SADIE: Good luck tonight. I just got home, going to turn on the game and try to find you. Call me later? XOXO.
I set my phone down, go to the bedroom to get changed out of my work clothes, and come back to the living room in time to hear my phone vibrating. Dashing over, hope flaring that maybe he’s not on the field yet, I answer without looking at the screen.
“Maverick?”
A derisive snort meets my breathless greeting. “Not likely. What the hell are you doing, Sadie? How long do you plan on playing this game?”
“Dirk.” My stomach fills with lead. “Why are you calling me?”
I knew I should have blocked his number. What the hell does he want? I sit down on the couch, and Cat hops into my lap, circling a few times before settling in, his weight a small comfort.
“I just told you. I want to know when you’re gonna realize a guy like Maverick King will never be with someone like you for long. Cut your losses and we can talk about trying again.”
My mouth falls open at his arrogance, to say nothing of the cruelty of his words. I stand up, dislodging Cat. I’ll make it up to him with some treats later, but right now I need to move, do something to expel the rage building inside of me.
“Listen to me carefully. You are an asshole,” I hiss, hearing Dirk’s intake of breath at my curse. “You’re a sniveling, whiny, greedy, rude bastard who’s terrible in bed. The only reason you’re calling is because you can’t stand the fact that I’m not broken up over you cheating on me. Well, guess what? I’m grateful you did that. Because who knows how long I would have stayed with you, suffering through mediocre sex with no orgasms. You did me a favour. Now I’m with a real man who knows exactly how to take care of me, in and out of the bedroom. So get this in your little head. I amnevercoming back to you. Ineverwant to speak with you again. Goodbye and good riddance.”
I push the end button, probably a little too hard, and immediately block his number. My heart is pounding, but God, it feels good to have done that.
Turning on the television, I see the game has just started. Maverick’s not on the field, so I hurry to the kitchen to reheat some food for dinner and feed Cat. Just as I’m about to return to the couch, there’s a knock on the door. Checking first, I see Ralph standing in the hall with a container of something in his hands.
I open the door with a smile. “Hello, neighbour, what can I do for you?”
“You watchin’ the game?” he says by way of greeting, and I step aside with a nod.
“Of course, I am. Would you like to join me?”
He stomps inside, and Cat immediately trots over with ameow. Ralph bends down slowly to pet his head before straightening. Yeah, just like Maverick.A total softie.
Ralph looks at me. “Got a fork? I forgot one.”
Hiding my smile, I go to the kitchen and retrieve one, as well as my own dinner, before joining him in the living room. He’s sitting down in the large chair and accepts the fork with a grunt of thanks.
And that’s how I end up watching the Tridents play the Toronto Wolverines with Ralph providing colourful commentary throughout.
He leaves shortly after the game, and once I’ve tidied up from dinner, I wander around aimlessly, staring at my phone more often than necessary, hoping for a call. Finally, an hour after Ralph goes home, it rings.
“Hi!” I say, probably sounding way too excited, but I don’t care.
“Hey.” He chuckles, confirming that, yes, I did sound like an eager beaver. “Did you actually watch the game?”
I pull back the covers and climb into bed with a smile. “Sure did. Ralph came over and we watched together.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yup. He taught me a lot.”
Maverick laughs. “How many times did he shake his fist at the ump’s calls?”
“Every time.”
“Sounds about right.”
I hear sounds of sheets rustling and can’t hide my wistful sigh.
“Two more days, Specs.”
I’m nodding, even though he can’t see me. “I know. Oh, you’ll never guess who called me today.”
