“Hey, man, what’s up?” I say in way of greeting.
“What’s going on, man? I heard that you are not up in the box watching. Why not?” Dex asks. I can hear the worry in his tone.
“I’m okay. I just thought that it would be better if I stayed behind tonight,” I tell him. “What are you doing? I don’t pay you to be on the phone during halftime. Shouldn’t you be checking on the players or making sure that Amelia is alright over on the bench?”
He chuckles. “I can do all of those things and still talk to you. Amelia is sitting in the team room with the rest of the girls, listening to Watts attempt to light a fire under their ass. And I heard that you weren’t up there. Danny texted me because he thought that I would want to know. He was right, I do want to know.”
“I appreciate the call,” I say, trying to dismiss him and hoping that he takes the hint.
“What is going on? You’re not talking to me. I know that the date with Hendrix at the charity event did not go well,”he presses. “So, let’s not ghost me and you tell me what is happening, man. Come on, it’s me. I’m here for you.”
I grin. “Thanks, I appreciate that. I really do. But I’m just not in the mood to talk tonight.”
“What if I told you that I already know what is happening?”
“How would you know?” I ask him, curious to hear what he sounds so sure about.
“Because I ran into Drew the other day at the coffee shop down the street. And he told me what’s been going on. All the things that you’re not telling me.” I can hear the worry through the phone. His tone is tight and strained. “August, this doesn’t have to be the same as all those years ago. You can beat him this time.”
“Yeah, I think that I can. But at what cost? And can I really be with her without him continuing to hurt her like that? Standing up to him only works in theory. He’s a powerful man,” I remind him.
“He’s also your father,” Dex fires back. “And besides, you stood up to him this time. That’s a step up from how you normally behave with him.”
“It is. I’m trying here, Dex. I’m trying to do things differently. Right now, though, I just need some space and some time to reflect on things. That’s why I’m not at the game. I just need some space, and I want to give her some too.”
“I’m not sure that’s what she wants, August. I think she misses you. Someone told her that you’re not at the game. I’m not sure who or how but she knows. I just thought you should know in case you want to talk to her about why you’re not here.”
I shake my head. “So, is not being there making this worse?”
He chuckles. “No, I don’t think I believe what I’m hearing. August Cromwell is worried that a girl is being upset by his actions?”
“Ouch, thanks, man!” I say, grimacing. “I’m so glad my reputation precedes me.” I’m joking, well, only half-joking. What he is insinuating stings and leaves my ego a little bruised.
“Sorry, man. But I like it. I like you with her. Just remember that you are doing things so much differently than you did in college. You are handling this better. I know it feels like you aren’t right now. But I think you’re going to be okay. I think that you and Hendrix are going to be okay.” I can almost hear his smile through the phone. “And just so you know, they aren’t going to the bar tonight. They decided that it’s a girl’s night in at her place. They don’t want to leave her alone. In case you want to talk to her or anything.”
I grin. “Thanks, man, I do want to talk to her. I’ll see how the rest of this game goes and then maybe I’ll head over there.”
“Do you need me to text you updates?” Dex asks.
“Nah, Danny is taking care of that. But I appreciate it, man. You just sit there on the sidelines and keep Amelia company. I know she needs it more than I do.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate this.” He pauses and then adds. “Drew told me about the shit with the team. Don’t worry, he’s got a plan and we’re going to fix this. I promise you.”
“Thanks for having my back.”
“Always,” Dex replies before adding, “We’ll talk soon.”
We hang up and I sigh looking out at the city. Maybe I will go and see her after the game. Give her some time with her friends but then remind her that no matter what happens with my father, I will not abandon her again.
Chapter Thirty-Three
~HENDRIX~
The game ends in a two-to-one loss for us. Despite the disappointment, I think we should be proud of ourselves for making it a contest, especially against such a tough team.
I make my way through the tunnel, when I hear Jase calling after me, “Hendrix, wait up!”
I spin around and plaster on a fake smile. “I know I shouldn’t have missed that last shot that went in. I apologize; I’ll jump next time.”
