But my Sunshine is nice to everyone and always sees the best in people, even when she probably shouldn’t.
Before the game, I asked if she would Facetimewith me, win or lose. She agreed teasingly that she would have notes to go over about the game.
“Wheeler!” my teammate, Hernandez calls out. “You coming with us tonight?”
I shake my head. “Nah, I got a better offer.”
“What’s her name?” he goads.
“Don’t worry about it,” I joke lightly, while him and a few other teammates make various noises making fun of me. I don’t care, it’s all in good fun. But they don’t need to be in my business when it comes to Rae.
My teammate Collins glares at me, slamming down his gear harder than necessary before storming off to the showers. I don’t know the guy that well, but he’s always been kind of a dick.
After showering and post-game interviews, we’re all back on the bus headed back to the hotel. I send Rae a quick text letting her know. She sends a clock emoji back and I chuckle. I can’t wait to see her smiling face light up my phone screen. I can’t wait to be back home and kiss her again. She’s completely invaded my mind even more than before, and I know there’s no going back.
But then I think about her alone with Asher, and a possessive side of me comes out. There’s no way she wants him,does she?
I run my hand down my face, my excitement turning into apprehension until I can talk to her. Wasting no time, I rush up to my room at the hotel and click on her name to call as soon as I shut the door.
Her red hair is pulled up in a pile on top of her head with a few stray pieces framing her face. Her big beautiful blue eyes are looking directly at me. She’s not wearing any makeup, and this is how I love to see her. Completely natural, comfortable, and carefree.
“Congrats on the win,” she beams.
“But what do I have to improve on?” I tease, kicking off my shoes and flopping down on my bed. I love that we don’t haveto wear suits to and from games anymore so I can actually be comfortable.
“You did really well, I don’t have anything for you. But I need you to pass a message onto MacDonald that he’s defense which means his job is to actuallydefend.”
I huff out a laugh. “I’ll pass along the note. Anything else?”
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip, biting back a smile while she shakes her head.
“Good. What have you been doing while I’ve been gone? Other than missing me,” I joke, adjusting the pillows behind me so I can get comfortable.
Rae’s face falls slightly as she looks down, and my heart falls into my stomach with nerves.
“I do miss you, but um, you know I saw Asher a couple days ago…”
“Yeah? Was everything okay? Did he hurt you because I’ll fly back right now if he touched you, Sunshine, I swear to you?—”
“No, no he didn’t hurt me. But um I just—” She sighs. “Did you see that stupid article that came out about me being boring?”
I shake my head; I’m not online much and she knows that.
“Well, it got me thinking, and I don’t know, maybe losing my mind a little bit. I’ve been thinking I need to switch it up, do something people don’t expect from me.”
“Do it. You’ll be amazing at anything you want to do.”
“I’ve been writing and it’s definitely different. But it’s also made me think about life and if I should take more risks.” She’s looking down. I want her to look at the screen, to look at me.
“Like what?” I croak, clearing my throat from the lump that’s stuck there.
“If I say something happened with Asher would you look at me differently?” she asks softly.
I swallow and my nerves are back full force. “I could never look at you differently,” I answer honestly.
Now she looks at me, shock all over her gorgeous face. “Would you be mad?”
I shake my head. “I wouldn’t say mad. Maybe a little jealous. Is this your way of telling me something happened?”