sip of his beer. He looked really cheery; after all, they had won the game by a score of 10-6, putting them in the Top 5th. To be honest, I was also quite excited.
Winning games meant more money in our accounts, and I was all for that.
“Yes, I did! Funny Leo.” I laughed as I wrapped my arm around his waist, allowing him to drag me around the bar and introduce me to some of his friends and his girlfriend of three years, Marcia.
Most of the boys had grown on me, and I could easily say it felt like I had a bunch of older brothers and uncles, including the brooding neighbor called Alexander.
“Babe!” Sarai screamed over the loud music as she got up from her chair, opening her arms for me. Welcoming her warm hug, I squealed along with her as we jumped up and down, smashing our chests together. We were roughly the same short-average height, and we’d immediately kicked it off at the game.
I already liked Sarai. She was funny and honest. When Daniel had excused himself for the restroom during the game break, she quickly took his seat and apologized for her talkative husband.
She was right, Daniel had definitely had a lot to say in such little time, but I wasn’t complaining. Both were lovely to conversate with, and I hoped I had grown on them just as they had on me.
“Why are you only getting here now?” she asked as she pressed her lips on my cheek. “Someone is in a bad mood even though they won the game,” she whispered in my ear before letting me go.
Nodding, I thanked her for the heads-up as I gripped the jacket tighter. “I was talking to my dad, begging him to come to the party with his girlfriend, but he said it’s for youngsters.” I pouted, and she giggled as she hooked her arm around mine, leading us to where they were seated.
Daniel, as usual, was talking Alexander's ears off, and even though he seemed to be in a bad mood, he would occasionally smile and respond. It felt weird to see him smile like that. Hmm, he must’ve really liked Daniel.
“What are you drinking?” she asked me as she flagged down the bartender, and I bit my lip as I thought of a drink. I bopped my head along to the groovy music; the energy was great right now, and I had great company around me.
Why did I never go to clubs or parties during college?
“I’m feeling fruity,” I admitted, and she nodded understandingly.
“Vodka Cranberry?”
“You know me too well already.” I giggled as I welcomed Daniel's side hug.
“You’re late, you know that? My wife couldn’t stop speaking about you since we arrived!” He chuckled. “She has fallen for you already.” He playfully rolled his eyes, and I opened mine wide, shrugging lightly.
“I’ve been told I have charm,” I teased, and Alexander scoffed as he downed his drink, asking for another immediately.
“Indeed, you’ve charmed stones as well.” Daniel cackled, looking at Alexander, and his laugh grew louder as Alexander glared at him.
“Whatever it is she charmed, we all should admit she’s great,” Sarai said as she passed me my drink. Once I was sitting down next to her, we immediately hopped onto the next conversation: How she met Daniel, and how he had immediately become a lovesick puppy.
I would occasionally coo and giggle as she told me their passionate story. Who doesn’t want to fall in love like that, huh? They had a 7-year-old son, and he’d also fallen in love with sports just like his Dad. Apparently the house was unbearable on Sundays, and she always wanted to break the TV.
After a few more drinks and stories, we decided to hit the dance floor—and the woman knew how to dance! We moved to the upbeat music together. She held my hands and pulled them above my head; my eyes widened from the action, but I was too vibed to care.
I really like Sarai. She was so energetic and funny. She was the most fun I’d had since I started working at the Chicago Grizzlies club.
Screaming out the song, Sarai turned around and backed her mom ass onto me. I screamed, cheering her on. The lights flashed hues of purple and blue; the scenery reminded me of all the college movies I’d watched, thinking that I would be able to live the same lives as those movie characters did; nevertheless, I was focused on books.
