Second Chances

Chapter 20...

Mia

The entire walk up to the top of the stadium I cursed at Hunter. With my legs burning like no tomorrow I hurled insults at him but he just laughed them off. It was pure torture and add on that I was wearing a sweater I was dying of heat. Sweat running down my chest, back and my face, plastering a few pieces of my hair to my forehead.

The only thing that made the whole thing better was seeing Hunter struggle as well. We were about halfway up when he started to pant and little beads of sweat appeared on his forehead; at least he had some common sense to leave his jacket in the car. It was nice seeing I wasn't the only one struggling up the stairs. Proved he wasn't invincible.

Hunter hadn't meant to but as he hiked beside me my gaze kept going over to his tattoos. Without the jacket I could clearly see the sleeve of tattoos running up his arms. I wanted to know what made him get them since he didn't have any the last time we were together. But I held my tongue and instead enjoy the view while hiking the dreaded stairs.

But as much as I hated the climb the moment we reached the top and looked it made it worth it. The view was incredible. We were up so high that the wind nipped at our faces and cooled our sweaty bodies. From here you could see all the way around the stadium and the entire length of the football field. It was only a bit ago we were standing down there and from here it seemed so far away.

While it would suck to be up here for an actual game cause you couldn't make out the players the view was great. Hunter nudged me and gestured for me to turn around. My jaw dropped once more as I looked out at the top. From here you could see the entire city. It was incredible.

I probably could have stayed up there forever but after a good fifteen minutes we finally started making our way down. Once we got to the next level where all the concessions were Hunter made us turn into it.

"Where are we going?" I questioned as we came out into the wide, I guess hallway, where all the places to eat when their was a game going on were.

"We are heading to the elevator to take us to another level." It took a second for his words to register and when they did I was ready to blow.

"You mean to tell me there really is an elevator we could have taken and we didn't have to walk the entire stands?" I spoke, my tone lethal. Hunter looked down at me almost smugly.

"Yeah." Came his response. I took a few breathes to calm myself but I was seconds away from strangling him. "Thought you could use the workout." Those were not the right words to use.

Hunter had a split second to see what I was about to do, for his took off running down the corridor.

"You little shit!" I yelled, taking off after him. "When I get my hands on you!" In front of me Hunter laughed, his laughter echoing around the empty place. Even though I was pissed at him I enjoyed the sound of his laughter.

I continued on chasing him as we managed to make our way down a few more levels. I finally gave up, my side aching. Hunter had a triumphed grin on his face when he realized I wasn't chasing him anymore. But boy was I going to get him good for this. I was bound to get him back for that and for the fact that I've done more cardio just today than I usually do in two weeks. I was dead.

After our little...running session Hunter showed me all the food vendors, the different stores to buy shirts and hats for fans. I knew as soon as the season started this place would be packed with hardcore football fans, shoving their way to get stuff.

Before I knew it we were done seeing everything. We had pretty much walked the entire stadium and were now heading back towards the parking lot. I couldn't help but be sad that the day was ending. We spent a good four hours inside the stadium even though it felt like minutes. It was a bit after four o'clock in the afternoon meaning I spent the entire day with Hunter; and yet I didn't want it to end.

We were just heading out of the stadium when someone hesitantly called Hunter's name. Turning we found two security guards coming towards us. For a split second I thought we were in trouble for going into the stadium. I was full on ready to either explain it wasn't my idea or to run if we were in fact in trouble.

"We are sorry to bother you but we were wondering if we could get your autograph? My son is a huge fan." One of the security guards asked.

"Of course! No problem." Hunter said kindly, stepping towards them more than happy to sign something.

I stood there watching as he happily signed their pieces of papers and even snapped some photos with him. He wasn't at all put out being asked and even asked about their kids. It was crazy to watch. In a way I had forgotten that Hunter was practically famous. He wasn't just a good college football player that people cheered for while walking by. No, people wanted to meet him, take pictures. It was amazing to see honestly.

A few minutes later he said goodbye and came back to my side, an even brighter smile on his face.

"That was super kind of you to do that stuff with them."

"I don't mind, especially for them. They are here working on a Saturday when they could be at home." He shrugged. His words made my chest ache, but in a good way. Even now he still was humble. While I may not really like his parents they did a good job in raising him. I've never once seen or heard him talk bad about anyone and he was always the first one to offer to help and thank people.

"You are a really good guy Hunter James." I truly meant those words.

"It's the least I can do." He shrugged off my words but I could tell my words hit something in him.

Taking my hand he turned us back towards the parking lot and his car. Once we were in the car and driving out the stadium parking lot Hunter looked over at me.

"Want to go get your car?" He asked. My heart sunk as I realized our day was over. As soon as we got to my car this entire day will be over and we'll most likely go our separate ways. I mutely nodded and looked out the window.

I didn't want this day to end. I didn't want reality to set in quite yet because what I was feeling right now I knew I wouldn't feel again. As soon as this is over and Hunter goes back to his life I will be heartbroken once more. Left to move on once more and forget that this incredible day had even happened.

Even though my mind was telling me to just accept that Hunter and I weren't meant to be, I wanted one night. One last night to be with him and to feel something. To feel that ounce of happiness I haven't had in five years.

I wanted it so badly that when Hunter pulled up next to my car still parked in the cafe I found the words tumbling from my mouth.

"Do you want to come by and have a drink?" My response shocked him for a second before he answered.

"I'd like that."