The Greyhounds | Jamie Tartt

Chapter 13

The Sunday sun hung low, casting long shadows across the Richmond training facility. The usual bustling atmosphere had given way to a more serene setting, with only Jamie Tartt and Ashley Lucciano gracing the training pitch.

As they engaged in drills and exercises, Jamie couldn't shake the subtle shift in Ashley's demeanor. Her usually vibrant energy seemed muted, replaced by a quiet contemplation that lingered in her eyes. Jamie, becoming more attuned to her moods, sensed an unspoken weight hanging between them.

Determined to lift Ashley's spirits, Jamie concocted an impromptu challenge. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he fetched a blindfold and a ball, presenting the challenge to Ashley. "Fancy a challenge, Lucciano?"

A small smile played on Ashley's lips as she accepted the blindfold. "Alright, Tartt. What's the challenge?"

"Just a little something for us to compete in while having a bit of fun. You try to score on me blindfolded. If you succeed, I owe you a favor. If not, you owe me one."

Ashley chuckled, the playful competitiveness sparking a glint in her eyes. "Deal. But what's the favor?"

Jamie grinned, his mind already conjuring up mischievous ideas. "That's for me to know and you to find out. Ready?"

As Ashley blindfolded herself, Jamie couldn't help but marvel at her determination. The blindfolded attempts were filled with laughter, teasing banter, and a sense of camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of their usual training sessions. Despite the light-heartedness, Jamie couldn't ignore the underlying tension that lingered in Ashley's demeanor.

After a particularly skillful blindfolded goal, Ashley removed the blindfold and turned to Jamie. There was a moment of silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.

"What's going on, Ash?" Jamie asked, his voice gentle but curious.

Ashley hesitated for a moment before breaking the news. "Grayson proposed to me."

Jamie's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing to process the unexpected revelation. "He what?"

Ashley nodded, her gaze drifting to the distant horizon. "Last night. After everything. It was... unexpected."

A mixture of emotions swirled in Jamie's mind – surprise, confusion, and an unexpected pang of disappointment. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Jamie knew he needed to be there for Ashley.

"And?"

"I said no! I thought I was ready but I wasn't. Everything is so confusing lately I...I just don't know."

"I'm here for you, Ash. Whatever you need."

Ashley managed a grateful smile, appreciating Jamie's genuine support, and reached her arm out to give him a friendly side hug. As they continued their training session, the unspoken complexities of their relationship simmered beneath the surface.

In Jamie's inner monologue, determination brewed. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to break them up for good, convinced that he was the one who could truly make Ashley happy. 

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting elongated shadows across the training pitch, Jamie and Ashley continued their drills with a renewed intensity. Yet, beneath the surface, an undercurrent of tension simmered, their thoughts consumed by the unexpected turn of events. With each passing moment, Jamie couldn't shake the feeling that Ashley's revelation held deeper implications. While he masked his inner turmoil with playful banter and skillful footwork, his mind raced with a flurry of conflicting emotions. On one hand, Jamie felt a pang of disappointment at the news of Grayson's proposal. Despite his efforts to remain objective, a selfish part of him couldn't help but harbor feelings for Ashley. The realization that she might soon be committed to someone else fueled a sense of urgency within him. However, Jamie's loyalty to Ashley as a friend never wavered. As they engaged in the separate training session, Jamie found solace in the camaraderie they shared. Each laugh and jest served as a temporary distraction from the weight of their unspoken truths.

Ashley grappled with the weight of Grayson's proposal, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions. While she valued their relationship, doubts lingered beneath the surface, fueled by the events of the previous night. As Jamie's supportive words washed over her, Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his unwavering presence. Despite the complexities of their friendship, Jamie remained a steadfast source of comfort and support. Yet, as the training session drew to a close, an air of uncertainty hung over them like a heavy fog. The subtle flirtations and lingering glances between Jamie and Ashley hinted at a deeper undercurrent of attraction, one that threatened to upend the delicate balance of their relationship. What was she doing?

Unbeknownst to them, Andrew Mitchell, the sneaky photographer from Los Angeles who was seeking revenge for his photo not being published, lurked in the shadows. His camera silently clicked away, capturing the subtle dynamics between Jamie and Ashley, planting the seeds of scandal.