by Jacob Chance
The sound of the door slamming draws my attention and I let loose a sigh of relief when I see Leah strolling toward me.
“You didn’t have to leave because I am.”
“I know, but it’s for the best. Clancy was coming on pretty strong and my resolve was wearing away quickly.”
“He seems intense.”
“He is. Don’t get me wrong, he’s fun to joke with, but guys like him scare me.”
“Why?”
“He’s used to getting what he wants from girls and moving on to the next. I’m not really a ‘move on from’ type of girl. I want a guy to stick around for a while and get to know me as a person. Not just how long it takes me to come.”
I snort at her honesty. “I hear ya.” I hold up my hand and her palm cracks against mine. We begin the walk back to our dorm.
“What’s up with you and Trevor?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” I walk faster hoping she’ll let the subject drop.
“Are you sure about that?” No such luck I guess. My head swivels in her direction.
“Absolutely. He’s not someone I’d ever become involved with.”
“Why not? I’ve never known him to be anything but nice.”
“I agree. He’s a decent guy. But he’s also rich, spoiled, entitled, and a playboy. Not my type at all.”
“What is your type?” That’s a difficult question. How do I sum up all that I’m looking for in a man?
“I guess I’d want someone similar to my dad. He’s dependable, funny, hard working, and he shows my mom and me how much he loves us.”
“That’s sweet.”
“He’s great. I think our personalities are similar and that’s why we get along so well.”
“Sometimes opposites attract.” Opposites? I’m not sure you can be more different than Trevor and I are.
“Hmm,” I hum noncommittally.
“Let’s not talk about guys anymore. It stresses me out,” she sighs.
“You won’t hear me arguing.”
“My mom’s been telling me boys are trouble for as long as I can remember.”
“Yeah, mine too.”
“So why can’t we steer clear of them?”
“That’s my plan. I’m here for football and a great education.” This is my only opportunity. I won’t get another chance. I have to stick to my plan and remain focused on what matters.
“Right. Me too. And I’ve met two amazing friends, you and Amelia. What else could I ask for?”
“A bigger bed with a more comfortable mattress?” I joke.
“Oh tell me about it. It’s like sleeping on a concrete slab. My back has been killing me since I moved in. I’m only twenty-one and I’m pretty sure I need to see a chiropractor.”
“Dad, what do you want me to do with the list of supplies we need to order?” I peek my head out of the storage room to find him in his office across the hall. When he doesn’t answer I close the distance between us and sink onto one of the chairs in front of his desk. Studying him for a moment, I notice the frown twisting his mouth and the dark circles under his eyes. “Dad, what’s going on?”
“Nothing you need to worry about.” I’ve never seen him look so worried. My dad wears a perpetual grin - unless something’s on his mind. And now, he doesn’t even look like himself.
“Dad, I’m an adult. I’m old enough to know what’s got you concerned.”
“Business has been slow for the past six months and it’s beginning to be a problem. I need to figure out a way to improve our bottom line or we’re going to have to close down.”
“This isn’t the first time we’ve hit a rough patch. We’ll make it through, we always do.” I try to remain upbeat despite being awash in disappointment. I love this place, and the fact that my parents started it when my dad was only twenty-five. They’ve been running it for thirty years, but sometimes it feels like such a burden to bear. “I know we’ve made it through tough times before, but this might be worse than a patch.”
“What will you do if we don’t have this place anymore?”
He shakes his head. “I’ve never been one for plan B’s, but maybe I should have been. Don’t worry, honey. Your mother and I will figure something out.”
“I’ll see what I can come up with too. I’m not some helpless teenager. Maybe I can help you with ideas to improve business.”
“The thing is, we’ve had an offer on the place and it might be time to consider selling.”
“Dad,” I gasp. “How can you think of selling?”
“Grace, for the right amount of money it might be worth it.”
“And did they offer you what you’d want?”
“No, but we could negotiate for more.”
“I know money makes things easier, but it’s not the most important thing.”
“You’re right, it’s not. I’ve always told you that, but it would be great not having to worry about it. Having a sizeable nest egg in the bank would be a nice change.” I agree with that point. Having a cushion would be a great feeling, and one I’m not used to. I was raised with my parents always making ends meet, but sometimes money was really tight and they never had a problem with letting me know. There were many instances where I didn’t get the clothes I wanted or the name brand shoes my friends were all wearing.
I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, I’m certainly not. There are worse things than not having popular brand items. My stomach was always full and we had a roof over our heads. I just wish my parents had sheltered me a little more about the times we did struggle. There was no reason for me to worry. That was their job, not mine. And yet, here we are again with me consoling my dad.
Rising to my feet, I lean forward placing my palms on his desk. “Dad, I’m not going to let you give up. We can overcome this. Where’s the man who taught me to fight until you can’t fight any more?”
He smiles. “I’m still here, honey. You caught me at a bad time. I’m just wallowing for a little bit. I’ll come back swinging tomorrow.”
“You better.” I raise my brow. “Or I’ll give you the kick in the ass you need.”
He laughs. “I bet you would. Now get out of here and go do something fun with your friends. I’m about to leave anyway.”
The train ride back to school from Somerville gives me time to think about what my dad shared with me. I had no idea Davis Square Cafe was struggling. I haven’t noticed business declining, but since classes started I’m only there on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from six a.m. to two p.m. We open earlier than most places and close right after the lunch rush. I wonder if extending our hours could help? Maybe we need to be open for dinner or late night hours. There are college students who are always looking for late night eats. I’ll have to talk to my dad about it.
I was hoping I’d be able to find another job working someplace besides the cafe. I’ve been waitressing since I was fifteen years old. Meeting new people and doing something different really appeals to me, but duty calls. And when it does, you do what you must.
I rise to my feet at my designated T stop and step out onto the platform. The mid September air is thick with humidity and moisture beads on my forehead as I trudge along the cracked sidewalk. Glancing around, I take in all the life around me. So many cultures packed into one area, it’s usually so inspiring for me. I like to window shop, or sit out at one of the outdoor cafes and people watch. But right now it’s difficult to feel optimistic about anything, and all I want to do is get back to my dorm and go to sleep.
Knowing my dad has been shouldering so much worry on his own makes me sad. I’m not a little girl and I want my parents to be able to count on me to be there for them. I’ll do whatever it takes to help them resolve this. Even if it means leaving school and finding a full-time job.
Chapter Five
Trevor
Tearing my helmet off, I drop it to the ground and grab the white towel from the bench. Wiping the perspiration from my hair and face, I scan the crowd for Grace once more.
I haven’t seen any sign of her, although Amelia and Leah are here. I was distracted throughout much of the game wondering where she is and why she didn’t show. I invited her and made it clear I wanted her to come. What made her decide not to attend?
“Good game, bro.” Owen thumps his palm on my back. “What are your plans now?”
“I’m heading back to the apartment, I guess.” I was hoping to spend time with Grace, but now that’s not happening and I have nothing else on tap.
“I’m heading to C’s with some of the guys if you want to go. Amelia and Leah are coming too.” Maybe I can find out from them what’s up with Grace.
“I’m up for that. A cold beer sounds like just what I need.” We gather up our helmets, water bottles, and towels and make our way to the locker room. Coach enters as soon as we’re inside.
“That was a good game, boys. Not bad for so early in the season. Each week we need to play better than the last. There’s no space for letting off, we need to go balls to wall if we want to dominate. Moving forward I’d like to see more third down conversions, but all in all it was a decent showing. And it’s another W in the books that we needed.”
Shouting and whistling resonates as we celebrate our victory. Today was an important game because we won against one of our biggest division rivals.
“Let’s hit the showers and get out of here. I texted Amelia that we’d meet them out front in ten.”
Owen raises his shot of whiskey. “Here’s to many more wins this season. To winning.”
A chorus of “to winning,” rises above the clinking of glass as we bang the rims together. In a synchronized motion we all down the golden liquid and slam the empty glasses onto the bar. Even Amelia and Leah join in the toast. I was pleasantly surprised they ordered whiskey too. I expected them to request some girly shot instead, but I probably shouldn’t assume such things. These two are badass chicks. I lean over toward Amelia and ask the question I’ve been holding back since we left the stadium.
“Where’s Grace tonight? Aren’t you three joined at the hip?”
“She’s supposed to be on her way as we speak.” She is? My eyes scan the area by the door in hopes of seeing her.
“How come she didn’t make the game?”
“She had to work earlier, and when she got home she told us to go without her.”
“Where does she work?” I’ve never thought to ask her myself. I’m an inconsiderate asshole.
“Her parents own a restaurant in Somerville.”
“Oh yeah? Which one?”
“It’s called Davis Square Cafe. They serve breakfast and lunch only.”
“Nice. We’ll have to go there sometime and check it out.”
“Lincoln, get back over here and do another shot.” Nolan shouts, waving me over.
“If you guys need anything give me a holler.” I tip my head toward the group of guys next to us.
“We’ll be fine. I can handle myself.” Amelia smirks. “I have two older brothers.”
“I’m sure you can, but Zeke would have my ass if something happened to you and I’m right here and could have prevented it.” I edge back over to my friends, stepping around a couple of patrons ordering drinks.
“Here.” Owen holds out another whiskey shot. Taking it from him, I glance at the front of the bar, but there’s still no sign of Grace. Damn it. Did she change her mind? “Okay, boys. This shot’s for successfully finding holes. And I don’t only mean holes for Nolan to jet through on the field.”
We all laugh and shout, “to holes,” drawing chuckles and side-eyes from the throng gathering near the bar.
“Nolan, how’s it feel to be in the big city after being stuck in Vermont at an all male prep school?” Flynn inquires.
“It’s awesome. I feel like I just got out of jail after being locked up for four years.”
“It’s gotta be a culture shock for you,” Owen offers. “Not just the area, but having so many hot girls around all the time.”
“It is somewhat. I’ve been to cities before, guys. I’ve just never lived in one. You know Vermont isn’t far from here.”
“It might as well be the other end of the world,” Flynn laughs. “Back to the no girls thing. You went to school with all dudes?”
“Yep, I did.”
“How did you get laid?” Flynn questions.
Nolan chuckles and tucks his chin before raising his head once more. “I didn’t.”
“What?” we all guffaw while Nolan turns red.
“Dude, have you remedied that since you’ve been here?” Owen asks. Nolan slowly ticks his head from side to side.
“Nope, not yet.”
“What are you waiting for?” I raise a brow, curious to know the answer.
“I don’t know. I’m not good at talking to girls.”
“Dude, you’re the starting running back on the Terriers. That alone will get you laid. You barely need to speak. Just smile and tip your head toward the bedroom and someone will come running,” Flynn instructs.
He gives a dismissive shrug and I can tell he doesn’t want to talk about this anymore. Leaning back on the bar I point my gaze his way. “I feel kinda disappointed we never really got the chance to prank you. They’ve really cracked down on hazing, and the punishments doled out would mean being suspended from playing. You’re lucky none of us wanted to risk getting caught.”
“Especially when you’re captains,” Owen broaches, raising a good point. As the two team captains, Owen and I must exemplify model players. That means our work ethic stands above all others and we follow all rules - not just the ones we don’t mind. Coach gave us a whole spiel about how there can be no exceptions and if our behavior is questionable at all, we’ll be replaced. And since neither of us wants to lose captain status, we do what we have to. If that means letting the rookies off easy, then so be it.
Raising my hand to flag down the bartender, and as he moves down to our end of the bar, I spot Grace standing with her friends a few feet away. How did I miss her walking in? She smiles at something Amelia says but she looks tired.
“What can I get for you?”
“Two Heinekens, please.” I continue studying her until the bartender slides both bottles in front of me. I hand off some bills and scoop the beers up.
“Hey, where’s our beers Mr. One Way?” Owen calls out.
“Sorry, fellas. I’ve got more important things to do.” Popping my eyebrows up and down, I grin before stalking Grace’s way. I’m almost upon her before she notices, but when she does a scowl mars her beautiful face.
“Ladies,” I acknowledge them before turning to Grace. “I got this for you.” I hold out the green bottle. She hesitates before closing her fingers around it. “There are no strings attached,” I jest, my left cheek arcing up in a half smile. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Her eyes bounce between Amelia and Leah before meeting mine.
“Sure.” I clasp her hand and move us down to the two empty stools that just became available. “Have a seat.” She plucks her hand free and slides onto the swiveling seat. I sink down onto the stool next to hers. “Why did you leave last night? I went to find you, but you were gone.”
“I didn’t want to be a third wheel or ruin your game.”
“You could never be a third wheel, Grace. You were the one I wanted to spend time with.”
“I’m sure your night ended much better with her than it would have with me.”
“You’d be wrong. About thirty seconds after you walked away I went looking for you. By the time I realized you’d left and went outside, there was no sign of you.” Her hands cup the bottle as she stares down at it. “Grace, did you hear me? You left for no reason.” She lifts the bottle to her gloss slicked lips, taking a deep pull. And then another until half the beverage is gone. What’s going on with her?
“I’m sorry if you looked for me. I didn’t mean to waste your time.”
“You didn’t waste my time. But I’d rather have spent the rest of the night getting t
o know you better.”
“What’s the point, Trevor? Nothing will ever happen between us.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re not my type. So now you’re off the hook.”
“Ouch. What’s that supposed to mean? What’s wrong with me?” This is interesting. I’ve never been so harshly dismissed as not someone’s type before. Why is she so adamant about this?
“I don’t want to get into rehashing everything. You can’t help the way you were raised anymore than I can change how I was.”
“What’s wrong with the way I was raised?” My tone rises as the frustration begins to hit me.
“Nothing. I’m not saying anything is.”
“What exactly are you saying? If you’ve got something to get off your chest go for it.”
“I don’t. We were brought up differently and we should agree to keep our distance from one another. Here we are arguing and there’s no reason for it. You go your way and I’ll go mine. It’s an easy fix.” She shrugs, carelessly. Does she really not care? Fuck it. I don’t need to beg some chick to pay attention to me.
“Okay. Message received loud and clear. I’m sorry for bothering you.” Rising from the stool, I don’t spare her a glance. “See ya around.”
What the hell’s her problem? I’ve been nothing but nice and she wants to sling insults my way. Fuck that. I don’t need to put up with being treated poorly. I was trying to be nice and she shut me down rudely. Tipping my beer back, I swallow down the remainder and slide the empty bottle along the bar, edging in next to Owen.
“Hey, what’s going on?” he questions.
“Not much. I just got shot down, brutally.”
“By Grace?”
“Yep. I don’t know what her problem is, but I’m done, man. I’m not gonna beg her to give me a chance. I’m a nice guy and I like her enough to put some legit effort in, but if she can’t see me for who I am, then I’m not wasting anymore time on her.”
