“Good. I’m glad he’s giving you time. And we can get work for you and bring it back. Have you talked to your teachers?”
“Yeah. That’d be great, man. I don’t want my life to stop but I have to be here.” His eyes filled again. “My mom is falling apart. My sister is in her senior year of high school and if something happens…I have to come back.”
“One step at a time, okay?” Tanner put his hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “We’re more than teammates. Let us help.”
“Sure. Yeah,” he croaked out. “Look, I’m not telling people yet, so can you guys keep it between us for a while?”
“Absolutely,” we replied.
“Now, we packed a bag and can stay the weekend. Do you guys need food picking up?” Jeff asked. “Just my mom always told me when people were sad, the best way to help is to make sure they get fed. Is that not a thing normal people do?”
“I don’t think anything about the situation is normal, Jeff,” Tanner replied in a deep, sad voice. “Let’s make a list. It’ll take the burden off them even for a weekend.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Callie
The high I had from working with Nicole for the week slowly diminished as I still hadn’t heard from Zade. The clock struck midnight and my texts remained unanswered. I didn’t voice my concern to Greta because I hated insecure girls and didn’t want to be annoying. But that didn’t stop the pit in my stomach from forming. Greta and I ate a fucking delicious dinner, curtesy of me and a new recipe I wanted to try out, but even theWalking Deadmarathon didn’t help the unease.
I checked my phone again and nothing new popped up. I tossed it on the couch, out of reach. I didn’t need to check it a thousand times and get worried over and over.He’ll text when he can. He isn’t playing games.
“Lover boy texting you too much?” Greta asked, popcorn falling out of her mouth.
“Opposite, actually. I hate that I keep looking. What?”
“I don’t like that. Why isn’t he responding?”
“I have no idea. He canceled our plans for the night and mentioned something about helping a teammate. I’m assuming it’s about that.”
“Then it’s best to trust him. He’s halfway in love with you, babe. Try not to worry. I know it’s easier said than done, but I have a pretty good read on him.” Her kind eyes softened. “Want to continue the marathon and fall asleep out here?”
“You read my mind, sister. Distract me with chatter. How’s the situation with Tanner? I haven’t seen you two hang out since we went out that night.” I paused, trying to think if I’d really seen him outside the training room. “I really haven’t seen any of the guys instead of Zade.”
“Me, neither, but I’m okay with it. I think,” she sighed sadly, “that I built up this thing in my head where we were friends who became lovers. I love that story and desperately wanted it, but I think we’ll remain friends. Distance is good sometimes.” She ate more popcorn. “I feel crazy, though, because sometimes he’ll look at me with these bedroom eyes, but if I try flirting, they shut down and he’ll act like I’m his gross little sister.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy. I’ve seen some of the looks, but if you’re okay being friends then do that. You’re beautiful, one of the best people to be around rain or shine, and you ain’t got no time for silly games with that hunk of meat.”
“I love your way with words.” She snuggled next to me and snatched up the remote. “Let’s pretend we’re in the same world as Rick and Daryl and Glenn. Why are they oddly hot?”
“I have no idea. Must be good TV.” I laughed and decided to be perfectly content hanging out with my best friend and binge watching my new favorite show.
* * * *
I woke up with a crick in my neck and Greta’s legs on my stomach. We had indeed fallen asleep watching the fourth season and it’d sort of helped the worry I had.I wanted slow and casual, damn it. Slow and casual doesn’t cause worry or panic. Shit.But, too little, too late.
I checked my watch and decided to go on a run. I needed the escape, with or without him, to clear my head. The thought cheered me up and I went to grab my phone and put on running shoes. I had zero texts and zero calls.Fine. That’s fine.We’d talk when…when we’d talk.Go with the flow. Be cool.
I headed to the trail but not to where we met. I decided he’d pissed me off. Regardless of what had happened, he could’ve sent me a one-word text to check in. Ahey, I’m not deadtext.
I’d started mile four when the mad moved to betrayal. What if he’d decided he wanted nothing to do with me and called it quits? He wouldn’t ghost me, right? He’d tell me.Stop inventing problems. He isn’t a total dickhead.
Mile five, I decided I hated myself when I over-analyzed things and I needed to get a fucking grip. I loved life here. My classes were intriguing, working with Nicole blew every expectation I had and I had great friends. Yup. Life rocked.
Mile six. Back to being pissed.
Mile seven. My brain woke up and yelled at me. I’d chosen to trust him and I needed to do that until I had no reason to. Trust was the bottom line. Luckily, I had enough homework and hobbies to keep myself busy for the day, and I needed to focus on anything but him.
With a new resolve, I ran back toward my apartment…and my phone went off in my hand.Zade.My heart leaped into my throat and I answered on the first ring. “Hey.”
