So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

18. Opening Day

Reed

I spent a week in Georgia with my family. My father wasn't in the best shape. It took a few days before he was stable enough for the bypass surgery. I'd sat and talked with him a few different times; it was awkward at first, a little uncomfortable, truthfully. It wasn't as bad by the last day there, and we both had spoken about how we had high hopes about repairing our broken relationship. He was apologetic about how things had gone during the divorce, and I felt like it was a genuine apology. After all this time, I think that's all I really wanted. I just wanted to hear him acknowledge he handled things wrong and that he was sorry. I was a bit emotional after the conversation, I'll admit, and it helped so much talking things out with Eden, working to process all of the emotions. She was amazing, and I looked forward to returning to Seattle to see her.

I had to return to Seattle to prepare for the home opener. The Coach wasn't too happy about my extended leave, expecting me to step up and lead the team. But, this season, I was going to be in the starting lineup, and I didn't want to fuck that up. I'd worked my ass off to get here, and I knew I had to toe the line to keep my spot. The dream of playing MLS was something I'd worked for since I was eight years old, and I was not about to lose out on all of that work now.

I spent every free minute texting or video chatting with Eden. It was killing me not being able to go to see her. I wanted to kiss her lips again, explain the stupid blind-date mess, and then continue with this relationship, at least what I hoped would be a relationship. Talking to her, she was fucking amazing. The smartest, kindest, and so funny. My sisters had enjoyed teasing me about her mercilessly while I was home; they even crashed a video call for a moment. Eden took it in stride and seemed to enjoy them, making me fall for her more.

The few days I'd been back had been filled with hours of workouts, practice, scrimmages, and adjusting to the new stadium. Finally, I was exhausted and made it home in time to pass out for a few hours before doing it again the next day. Friday, the day before opening day, I did my workouts before practice and was taking a breather before we did one more scrimmage.

I had about thirty minutes to spare and had planned for Eden to meet me here. I was going to tell her everything about the blind date. I hated having to rush it, but I had to do it, and this was the first time I'd have the chance for a while. She texted me that she was on her way and that Nick, of all people, was giving her a ride. I paced back and forth out front of the stadium entrance. Each minute ticked by, and my nerves grew worse. Finally, my heart dropped into my chest when she replied, explaining that the traffic was terrible, Nick had taken the longer route to get here, and there was no way she would make it in time. Deep down, I knew that he had somehow managed to do this on purpose; Nick seemed always to pop up when it benefited him most.

I attempted to control my anger and frustration as I headed back to the locker room. We had a scrimmage shortly, and I needed to get my head back into the game. I was trying so hard not to fuck this up any more than I already had, but every single time, something got in the way.

"I've been careful not to get involved because what the fuck do I know, but I heard Hugh talking about him and Nick hanging with your girl the other day." Bennett spit out as he sat down on the bench next to me.

"Wait, what?" I looked over at him, confused. I could feel the sweat rolling down my chest as I guzzled more water.

"I know you haven't had a chance to see her, and I'm just assuming you haven't told her yet. I'm worried for ya, man. You're going to be outed before you can explain yourself."

"I keep trying!" I ran my hand through my hair, tugging at the locks that needed a trim. "I tried today; she was going to meet me here. I was going to tell her, explain it to her. Somehow, she ended up getting a ride with Nick. Fucking Nick!! He took Matlock instead of Hampshire, and traffic held them up." I explained.