The Greyhounds | Jamie Tartt

Chapter 7

Ashley entered Grayson's apartment, her mind still grappling with the weight of his scandal and the recent revelation about Jamie. The air was thick with unspoken words and lingering uncertainty.

Grayson, sitting on the couch, glanced up from his phone as Ashley closed the door behind her. His face bore the marks of stress and concern. "Ash, you're here. I didn't know you'd come tonight." he said, his voice carrying a mixture of relief and frustration. He got up from the couch and hugged her, his familiar masculine cologne scent and cozy grey sweatshirt enveloping her. 

"Yeah, Gray, I'm here. Got here as soon as I could," Ashley replied, her eyes scanning the room. It was a familiar place, yet now it felt different, perhaps tainted by the accusations surrounding Grayson, or perhaps it was something different she was feeling. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

As they sat down on the couch together, an awkward silence settled between them. Grayson fidgeted with his phone, unable to meet Ashley's gaze. The weight of the accusations hung in the air, making conversation feel like tiptoeing through a minefield.

Finally, Ashley decided to break the silence. "Grayson, we really should to talk about this," she said, her voice a mixture of concern and determination.

He sighed, looking up at her. "I don't know what to say, Ash. It's all a mess, and I swear I didn't—" he began, but Ashley interrupted him.

"I know, Gray. I believe you," she said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But we have to be prepared for whatever comes next. I know you can get through this. We'll get through this together."

As they navigated the difficult conversation, Ashley couldn't shake off the thoughts of Jamie. The recent revelations about him, coupled with the unexpected camaraderie during the Footgolf tournament, left her feeling conflicted. She wondered about how she had misjudged Jamie, and there was more to him than met the eye.

"You know who else believes in you?" She asked Grayson.

"Who?" Grayson inquisitively asked. He had no idea where she was going with this.

"Jamie Tartt. He said he hopes you make it through this."

"You told that prick? Ashley, what the fuck?" He snarled, getting up from the couch like he was upset at a sports game. 

"I mean, it was on the news, anyone can find out," she was defensive, "Plus he's not actually that bad. Once you get to know him."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. This is almost worse than the accusations."

Ashley shot him a baffled look. 

"You. Befriending that asshole. After what I told you?" He whispered, "after what he did...to Grayson Jr.?"

"He said he didn't do it on purpose. And I believe him."

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me. I can't believe this. I can't believe this!" Grayson was up in arms about the whole idea of Ashley interacting with Jamie. Ashley hated when Grayson got mad. He would get scary when he was angry. 

"You know what? Just forget I ever said anything. I mean it. I don't think we should fight right now." Ashley conceded. 

"I don't want to fight either. The last thing I'm going to let get in between us is Jamie fucking Tartt." Grayson said matter-of-factly and sat back down on the couch. 

"Are you going to be okay, Gray?" Ashley asked him. 

"I will be once my name is cleared," he said with a breath, "Now get over here. I've missed you."

Ashley cuddled into him on the couch as they spent hours chatting about their past, their present, and their future. However, for some reason unbeknownst to her, her mind kept wandering back to Jamie, all alone back in Richmond.

***

Monday morning arrived, and Ashley, determined to maintain a sense of normalcy, headed to the training grounds. The air was charged with anticipation as the team prepared for their upcoming matches.

Jamie approached Ashley with a tentative smile, a silent acknowledgment of the shifting dynamics between them. As they engaged in casual banter, Ashley found herself appreciating Jamie's lighter side, a facet she hadn't noticed before.

"How was your Sunday?" Ashley asked Jamie, attempting to connect with him as a friend.

"Pretty good actually, yeah. And how was...you know who?"

"Grayson? Oh yeah, he's fine. He was in good spirits when I left yesterday."

So she did stay the night. An increasingly familiar ping of jealousy resounded in Jamie's chest again. Suddenly curious about the status of their relationship, Jamie inquired:

"How long have you two been dating?"

"About two and a half years. We met at a charity soccer match in the states." Ashley said. 

Two and a half years, Jamie thought, was a long time to be dating someone. At least for him. He suddenly had a bad taste in his mouth. 

"Are...you seeing anyone?" Ashley didn't know why she felt the need to ask him that question. She slightly winced afterward.

"Not really at the moment, no. Just focusing on football." Jamie half-lied. Of course he was seeing other women. But none he wanted anything to do with for more than one night. The teams were rounded up to begin practice.

The training session unfolded, blending the competitive spirit with a newfound camaraderie. Jamie's skills on the field became more apparent, and Ashley couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration. He was more than the antagonistic figure she had painted him to be. There was another side to Jamie Tartt, and she couldn't wait to get to know that side.