A Different Game: A Wrong Game Novel

by Matthews, Charlie M.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Anyway, like I said, I was angry.”

  It was my fault. I had hurt her and she had every right to be pissed at me back then. But I was young and stupid. Yet, I did the same thing that Taylor always did to her whenever he’d had his fill. I had hated him so much for the way he treated her back then, when in reality, I was no different than he was. I was a selfish idiot.

  “Mel, back then I…”

  “You don't have to explain yourself, Jake. I wasn't exactly a nice person back then, either. I get why you wouldn't want to be around me. I guess it just hurt, that's all. And then I met Frankie shortly after and I had told her everything… about you, about Taylor. The horrible stuff I did to Lola. I told her everything. She didn't look at me like all the others did. You know, with hatred burning deep within their eyes whenever they saw me coming out of the store. She didn't judge me for all the bad things I’d done. She just listened. But I’m afraid I may have had something to do with why she resents you so much. I’m sorry for that. Like I said, I was angry and hurt and…”

  “Mel, I didn't leave because I never cared about you.”

  “You didn't?”

  I shook my head. “I left because I did care about you.”

  Mel tilted her head to one side and frowned. “That makes no sense.”

  “Remember that last night we were together?”

  “It was all I could think about while you were gone,” she admitted.

  “I just found out that Taylor was my brother and that my dad had been lying to me my whole life. I was crazy mad. I tore the house up. Laid into my dad while my mum sat crying in the kitchen, broken. I remember pulling every damn picture off the wall—every fucking family portrait that meant absolutely nothing—and smashing them to pieces. I wasn't an angry kid. It took a lot for that switch to flip. I didn't know what to do. I had so much anger inside of me burning through my veins, threatening to explode. I didn't know what to do with it.”

  I paused to take a breath and looked down at Mel. She blinked back at me. Her beautiful big, brown eyes twinkled with so much compassion that it was almost unbearable to see. Even after the way I treated her, she still cared enough to forgive me.

  “Then I saw you and suddenly nothing else mattered,” I continued. “I knew if I pulled you into my arms, buried my face in your neck and breathed you in, it would all go away. And it did. For a few hours, that anger and hatred went away and all that mattered was you and what I was starting to feel for you. But just as I realised that, I knew I could never let myself feel that way about you. Not while you were still in love with him.”

  “Taylor? I…”

  “You called for him in your sleep, Mel. You were laid in my arms and I remember thinking how fucking lucky I was right then. I had never wanted to be with anyone before. Least of all you. But there you were, proving me wrong. Proving that you were more than the girl everyone thought you were. I wanted you so badly, even after you called out his name. But I knew I would always be second best. And I couldn't put myself through that so I left.”

  “I don't know what to say.”

  “You don't have to say anything. Just know that I didn't leave because I didn't care, Mel. I left because I did.”

  I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again I saw a tear roll down her cheek. I lifted my thumb, brushed it away, and sighed. It was weird how much relief I felt getting that off of my chest. I hated knowing me leaving had hurt her, and at least now she knew I wasn't like Taylor. I hadn't been using her to get what I wanted, chucking her away when I’d had enough. She needed to know that someone cared about her. That I cared about her.

  Mel tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear and gripped the hem of my shirt. Her fingers shook as she blinked up at me, causing more tears to run down her face. God, she was breathtaking.

  “Don't cry, babe.” I smiled, pulling her closer.

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for hating you and wishing you dead. God, I’m so fucking sorry.” Dropping her forehead to my chest, she shook her head slightly before gazing back up at me. “I was happy with you, Jake. Being with you was like nothing I could have ever imagined. You saw something in me that made you care. I should have been happy. Grateful, even. No one else would have given me a chance after what I did. Least of all you, actually. But I promise you, Jake… being around you… I never once thought about Taylor. At least not in that way. I only wished I’d met you first. I’m sorry if I made you feel differently about my intentions. I’m with you because I want to be. Because you make me happy. This isn't me settling for second best. This is me telling you how fucking special you are and me promising you that I’ve never wanted someone as much as I want you. That these past few weeks have meant more to me than any moment spent with anyone else.”

  Pulling her onto my lap, I took her face in both hands. “Then be with me.”

  A smile broke across her face as she giggled. “I am with you, silly. I’m right here, aren't I?”

  “No. Be with me properly. You and me. I’ve wasted too many days, too many fucking hours being away from you. I don't want to waste another second skirting around this. I want you, Melanie Livingston. The good, the bad, and everything in between.”

  “I want that, too. I really do. But…”

  “But?”

  “I can't. Not when you're still keeping things from me.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Her weight shifted from my lap as she took the empty spot beside me. “I know, Jake. I know about the injury and how you won't be playing next season.”

  “How did you...? Fuck,” I cursed, gripping the ends of my hair.

  “I knew something was wrong. The cramps, the swelling… It’s been months.”

  I lifted my head, my eyes searching hers. “Who else knows?”

  “Just Frankie. I wasn't sure how to tell you that I knew. She told me not to go snooping but I had to know. I was worried about you.”

  “You went snooping?” I snapped. “You could have just asked me.”

  “I tried. You kept shrugging it off like it was nothing. No one gets that many cramps, and I’m no doctor, but that swelling isn't normal.”

  “I don't even know what to say.”

  “Why didn't you tell me?”

  “You think it's easy admitting that my career is over? When my agent told me that the club was letting me go, it crushed me. I’d had everything I ever wanted. I worked my arse off for that spot and it was taken away from me just like that. One lousy tackle, one awkward turn, and my shooting days were over.”

  “I’m so sorry. I know it must've been hard for you, I…”

  “No, you don't. You have no fucking idea what it feels like. You're great at what you do. You, Mel, you're going places. Football is the only thing I’ve ever been good at. Without it, I’m nothing. I have nothing”

  “That's not true.”

  “No?”

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “You are amazing. It might not seem like it now but I promise you it won't always be this way. You’ll get better and you’ll play again. But don't hide from this. Don't pretend it doesn't exist because you're afraid to face the truth. So what if you can't play today, next week, or a month from now? You will play again. I know you will.” Mel cupped my face in her hands, forcing my eyes on hers. “I know you will,” she whispered.

  My eyes closed and I shook my head, wondering how I’d gotten so fucking lucky. She'd opened up to me about her brother, her parents and Brie. I owed her the truth. “I should've told you.”

  She smiled. “I understand why you didn't.”

  “Do you really think I’ll be playing again?”

  “I do. I really do. You just have to believe in yourself.”

  I nodded because she was right. She was so fucking right. My career wasn't over. One day, I’d be back on that field, doing what I did best. Until then I needed to focus on what was important. Sorting this shit out with my parents and Taylor
, training hard and enjoying every damn second I had with this girl.

  Pressing a kiss to the end of her nose, I inhaled a breath and said, “Thank you.”

  “Don't thank me. Just prove me right. ‘Cause you should know… I really hate being wrong.” Mel giggled, the sound so sweet and refreshing, reminding me that there was still some good left in the world. When her laughter died out, her face turned serious. “You have to tell your parents… and your brother. They deserve to know the truth.”

  “I know. And I will. It was hard enough admitting it to you. Telling them… I don't…”

  “They love you, Jake. They all love you and only want what's best for you. Even if you never play football again, they will still be proud of you. I will be proud of you.”

  I tipped her chin with my finger and smirked. “You still haven't answered my question.”

  “What question?”

  “Be with me, Mel.”

  She nodded her head silently and leaned forward, her lips pressed against mine, soft and warm. I knew that tomorrow would be a challenge but right now, I had this girl in my arms. One who didn't realise just how special she was. And I didn't want to waste another second of my life worrying about what was to come.

  37

  I’d tried calling Bessy on my way to work that morning to tell her I wouldn’t be able to make it to the warehouse after my shift, only there was no answer on her house phone. It was times like these that I wished she’d start using the mobile phone I’d bought her last Christmas, which she had turned her nose up at and refused to even switch on. “We didn’t need these retched things back in my days. In my day we spoke to people face to face, not through a darn text thing, or whatever you kids call it.” Granted, it wasn’t often that I couldn’t get a hold of her, but on those rare occasions I couldn’t, I always tended to worry myself sick. Mostly there really wasn’t any need. Bessy usually made an appearance as though I hadn’t just spent the better part of a day searching for her. I knew she’d likely go crazy if she knew I was worrying about her. But someone had to. With Arthur no longer there to watch over her—not that he was much use when he was living at home—she had no one but the old lady next door who was as deaf as a doorknob, and the young couple on the opposite side, who barely spoke a word of English. So really, all she had was me. I hated knowing she was alone and that something could have happened to her, with me being none the wiser. That thought alone made the blood drain from my face, causing me to shiver with the unpleasant thought that she was seriously hurt, or worse… alone and hurt.

  Closing my eyes, I pushed away any negative thoughts and finished arranging the new bags and purses on the round display table. I stepped back, giving it a once-over. Leanne was good at her job, and I had no doubt that she would take over Lillie’s once her mother retired, but when it came to displaying items, the girl was, without a doubt, useless. It was almost as if she’d made a bet with herself that morning to see how many items she could fit on one table. Really, it looked cluttered and out of place, like something you would see at a jumble sale with very limited room. I preferred the minimalistic look. Tasteful, classy, without being too over the top. I’d made a note to change it whenever Leanne left the store to get some milk.

  When I was satisfied with how it looked, I dusted off my hands and glanced down at the Rolex watch my father had brought back from one of his many trips to the states. In twenty minutes, I would be able to call Bessy again, and if she didn’t answer I would drive over there. When Arthur had gone into the nursing home, I’d insisted Bessy give me a spare key, just in case of emergencies. She argued that I was fussing too much and that I should worry more about myself rather than her. Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen, so I refused to leave until I had that key in my hand. Half an hour later, and growing increasingly tired of my nagging, Bessy eventually handed the key over. Touch wood, I hadn’t needed to use it yet, but I felt comfort in knowing that I at least had a way of getting inside the house when I felt it was necessary.

  Just as I was getting ready to go on lunch, I spotted Jake out the front. He pointed to the watch on his wrist and I smiled. Jake often made a point of texting me whilst I was on lunch. He knew I couldn’t answer while I was working. He'd never shown up to take me to lunch before, though. I secretly loved knowing he had.

  I nodded and grabbed my purse from behind the counter, waving to Jessica on my way out.

  “Hey.” He grinned when I stepped outside.

  His strong arms curled around my waist and pulled me against him. “Careful,” I giggled as his mouth went straight to my neck. As much as I loved his mouth on me, I knew it was dangerous. We were outside the store. Anyone could see us. “Not here,” I breathed out when the sensation of his tongue against my skin became too much.

  Jake pulled back and frowned. “Why?”

  He looked offended and I reached for his hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Someone might see.”

  “So? Who cares?” He shrugged, flashing a glimpse of the dimple in his right cheek.

  “Leanne will if she catches us together,” I pointed out.

  “She’s going to find out sooner or later. I’m not hiding it from her. Or anyone, for that matter.”

  I grinned, happy in knowing that he wanted the more he’d been intent on denying me before. After last night a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders when it came to Jake. We’d needed to get everything out in the open in order to move on. Knowing that he’d cared about me back then made me feel happy.

  “You’re right,” I said. “Who cares if she finds out?” Slipping my arms around his neck, I sighed. His big brown eyes stared down at me as I threaded my fingers through his thick, dark hair, pulled his mouth down to mine and kissed him. His hands ran down my waist and stopped at the small of my back.

  When his tongue met mine, I knew I needed to pull away before things got too heated. “Did you come all the way here to take me to lunch?”

  “I came for Leanne, but I guess you’ll do.” He smirked.

  “Arse,” I said, digging my fingers into his ribs.

  “I’m just kidding, babe. Of course I came for you.”

  “Good to know.” I smirked back and pulled away so I could reach inside my purse for my phone. “I would love to go to lunch, but there’s actually something I need to do.”

  “Oh?” Jake’s brows rose in question.

  “I tried to call Bessy this morning but she didn’t answer. I’m worried something might have happened to her.”

  Jake nodded and grabbed my wrist. “Come on. I’ll drive you over there now.”

  My heart melted knowing he cared about some old lady he barely even knew. But this was Jake and one of the things I loved about him was how much he cared for others. It was something I never fully understood, considering who his brother and father were. “Let me try and call her first. She’ll go mad if I barge in there and it turns out there’s nothing wrong.”

  He released the grip on my wrist and nodded. “If you’re sure.”

  “I am,” I assured him and hit the call button on my phone. Pressing the phone to my ear, I silently prayed she would answer. But after hanging up and calling again, there was still nothing.

  “Right, come on, we’re going over.” He was just as worried as I was.

  I followed Jake as he began walking towards the car park and tried to calm down as my mind swarmed with all kinds of scenarios as to what could be wrong with her. That was it. I would make sure she used her mobile phone from now on. She said it wasn’t needed but she was wrong.

  “Melanie? Where are you going?” I looked up, almost bumping into Leanne as we both rounded the corner at the same time.

  I sighed. “I’m on lunch. Jessica’s watching the store until you get back. I’ve gotta go.”

  Jake sidled up next to me and pulled my hand in his. I glanced down in horror and frowned. Now wasn’t the time to prove a point.

  “You can’t go. I need you to sort out the invoices for Carters. Th
ey need to be done today,” she whined.

  “Can’t they wait until I get back? It’s really important that I be somewhere.” The exasperated tone in my voice wasn’t enough, though.

  Leanne shook her head and said, “More important than your job?” Her brows shot up in challenge.

  I blew out a breath. “Actually, yes.”

  “Fine. Go. But don’t bother coming back.” Her eyes flicked to Jake, then down to where our hands were joined.

  “You’re firing me? You can’t be serious.”

  “Oh, I’m deadly serious.” She smirked and strutted off down the street.

  I pulled free of Jake and ran both hands over my face. I couldn’t believe she would sack me for taking a lunch break. It wasn’t like I hadn’t earned the forty-five minutes we were allowed.

  Jake took my face in his hands and smiled reassuringly. “Go. I’ll check on Bessy for you.”

  “I can’t expect you to do that, Jake. It should be me.”

  “Mel, it’s fine. Honestly. I promise I’ll call as soon as I find out anything.”

  I closed my eyes and blinked them open. “Thank you.”

  “Text me the address before you go back in.”

  “I will do, thank you. And Jake...” I dug in my purse for the spare key and slipped it in his hand. “If there’s no answer, use this. I’m the only one with a spare key, so if she’s there she’ll know it’s me. I’ll try her again.”

  Jake pulled my head against his chest and kissed the top of my head. “She’s okay, Mel. I’m sure of it.”

  I bit my lip and nodded. He was right. She was going to be absolutely fine. I was panicking over nothing.

  I typed out Bessy’s address and sent it to Jake. With another failed attempt at calling, I made my way back inside, furious that Leanne would try to pull this shit, today of all days.

  “You made the right decision.” She smirked as I headed back around to the desk and chucked my purse down.