I grabbed my bag. Excited for whatever happens between Carter and me.
THAT EXCITEMENT WASshort-lived after ten o’clock rolled by and no word from Carter. I’d texted twice and called four times. No response. I checked social media, and he hadn’t posted anything, but a teammate did. Carter was in the background of his teammate’s pic as they were at a bar in a restaurant. Womenwere everywhere, and I was livid. He was standing me up with no concern for how long I waited for him. I would’ve been cool with a text telling me he wanted to stay out later.
Don’t bother coming to the hotel. I don’t know what women you used to dealing with, but I’m not them. Fuck off, Carter. 10:18 pm
Before I could stop myself, I called Grey, and the minute I heard his familiar, deep voice, I wailed, “He stood me up. I’m at the hotel by myself like a desperate woman. You were right, and I’m sorry. I miss you.”
“Shh...shh. Darren, calm down. It’s going to be okay. I’m with the team. I can’t talk right now. I’ll call you later, and we’ll talk, okay? Get Chelsea to come over.”
“She’s on a date, and I don’t want to mess her good time up.” I sniffed loudly.
Grey sighed, “Sorry, I have to go. Promise to call you later. We’ll talk as long as you need.” I could hear his coach instructing them to get some sleep because of their long day.
“Shit, I’m sorry. I know you have an important meet tomorrow and I call you with my problems. You already warned me not to call you. I’ll be fine. Seriously. Good luck tomorrow.”
“Darren...come on. You know I would be there with you if I could.”
Fresh tears sprang at the truth. “I know. Sorry about everything. Just go. I don’t need you worrying about me. Just feeling sorry for myself. I’ll get over it. Bye.”
I hung up before he could say anything else. I’d been selfish in calling him when one of the most significant events of his career was tomorrow. I sent him a quick text.
Please focus on the meet. Please, Grey. I’m being a big baby. I will enjoy the hotel he already paid for, and I’ll see you Sunday when you come home. 10:50 pm
I channel surfed in between crying, asking God to explain why having a man seemed impossible for me. My eyes started to shut before I realized I was sleepy. I snuggled under the covers and had no intentions of doing anything else this weekend except sleep, cry, order expensive room service, and put it all on Carter’s card.
Knock. Knock.
I shot up and heard the knocking again. I checked the clock. Time read a little after two in the morning. I stomped to the door, ready to curse out Carter, but Grey stood in his team's joggers and tank when I opened it. He smiled apologetically.
Loud sobs escaped my lips, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. “How are you here? You’re supposed to be in Austin...I don’t understand.”
“Happy Birthday.” He curved his hands to my face, wiping my tears with his thumbs as he lowered his head to kiss me gently and deeply, backing me into the hotel. The door slammed with finality behind us.
