by Nancy Adams
Chapter Seven
I woke up Saturday morning with my head face down in the pillows. I heard a beeping noise but I was too tired to actually answer.
“Who is it?” I said into the pillows before I realized that I had neglected to even reach for the phone.
I reached an arm out, dragged my phone to my mouth and breathed, “Hello.”
“Hey stranger, I texted you last night, but you didn’t text me back. I just wanted to know if we were still on for today.”
I tried to place the voice, but I couldn’t. I was too tired after spending most of the night on Skype with Marie and Sarah. Marie had wanted help discussing the wedding plans. I had just wanted to sleep. She had kept Sarah and I on Skype until nearly four in the morning. I was so out of it.
“Who is this?” I said, flopping over onto my back and rubbing at my eyes.
“Ouch. Apparently I didn’t make the best of impressions if you don’t even remember me. Tell me that you at least remember Olivia?”
“Hugo!” I said and sat up abruptly.
“Bingo.”
“I’m so sorry. One of my best friends is getting married, so she kept me up most of the night talking about wedding plans that I didn’t even really have an opinion about. I mean, really, how many shades of pink are there? And who cares what the centerpieces look like? As long as they’re edible, right?”
He laughed. “I’ve never been to a wedding with edible centerpieces, so I can’t really add anything to the conversation.”
“Oh you know, those weddings that have candy decorating the table.”
“Are you sure you aren’t talking about a Halloween party?”
I frowned, thought about it for a moment and smiled, embarrassed. “Ummm yeah, I think I am. Apparently I make no sense in the morning.”
“Trust me, I would be the same if I only had a few hours of sleep. But it’s nearly noon, so I thought to give you a call.”
“Noon!” I leapt up out of the bed and scrambled to my closet, holding the phone to my ear as best as I could between my chin and my shoulder. “I’m supposed to be at the game by one!”
“I’ll let you go so that you can get there. Should I still show up or…?” He let his voice trail off.
“Yes, of course. Sure! I’ll see you there!” I yelled into the phone before hanging up. The game was being played on the other side of town in a completely different city, and it was going to take me nearly an hour to get there. I hastily brushed my teeth. I tossed on my team’s shirt and a pair of exercise leggings. I didn’t even think about taking a shower as I grabbed my keys and shoes and ran for the door.
I tossed my shoes in my car, jumped behind the wheel and sped off. I was doing about a hundred on the freeway when I heard the siren behind me.
“Oh no! No! No!” I yelled as I pulled over to the side. I had my hands on the wheel and my forehead pressed against it when the officer knocked on the window.
Sheepishly, I raised my head, rolled down the window and said, “Just give me the ticket officer. I know I was speeding. And I only have myself to blame.”
The officer looked at me sternly and only said, “License and registration, ma’am.”
I sighed and reached for my wallet only to realize that I had neglected to bring my purse. Through tight lips, I said, “I left my wallet home.”
“So not only were you speeding, but you were driving without a license. You’re in a ton of trouble now, Miss…What’s your name?”
“Libby. Libby Turner.”
“Libby Turner?” said the cop, and then he surprised me by taking off his sunglasses and staring down at me. “Are you Sydney Turner’s granddaughter?”
I nodded and raised a brow. “Do we know each other?”
He shook his head and smiled slowly. “No, but your grandmother gave me your number last week when I pulled her over. She said I should give you a call sometime.”
I wasn’t sure if my mouth could hang open any wider than it already was. I clamped it shut.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, and if the expression on your face is any indication, you’re not exactly thrilled by that.”
“I’m sorry, Officer…eerrr…”
“Roy. Officer Christopher Roy.”
“Officer Roy,” I gave him a watery smile. “I think just maybe my grandmother has lost her mind.”
Officer Roy didn’t smile back, but his tone was light as he said, “She did remind me a little bit of that troublesome Sofia from that show way back when.”
“The Golden Girls?”
“That’s it! Bunch of old chicks hanging out in Miami.”
“Yes. My grandmother is like Sofia, but with a way better fashion sense.” I continued with resignation, “Are you still going to give me a ticket?”
“Of course,” he said with a chuckle. “Your grandmother asked that very same question after she gave me your number.”
I rolled my eyes and sighed. “We’re quite a pair.”
“You got that right. I’ll be right back with your ticket.” He said it so pleasantly, as if he were doing me a favor.
A few minutes later, he was back. “Tell your granny I said hi.”
I took the ticket and said, “So you’re not going to ask me out?”
“Are you kidding me? Libby, clearly you have enough problems if you’re speeding down the highway with toothpaste stuck to your cheek, no license and no shoes on. Have a good day now, and go straight home to get that license.”
I nodded in obedience, and as soon as he pulled away, I continued on my way, feeling terrible for driving without a license and breaking the law, but feeling like I had no other choice.
I tried to drive below the speed limit, glancing every now and then at the clock. Finally, I pulled up to the park. My team was already on the field. I felt sick and my stomach was in knots due to the guilt I felt because of my late arrival. I parked. I then hustled out of the car and placed my shoes on as fast as I could. I secured the laces in place and began to dash off in their direction when I heard my name called.
I turned around and saw Hugo. I gave him a big smile as he trotted up next to me.
“Good to see you again. But I know you’re running late. So let’s move.”
I gave him a grateful smile and we sprinted across the concrete to the field. I realized at that moment that I didn’t have my phone with me. I knew it was about fifteen after. I placed my hand on my hips, looking around, trying to get my bearings when my eyes connected with Ash’s. I smiled at him and motioned to move in his direction when he looked over at Hugo, then back at me and turned away from me without saying a word. The jealousy in his eyes was pretty obvious though.
It was then that I realized how much of a mistake I had made inviting Hugo. It was too late now, I thought bitterly.
“Sorry to ditch you. I need to catch up with the other coach. Feel free to stick around though. Be right back!”
I jogged away from him before he could reply and made my way over to the group of parents.
“Sorry for getting here late. How’s it going?”
“Good, but the kids on the other team look like they’re all on steroids. Did you see the biceps on that eight-year-old? They’re bigger than mine!” the goalie’s father said.
His wife rolled her eyes. “Everyone’s biceps are bigger than yours, Steve.” I slid away to keep from becoming part of their argument and made my way to Ash.
“Hey, how’s it going. Sorry I’m late. I was—”
“Otherwise occupied?” He said not making eye contact.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Let me guess. That’s Hugo, right? The guy your grandmother said you went on and on about?”
I remembered our conversation at the mall and groaned internally. Today just wasn’t my day. I started getting cranky. For some reason it bothered me that Ash was angry with me.
“Are you kidding me? Are you seriously angry with me for seeing someone else? One date doesn�
��t make us exclusive.”
He scoffed. “I never said it did, but did you have to bring him here and rub it in my face?”
“I’m not rubbing anything in your face. Nothing. He asked to come way before we even went out on a date. I completely forgot about it until this morning. Not that it’s any of your business.”
“This morning, huh? And what pray tell happened last night that meant you not getting up until close to noon.”
“What makes you think I just got up?”
“Well the toothpaste on your shirt and cheek for starters.”
I had completely forgotten what the cop had said and scrubbed angrily at my cheek.
Grudgingly, Ash said, “Not that one. The other one. Your right side.”
I scrubbed at it with frustration and then promptly gave up. “What’s the score?”
“We just started,” he said. “The coach on the other team was late too. Apparently he had a rendezvous with a secret lover as well that kept him tied up.”
“I didn’t have a rendezvous with a secret lover.”
“You’re right. He’s not a secret. He’s right there, staring in our direction. Oh and look, here he comes…”
Hugo approached with a hesitant look on his face. “Sorry to interrupt,” he said to me, “but I left Olivia in the car. I’m going to go get her and I’ll be right back.”
I smiled at him and said flirtatiously, “Sure thing. I’m not going anywhere.”
The entire time, Ash didn’t say a word, and I could feel that he was angry before I even turned to face him.
“Who’s Olivia?” he growled.
“His dog.”
“So I’m guessing he didn’t spend the night at your place.”
“Nope.”
“I’m an idiot.”
“Yep. I spent most of the night talking about wedding invitations and centerpieces for a wedding reception with my friends. I did not spend my night in compromising positions with Hugo, not that it’s any of your business.”
“I still hate him though. He’s my competition. And he has a dog. Women love guys with dogs.”
“Stop looking so surly.”
“I can’t believe you’re cheating on me. I gave you fried whoopee pie and lobster. The least you could do is pretend to like me more than him. And what kind of name is Hugo anyway?”
“Cheating on you! We’re not even exclusive, you crazy person. And it’s a French name!” I shook my head, not believing the conversation we were having.
Kitty ran up then and asked, “Hey, coach, is that your real boyfriend?”
“No!” Ash and I yelled at the same time.
Kitty backed away slowly as if we had just lost our minds. “Umm, ok. You don’t have to rip my head off. It was just a question.” She ran back to the field but glanced back at us with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
“She just came over here to start trouble, didn’t she?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Listen let me apologize for being a jerk earlier. You’re free to see whoever you want. But I hate to share. So I—”
“You want me to pick between you and Hugo?” I said, crossing my arms over my chest and staring at him defiantly. Although there really wasn’t any competition and I didn’t plan to continue seeing Hugo, I didn’t want Ash to think he could so easily dictate my actions.
“What? No. I’m going to make it easy for you. I’m going to annoy the heck out of him until he leaves and then I’ll have you all to myself.” He then dropped his voice and said, “And when I have you all to myself, you’ll be so into me that you won’t even think about anyone else. Good old Jean-Paul will be a forgotten memory.”
“His name is Hugo.”
“Hugo. Jean-Paul. Both French. Whatever.”
“No. Don’t do that. Please be on your best behavior. Just pretend Hugo isn’t here.”
“No. Now that I’ve seen my competition in person, he’s my sworn enemy. I can’t just sit idly on the sidelines as the Frenchman tries to steal my woman.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re not going to duel with him. What year do you think it is?”
“The year that I kick Hugo’s butt up and down this soccer field.”
“Behave, Ash.”
“Make me, Libby.”
And with that, he made a beeline towards Hugo. I jumped in front of him. “Don’t you dare make a scene.”
He gave me a boyish grin that I knew meant trouble. “I’m not going to make a scene. I’m just going to say hello. Again.”
He walked purposefully towards Hugo and I scampered behind him, barely paying attention to the game.
He smiled at Hugo and waved at him. Hugo waved back with Olivia by his side. “What do you have planned, Ash?” I whispered harshly.
“Calm down, woman. I’m not going to hurt your precious Frenchman.”
I rolled my eyes and then stood mortified as Ash said, “Hugo, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Ash, and I’m the other man.”
I placed my hands on my hips, ready to give Ash a tongue lashing when Hugo said simply, “No kidding. I could pick that up a mile away.”
“So you know what happens from here, then?” Ash said, putting his hands on his hips.
“Yep, may the best man win.” And with that, Hugo smiled. It was a clear challenge and Ash smiled back.
“You two know this isn’t a competition, right?” I said, looking between the two of them, flabbergasted.
“It is now,” was all Ash said as he marched away.
I shook my head and said to Hugo, “I’m sorry about that. He can be a little much.”
“No problem. I don’t mind a little friendly competition.”
“It isn’t a competition,” I said growing frustrated, “I just happen to be dating both of you. At the same time. By accident.” I didn’t dare tell Hugo that I had pretty much completely forgotten about our date until he called me that morning. I was already in way too deep.
Hugo studied me. “Do you normally date more than one guy at a time?”
“So what if I do?” I said feeling defensive, but then I realized that I was projecting my anger at the situation towards Hugo. I apologized. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bite your head off. I’m just a little stressed. I haven’t dated in forever, like I explained to you on our first date, but then my grandmother got sick and started getting pushy. And the next thing I know I’m caught up in one dating fiasco after another. And frankly, I can barely keep up from one second to the next. She even gave a random cop my number!”
I took a deep breath and waited for him to respond. When he just continued to just study me, I knew I had to toughen up and tell him that I didn’t think we should see each other anymore.
“Hugo, I—”
“Go to France with me.”
“What?” I was stunned. I was about to break up with him and he was inviting me to France? What was happening here?
“We can see Paris, Nice and even visit Monte Carlo.”
“I can’t—no. I have—“
“Say yes.”
I laughed nervously. “I can’t just say yes.”
“Okay. But why say no? Your business is online. Your coaching duties can be handled by the lumberjack who thinks he’s your boyfriend. There’s no reason to say no.”
I laughed humorlessly. “There are lots of reasons. The primary one being I don’t know you.”
“Well, get to know me.”
“Okay then, on U.S. soil,” I quipped.
“Come on, Libby. Where’s your sense of adventure? What do you have to lose?”
I shook my head. “I can’t say yes to that. To your offer. I just can’t.”
He shrugged. “I’m leaving in a few days and I plan to stay there a week. You have my number if you change your mind.”
“What? Are you leaving?” I asked. “But you just got here.”
“Two’s a crowd. It’s not a good idea for me and the lumberjack to be in the same place at the same time. If you want to
be swept off your feet and romanced, give me a call.”
And with that he walked away, with Olivia obediently by his side.
I watched him leave and then turned my attention back to the game. Ash stood there with a cheerful smile on his face.
“Did our friend leave?” he said.
I rolled my eyes and said stiffly. “Yep.”
With his voice dripping with sarcasm, he replied, “Oh no. Too bad.”
Chapter Eight
“He asked you to go to Paris with him?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s so creepy.”
I sighed. “Sarah, it’s not as if I said yes.”
“Thank God! He could be a—”
“Let me guess, miscreant, criminal mastermind, mob boss?”
“Exactly! All of the above.”
I sighed. “I knew I should have called Marie; she’s at least logical.”
“Ha! Whatever. You should see her now, a regular bridezilla. And I feel like her parents are trying to invite half the state of Massachusetts to the wedding. The poor thing is so overwhelmed.”
Sarah and I were sitting on the couch in my living room. It was the day after the championship game and I had called her over to celebrate our victory. My other motive had clearly been to pick her brain about the Ash issue. I really didn’t know how to handle it. Hugo inviting me to Paris had thrown me for a loop. Was I being foolish for hastily wanting to dump Hugo before I knew if Ash and I were even compatible relationship-wise? And is that what I truly wanted anyway: to be in an actual relationship? Before my grandmother had gotten involved in my personal life, hadn’t I been content to be alone? I just didn’t know what to think anymore, and my level of indecisiveness scared me.
“It’s simple. Who do you like more?”
“Ash. But that’s most likely because I’ve spent more time with him. I know him better.”
“Well, do you want to get to know Hugo better or only focus on Ash?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean I did know, but now I’m feeling all wishy-washy and incapable of making a decision. And you know that’s out of character for me.”
Sarah nodded and I continued.
