A month later …
I’m joggingto blow off some steam. My team has been playing like shit in OTAs. The rookies are trash, and the vets act like they don’t care.
I’m ready to go. As the QB, it’s my job to motivate my team, but I don’t want to be here. My heart is already gone.
That’s a first for me. However, I just have this feeling, like this isn’t where I need to be. One more season.
I’ve been in talks to go home. They want me bad enough. I think this deal is in the bag.
The problem is, I don’t know how Zah is going to feel. I don’t even know where in the world she is.
My phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. I look to see it’s Fred and pick up right away. My heart is racing.
I told him not to call unless Zah needs me. The thought of something happening to her leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I’m already planning how to get to her.
“Is she in danger?”
“I don’t know his endgame, but Manning is up to something.”
“What do you mean?” I bite out.
“I know you don’t want to know where she is, fine, but he does, and he’s conveniently placed his ass right into her life. They’ve been hanging out.
“Nothing wrong with that, but he’s a different guy when she’s not around. He’s a church boy tending to his dear old grandma during the day and a wild animal at night.
“I’m still digging into what his intentions are here. He shouldn’t have been here as long as he has.”
“What’s making you call me now?”
“I got a hit for a plane ticket booked in her name. It seems she’s going home. They’re engaged.”
I stumble to a stop. My ears are ringing. He couldn’t have just said what I think he did.
“What? Come again. What did you say?” I grind out.
I feel sick to my stomach. I have to drop to my ass to catch my bearings. Did I hurt my girl that badly? What the fuck is she thinking?
“They’re engaged. I couldn’t believe it myself.”
“That’s bullshit. She would never.”
“I’m only telling you what I know. No disrespect. She’s a damn pretty woman.
“He’s not the best-looking guy. Why the hell would he be engaged to her and out fucking everything that breathes every chance he gets?
“My gut is telling me some bullshit is going down. I’m going to keep on it. Something is bound to come up.”
“If he’s who she wants, that’s her business,” I say brokenly. “Send me your final invoice. We’re done.”
I hang up and sit staring into space. I have no answers for what to do next. At this point, I don’t think I want to go back to Arizona ever. She gave up on me.
I don’t know what hurts more, that it’s over or that she’s choosing that asshole to move on with.
“Damnit, Zah. We weren’t meant to end this way. I still love you.”
Zahirah
“How long areyou supposed to pretend to be engaged to him?” Erica asks as I pack my bags.
