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I take a selfie of me holding the pup as she squirms to try and get out of my arms. I send it to him.
Brad:You make a cute pair. I was hoping you would be allowed to have a dog at your place? Now I hope you can get some sleep tonight with her there to look after you.
I'm sure I'm going to be up all night taking care of her, but I don't care, because she is so cute. And he's right, even though she is a puppy now, I feel better just knowing she will be here with me. She'll let me know if someone breaks in.
Me: It's my parents' place, and if I explain to my dad that she's to make me feel safer, he'll understand. Thank you so much xx
I place her on the floor and walk with her out to the living area to show the other girls. Jasmine is the first to see her and comes running over, ecstatic. She loves dogs and has wanted one for ages.
"Oh my God, Andy, where did you get her? She is so cute." She snuggles the pup up into her lap, talking to the pup in a cutesy baby voice.
I need to think quick. I can't tell the other girls she was a gift from Brad, that looks super weird. Why would my coach be buying me a dog? "I called around today and found a breeder . You know how unsafe I've been feeling lately, and I thought she might help." Good cover-up, Andy.
"Dogs are a big responsibility, Andy," she tuts. I love her but she drives me crazy thinking she is so much older and more responsible than I am.
I roll my eyes at her. "I know, but I'm pretty sure I can handle it. I'm not a kid anymore."
She looks me over. "Yeah, I guess you're right. We couldn't get rid of her now anyway, I'm already in love." She giggles as the puppy licks her.
"I know, right. And that's good, cause I'm going to need your help on the nights I have to travel for work."
She smiles, not bothered by the inconvenience at all. "True. It's okay, she can keep me company. I've been feeling a little scared myself this week. I think you're right, having a dog around will make us feel safer. What are you going to name her?"
I pat her on the head and think on it. "Hmm, I'm thinking Nala."
"Like from the lion king? That's perfect."
Darcy and Luna come in the back door from an afternoon swim in our pool and squeal when they see her. They come running excitedly over. I think this little pup is going to fit in here with us girls just fine.
Brad has done yet another thing to make my heart flip-flop. He's getting under my skin, I can feel it. He's too sweet and caring. I'm waiting for the reality check when I realize he's just like all the rest of them, not worth my time. But for now, what we have is a fun little secret and the perfect distraction from everything else that's going on.
And the feelings that keep creeping up when he does something so nice for me, well, I have them under control. They don't mean anything at all.
Chapter Thirteen
Brad
I haven't had muchof a chance to catch Andy alone this week. She's been busy with her new puppy. And during the days, we've been working hard all week with our training schedule. The game this week with be the hardest yet, as this team are also unbeaten and the reigning champions from last year.
I have also had a few of after-work appointments with my attorney, trying to get all the paperwork sorted for when Madeline's in town in a couple of weeks. I want it all signed and finalized. I'm prepared to pretty much give her everything she's asking for, just so it can be done and I never have to see her again. Every time I think about it, all I can think is how glad I am we didn't have kids like Andy's poor sister. We had been trying to start a family, but it didn't happen, and at the time I was devastated. I was ready for a family and thought she was the one to do it with. But now I see just how much it was for the best. Being permanently attached to that woman would have been awful.
It also makes me doubt myself for the future. I want to settle down and have a family, but I can't trust myself to find the right person when I was so off with her. I was warned by my parents and friends to get a prenup, but I truly didn't ever think we would end up like this.
My mind wanders to Andy. She is the polar opposite to Madeline in every way. But Andy is just a fling, and an irresponsible one at that. She's fun and naughty and everything I need right now to distract me from the fact that the life I had mapped out is nowhere to be seen. One kick to the back of the knee sent a domino effect, and everything fell apart.
The whole team has just arrived in Kansas City for tomorrow's game. We will be staying at the same hotel, and I intend to make sure Andy and I get to see each other. The girls take the field for training before dinner tonight. They're all in high spirits now, but I know if we lose this game, that could change quickly.
"You think they're ready for tomorrow's game?" asks Ava who has been at my side watching the team.
"I hope so." I remember what it's like when you come up againstthat team, the one you just can't beat no matter how well you play, and for these girls, it's Kansas City. We haven't beaten them in three years.
My attention gravitates to Andy, and I watch her practice her goal shooting. She is so determined when she's on the field. The fun-loving girl I know is nowhere to be seen, replaced by the look of focus on her face, and you know she has blocked out the rest of the world. She's in the zone. And she's impressive to watch.
Ava places her hand on my arm, getting my attention. I flinch because I have just been caught watching Andy. She smiles to me sweetly. "Brad, after tonight's dinner with the team, I was hoping you might like to join me in my room for a drink?" She blinks up at me, and I'm at a loss for what to say to her. "You know, just to go over the last-minute game plan," she adds. Probably because I'm staring at her with no words coming out of my mouth.
I can't meet her in her room. Since the last away trip, she has been making her feelings toward me more obvious and that's just asking for trouble. She's a great girl but not my type at all. "Oh, um, let's do that in the morning over breakfast. We could meet in the hotel restaurant if you like." Public places are the best I can offer her, so she doesn't get the wrong idea.
She looks a bit hurt, and I feel bad, but I know it's for the best. "Yeah, of course, why didn't I think of that? An early night would be better anyway."
