path of heal - j.b.

13

The rest of the day had gone quite well. The players had gone through some walkthroughs for tomorrow's final preseason game, and Elle and the athletic trainers had focused on calves, thighs, and all the body parts that were bothering the players a bit.

After Elle had finished her analyses for the remaining players, she had met up with Chelsea, and the two of them had gone to the gym together. After some warm-up exercises, they had decided to box together.

It had been a lot of fun, even though it had become quite exhausting over time, being thrown to the mat or throwing Chelsea to the mat. Nevertheless, Elle now felt relaxed and exhausted after a shower and the drive home.

She parked her car behind Joe's Porsche, got out, grabbed the bag from the back seat, slung it over her shoulders, and searched for her key in her jacket pocket.

Then she suddenly noticed the sounds behind her. Quiet footsteps, slow, as if they didn't want to be noticed. Elle's survival instinct kicked in immediately. Not even half an hour earlier, she had thrown Chelsea to the mat, but whoever was coming behind her, did she stand a chance? She couldn't determine the size or weight from the footsteps that were getting closer.

Running to the door would probably not be the smartest idea, even though she might be lucky and Joe could notice her, but would she make it to the door?

She had to defend herself, she decided, as she stuck her key between her two fingers. Rule number 1, having the key as a stabbing weapon is always a good idea.

Just as she took a deep breath, she was suddenly grabbed by the arm. With a mix of fear and adrenaline, she turned around. A high-pitched scream echoed, not from her, as she looked into the familiar face and sighed, the key stopping just a few inches from her "attacker's" arm.

"Ja'Marr, what the fuck?" She ran her hand over her forehead. Her heart was still pounding quite fast, and Ja'Marr also had a look of terror on his face as he stared at the key that Elle had almost thrust into his arm.

"Yeah, Elle, what the fuck? Were you trying to kill me?" he stared at her while leaning against the car and taking a deep breath. "Don't exaggerate. I didn't even touch you, and it would have been just a small wound," Elle shook her head before slapping his arm. "Besides, it's your own fault. You don't sneak up on women in the dark."

"I just wanted to scare you," Ja'Marr pouted as he followed Elle, who walked to the front door. "Really good idea, Ja'Marr," Elle shook her head in disbelief as she unlocked the door.

"Ah, the love of my life is finally here," Joe's voice echoed from the kitchen as Elle dropped her bag and slipped out of her shoes. "Yes, and I even brought your girlfriend, honey," Ja'Marr replied, Joe confusingly peering around the corner.

He sighed immediately. "Great, Ja'Marr is here," he rolled his eyes. "Don't do that to me, Joe. I can't take any more pain after Elle just nearly stabbed your favorite receiver," Ja'Marr put his hand over his heart.

Confused, Joe looked at Elle. "What did you do to Tee?" a grin spread across Elle's face as Ja'Marr deeply inhaled. "Stirring more salt into the wound" he said.

"What did you do to him?" Joe watched suspiciously as Ja'Marr fell onto the couch before looking at Elle. "Absolutely nothing. He thought it would be a good idea to scare me in the driveway, so I almost jammed my key into his arm, but I didn't even touch him," Elle explained.

"Ja'Marr, what were you thinking? Approaching a woman in the dark, seriously?" Joe shook his head, while Ja'Marr raised his head and looked at both of them over the couch. "If you keep picking on me like this, it will be the last time I spend the evening here," he pouted before lowering his head again.

"Does he know that's not the threat he hopes it is?" Joe whispered to Elle, who laughed and slapped him on the shoulder before sitting next to Ja'Marr on the couch. "We'll stop. Just don't do it again, okay?" She looked at him. "No worries. I've learned from my mistake, promised." he replied.

"Can we finally change the subject?" he asked afterward as Joe joined them on the couch. "Sure, to what? Do you want more details about our sex life?" Elle grinned.

"Actually, yes. I have a few questions," Ja'Marr sat up, while Joe gave Elle a reproachful look. "You had to ask, didn't you?" Elle shrugged. "Someone has to explain to the boy how to satisfy a woman, and I think you're the perfect role model," she added.

"Ugh, too much information, guys," Ja'Marr grimaced. "I was just surprised when Elle mentioned today that she's not on the pill. I thought every woman takes it if she doesn't want to get pregnant. So, have you not told me about your plans, or does it have other reasons? I need to know if you plan on making me an uncle."

"It has other reasons. If you had paid attention today, you would know that there are other methods of protection that are just as effective as the pill. Condoms, for example," Elle explained. "The side effects of taking a pill for a woman have always been too much for me to handle, especially since my mental health is not exactly good."

"So, no Mini Burrows or Mini Simmons in the near future?" Ja'Marr inquired, almost sounding a bit disappointed. Elle and Joe exchanged silent glances. "To be honest, we've never talked about it," Joe admitted, while Elle nodded in agreement.

"I'm fine with that," Ja'Marr shrugged. "As long as no little one is running around here, you'll have more time for me," he grinned. "What luck for all of us!" Joe muttered, while Elle just grinned.

"But that also means you can never break up. I can't be a child of divorce. I mean, who do I support then? Who do I gossip about in the locker room?" Ja'Marr asked.

Joe just shook his head annoyed, while Elle answered, "Joe, of course. He's your best friend, and you've known each other much longer." Ja'Marr sighed. "That's not fair. I'd much rather have you," he rolled his eyes.

"But we can't even tie the knot properly because he always has to be there," he nodded towards Joe, who stared at him with a raised eyebrow. "Watch your words, buddy. Remember who among us two throws you the balls," he warned, raising his index finger.

"I'm just saying, I'd love to spend an evening with Elle alone. As besties, just her and me," Ja'Marr clarified. "If you want that, we can do it, Ja'Marr. I'm sure Joe doesn't mind, right, baby?" Elle grinned at Joe.

"Of course not. How about tomorrow night after the game? As far as I know, neither of you has anything planned," Joe rolled his eyes. "Tomorrow night is perfect!" Elle grinned at Ja'Marr, who happily clapped his hands.

"Then we'll go out tomorrow night. Just you and me," he beamed at Elle.