“Thank God,” Jordan sighs in relief. “You have no idea how much I was dreading going by myself.”
“Are you sure Vanessa won’t get mad I’m tagging along?”
“I’m sure. For some reason she actually likes you,” He gives me a once over, “I can’t see why. You’re arrogant as hell.”
“When you’re good, you’re good. Can’t fight nature.”
“And that will be your downfall. The wrong girl will come sniffing around, and you’ll chase that whim until you’re screwed.”
He doesn’t seem to think highly of me sometimes, and the criticism stings. He’s the only one on the team that’s accepted me and knowing that he thinks so little of me, makes me wonder if he does truly like for me to be around. “That’s why I don’t jump into serious relationships.”
“And what is this flight attendant? I’ve seen women throw themselves at you for the past week, and you haven’t batted an eye at them.” He opens the door to the hotel and walks toward the elevator. It’s late and there aren’t many people in the lobby. “That’s not like you. The Bentley I know is very much action first and asks questions later. Do you think holding out on who you are will make her want to be with you? She clearly already has an opinion of you, and nothing you do is going to change that.”
“I’m not trying to jump into anything serious with her. She’s a challenge. Never in my life has anyone ever turned me down, especially now that I’m semi-famous.”
“That, my friend, is dangerous territory.”
“Nobody said it wasn’t, but I can’t get her out of my head. Maybe it’s because she won’t give me the time of day.”
“Good luck, man.” He pats me on the arm and heads to the elevator. “I’ll see you bright and early. If you want, you can get Vanessa’s opinion on Serena. I’m sure she’ll have a lot to say.”
“No, thanks. I have a feeling she’ll chew my ass out more than you have.”
Laughing, he presses the button to slide the doors open. “You’d be correct. See you tomorrow.” He walks in the elevator and the doors close behind him.
There’s no way I’ll be able to sleep anytime soon, even though I’m usually exhausted after playing. There’s light music coming from the hotel bar, and a drink sounds perfect right now. Heading toward the bar, I pass a few couples going to their rooms, and as much as I don’t do relationships, it’d be nice to have someone to celebrate my minor accomplishments with. I pull out one of the bar stools and wave the bartender over, “Can I get a Crown & Coke?”
“Sure thing.” He rounds the bar and works on my order.
My eyes find the television in the corner of the room playing highlights from the game tonight. It’s surreal seeing myself on a sports news broadcast. I’m no stranger to watching myself on video. Hell, it’s how I’ve improved my game over the years. Seeing exactly where you messed up, and what you need to fix, is how you end up in the Pros.
The bartender slides a glass in front of me. “Here you go, sir.”
“Thanks.” I stare into the glass, wondering how I ended up drinking alone in a hotel bar, before I take a long drink. Oh, that’s right, because I’m trying to get a girl that has no interest in me to go on a date.
Damn, Jordan just had to make me doubt my plan for Serena. Being a straight up asshole isn’t my goal. I genuinely want to go out with her. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and has zero issues going toe-to-toe with me. It’s refreshing. The only other woman who has ever done that is Gabby, and she doesn’t count because she’s my sister.
He’s right, though. I should nip this thing in the bud and not pressure this woman to go out with me. At some point it has to be creepy, right? Hazel seemed to think it was a good idea, though. Surely her best friend would know whether I’m pushing my limits. Most women try to protect their friends from someone they think is a jerk, not push them together.
The sad thing is…I’m not a hundred percent sure how we would even date if it ever went past the first one. Jordan is right. This is stupid, and I should let it go. There are plenty of women jumping at the chance to go out with me. I shouldn’t be so focused on this one woman who can’t even stand me.
The bartender comes back around to me, and nods toward the now empty glass. “Want another one?”
I have to meet Jordan in the morning, and it’s probably not a good idea, but who cares? It’s not like I absolutely have to go. “Sure, thanks.”
The bartender returns a few moments later with my drink. “Here you go.” He glances at the TV and then back at me. “You played one hell of a game tonight, even if you’re not who I was rooting for.”
“Thank you?” It comes out more like a question. It’s the weirdest compliment I think I’ve ever received, especially coming from a fan of the opposing team.
“You have a pretty solid game considering you’re a rookie.” He leans an elbow on the bar, and glances around to make sure nobody else needs anything. “How are you so good at such a young age?”
I laugh. As odd as this conversation is, it’s nice talking about the sport I love with someone not on my team, or in my family, for that matter. “A lot of practice. I’ve played since I was a kid and trained every chance I could when I was in college. Even during off season.”
“It shows.” He nods his head toward the TV, “I’m surprised they don’t play you more.”
“You aren’t the only one,” I mutter under my breath, hoping he doesn’t hear me.
A man in a suit waves his hand across the bar to signal he wants a drink, and I feel underdressed. The hotel is fancy. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to staying in places like this. One day, maybe, but today is not that day. My joggers and t-shirt definitely have no business in this setting when other patrons are dressed to the nines.
