Rookie

by JL Paul

  “I don’t know about all that,” Sidney said, plucking a carrot off a vegetable tray. “But I wanted to contribute. Is everyone out on the deck?”

  “Yes,” Mrs. B said as she placed Sidney’s dish in the refrigerator. “Why don’t you join them?”

  “I will.”

  She left the older woman to her work and exited the house through the French doors. On the deck she spotted Rob and Chad conversing near the grill and Paul and Bruno standing by the deck rail, staring out at the ocean. But nowhere did she see Lexie, Tracy, or Melanie.

  Shrugging, she plucked a beer out of the cooler and cleared her throat, calling attention to herself.

  “If I would have known this was a man party, I would have stayed home and scrubbed the toilet.”

  “Sidders!” Bruno exclaimed, loping over to her in order to envelope her in a huge bear hug. “How are you, beautiful?”

  “Suffocating,” she mumbled as he loosened his hold. “Nice to see you, too, Bruno.”

  “The girls walked down to Lex and Chad’s house,” Paul said as he leaned against the rail, drink in hand. “Something about new wallpaper.”

  “Oh, okay,” Sidney said as she made her way to the grill. She gave Chad a smile. “I missed out on that excitement.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, I know, right? But Lex is all excited about the guest room she just redecorated.”

  “I know,” Sidney responded, doing her best not to look at Rob. “I’ve seen thousands of samples just this past week.”

  “You play volleyball, Rookie?” Rob asked, garnering her attention.

  “Not for a long time,” she admitted, turning to look at him. He was wearing cargo shorts and a black t-shirt that did nothing to hide his build.

  “Well, be warned,” Bruno said, draping an arm around her shoulders. “I already claimed you for my team.”

  “You might regret that,” she laughed, thankful for Bruno to distract her from Rob.

  “Not at all. I’m the beach volleyball champ in these here parts.”

  “Okay, then,” she said, her eyes searching the beach for the arrival of the other girls. “As long as I’m on the shirts team and not the skins.”

  Bruno tossed his furry head back and laughed. “Love this girl. She’s hilarious!”

  As conversation turned general, Sidney kept her gaze from Rob’s face, Rob’s chest, Rob’s bare feet – anything Rob. So difficult was it becoming that she welcomed the arrival of Rob’s ex-wife.

  Melanie Ross stepped onto the deck behind Lexie and ahead of Paul’s wife, Tracy. The grainy pictures from the tabloid didn’t do her justice. Pretty face, stylish hair, curvy body – everything Sidney figured she’d be. Dressed in white shorts and a purple tee, her friendly smile brightened her lovely blue eyes and made Sidney wish she could hate the woman.

  “You must be Sidney,” Melanie said, stretching out a hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Sidney said, shaking the other woman’s hand. “And I’ve heard a lot about you, too.”

  Melanie laughed, the sound soft and sweet, leaving no doubt in Sidney’s mind why Rob had fallen for her.

  Rob walked over to drape his arms around both Sidney and Melanie.

  “Now that everyone is here, let’s play some volleyball!”

  “You are such a little boy sometimes,” Melanie said, smiling up at him. “Fine. Let me finish my drink while you men figure out teams.”

  It ended up being Sidney, Bruno, Paul, and Tracy against Rob, Melanie, Lexie, and Chad. Sidney wished that she could have been on Rob’s team as it was all that much harder to concentrate once the guys removed their shirts. Sidney’s eyes traveled up the vine-like tattoo that twisted around Rob’s arms and met in the center of his chest in some sort of symbol. To make matters worse, he winked at her when he caught her staring at his chest, sending heat to her cheeks.

  Sidney wasn’t horrible as she’d enjoyed playing on the beach of the little lake back home. During summer break, she’d meet up with some of the kids from her classes for a cookout and games much like she was doing now.

  They paused after two games – each team claiming one victory – for drinks before starting a rubber match. Sidney was glad for the break. The sun was hot and beating down with such ferocity she was sure her skin would be brick red before the day ended.

  She accepted an icy cold beer from Bruno and took a seat in a chair under a huge canopy. Bruno plopped down beside her, watching Melanie, Rob, Chad, and Lexie laugh by the cooler.

  “Melanie’s a nice girl,” Bruno said, nodding in the direction of the little group. “But I just don’t get why everyone gets so worked up about her coming to town.”

  “She’s a good friend,” Sidney said, taking frequent, long sips of her beer. “And Rob’s…well, whatever they are.”

  Bruno snorted. “He’s got something so much better right under his nose but he doesn’t even realize it. Yet. Hopefully he will soon.”

  Sidney’s heart stopped as she slowly turned her head toward Bruno. “What?”

  His kind eyes met hers. “He’s not an idiot, Sidders. He’ll get there.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, dropping her gaze to the bottle in her hand.

  Bruno chuckled and sucked down the remainder of his beer. Getting to his feet, he leaned closer to her, lowering his voice. “Don’t worry, Sid. I’m far more observant than most people and I keep my mouth shut. I like you – a lot. I wouldn’t do anything or say anything to embarrass you. Just remember that I’m your friend, though, and if shit ever gets you down, you call me and we’ll get drunk.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes as she giggled, rising to give him a hug.

  “You’re a great friend, Bruno. And if you ever need a good drunk, give me a call.”

  “You’re on,” he said, breaking away and shaking his empty bottle. “Ready?”

  She shook her head and he walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

  So, Bruno had figured out what was going on in her heart. Although he claimed to be more observant than most people, she wondered if that was true. Lexie hadn’t mentioned anything to her, but she’d been busy with her job and family obligations.

  But had Rob noticed?

  Throwing her head back, she closed her eyes, cheeks hotter than the sun.

  What if he knew? What if he just suspected? How would she be able to face him?

  “Everything all right, Sid?”

  She opened her eyes and smiled at Tracy who had taken Bruno’s seat. Sidney didn’t know the other woman well but liked what she did know of her. Tracy was cute with short blonde hair, green eyes, and a petite figure. She was a quiet type, but very sweet.

  “Fine,” Sidney said. “Just a little tired, I guess.”

  Tracy nodded. “Lexie said that you’ve been working practically nonstop. I’ll bet you’re tired.”

  “It’s okay, though,” Sidney said. “I love my job.”

  They made small talk while Rob got the grill going and Lexie and Melanie disappeared inside the house. The men congregated around the grill as though it was some sort of idol, drinking beer and watching the grates heat.

  After a huge, early evening meal, Sidney followed through with her plan and started alternating water with diet soda. Rob noticed, commenting briefly on it.

  “I have some things to do tomorrow,” Sidney smiled. “I don’t want to be all hung-over.”

  “I understand,” Rob said, settling in a chair close to her. “If I had anything to do other than sleep tomorrow, I’d follow your lead.”

  “You do have other things to do tomorrow, you dork,” Melanie laughed as she sat at the end of his chair. “You’re taking me to the airport, remember?”

  Rob closed his eyes as he pushed his chair back into a reclining position. “Why you book such early flights, I don’t understand. It’s not a long flight to San Francisco. You could fly out later and spend the day here.”

  “I’ll be b
ack,” Sidney said, practically leaping from her seat. She ran inside, muttering something about the bathroom to Mrs. B, and hurried to the nearest one. Closing the door, she gripped the sink, staring at her big brown eyes in the mirror.

  “I’ve got to get out here,” she said, checking her watch. It was only half past seven – too early to slip out. She’d have to grit her teeth and suffer through for at least an hour.

  “You can do it,” she told the girl in the mirror. “Suck it up.”

  Splashing a little cool water on her face, she dabbed it dry with a hand towel before exiting the bathroom. Breathing slowly, in through the nose and out through the mouth, she entered the kitchen and paused to help Mrs. B clean up leftovers.

  “You should be out there with the young people,” Mrs. B admonished. “I can handle all this.”

  “I don’t mind,” Sidney said, peering out a window to see that Melanie had edged closer to Rob.

  Once all the food was put away and the dishwasher loaded, there wasn’t much else Sidney could do without being in the way. Mrs. B ran an efficient kitchen and while she might enjoy a little help, it was obvious that she wanted things done her way. With Mrs. B gently shooing her out of the kitchen, Sidney had no choice but to rejoin the party.

  Grabbing a fresh bottle of water, she joined Lexie and Tracy at the far end of the deck, watching the sun dip over the horizon.

  “Hey, Sid,” Lexie said. “Where’s your beer?”

  “I quit drinking hours ago,” Sidney said. “I’m driving home tonight.”

  Lexie’s brow furrowed. “I thought you were crashing in the guest room?”

  “Nah,” Sidney said, shaking her head. “I have to do some shopping tomorrow. And laundry. All those domestic sort of chores.”

  “Oh. Ew,” Lexie said with crinkled nose. “Still, you can do them later.”

  “I like to just get it over with,” Sidney said as she toyed with her bottle cap. “As a matter of fact, I think I’m going to head out now. I’ll talk to you on Monday.”

  “All right,” Lexie groaned, pulling Sidney into a hug. “Be careful going home.”

  “I will.”

  After a wave to Tracy, Sidney crossed the deck to tell the guys goodbye.

  “I’m leaving. Thanks, Rob,” she said, hoping to make a quick escape.

  “You’re not staying in the guest room?” asked a frowning Rob.

  She shook her head again, holding up her water bottle. “I’m fine. Besides, I have a lot to do tomorrow.”

  He slid off the chair and got to his feet. “Okay. I’ll walk you out.”

  “You don’t have to,” she said.

  “Nah, I will.”

  “It was nice to meet you, Sidney,” Melanie said as she took Rob’s spot on the chair.

  “You, too,” Sidney said as she waved goodbye and hurried through the house.

  “What’s the rush, Rookie?” Rob asked as they exited out the front door and walked to her car.

  “No rush,” she said. “I just didn’t want to keep you from your party.”

  Hitting a button on her keychain, the headlights flashed, indicating the doors were unlocked. He beat her to the car, opening the door.

  “You don’t have to leave, you know. You can crash here and leave in the morning,” he said.

  “Thanks,” she said, edging around him to get to the car. “But I really just want to sleep at home tonight. Honestly.”

  He stood in front of her, concern etched on his face. Taking a small step forward, he loomed over her. “Are you sure? Did someone say something to upset you?”

  “No,” she denied a little too quickly. “I’m just really tired. It’s been a long week.”

  He continued to eye her and she fought to maintain a straight face. Finally, he ran a hand through his hair. “Okay. If you’re sure. I just hate to see you go.”

  “I had a good time,” she said, standing on her toes to peck his cheek. “I’ll see you Monday.”

  With that, she got into her car and he shut the door. Starting the engine, she waved once more before setting off into the night.

  Once outside the gates, she released a breath, holding back ridiculous tears that threatened to fall. She’d known for a while now that he was trying to get back with his wife. It should have come as no surprise to see them getting a little close. And it wasn’t like they were making out in front of anyone.

  “So stupid,” she muttered as she maneuvered the car over the curvy, hilly roads.

  Headlights appeared in her mirror, behind her a little ways. She slowed a bit as she took a sharp curve. Turning on the radio, she played with the buttons, searching for a song to suit her mood.

  The headlights behind her grew larger and brighter, bugging her eyes. She flipped her mirror up to keep the reflection out of her face. Checking her side mirror, she noticed the lights flicking bright then dim, bright then dim. Thinking it could be a motorist in trouble, she wondered if she should slow, but then remembered lessons from driver’s ed class. Never stop in a dark place. Always wait to pull over in a heavily populated area. If it’s a police officer, he or she will understand.

  She continued on her way, trying to ignore the car behind her, hoping to find an open gas station or convenience store. She wanted to pull over and let the car pass but didn’t dare do it on a dark road where the houses were spaced out a bit.

  But the driver, obviously growing impatient with her pace, rode her back bumper, coming so close that it made her nervous. Again, she considered pulling over but her instincts told her not to do it.

  She lurched forward as the car behind her bumped into her, and a tiny scream escaped her lips. Stepping on the gas, she sped up, desperately seeking a safe place to stop.

  The person behind her was determined to stop her. As Sidney sped up, so did he, continuing to tap her bumper, a little harder each time, knocking her bag and her phone to the passenger side floor.

  “Damn,” she said in a shaky voice. She accelerated again, after taking another curve, but so did her pursuer.

  Terrified, she tried to think what to do. She definitely did not want to pull over, but she wasn’t sure where to go. She could pull into a driveway but most of the houses had gated property, just like Rob’s. What if she was to pull up to a gate, hit the intercom, but not get anyone to respond before her stalker got a hold of her?

  “Keep going, Sid,” she muttered, her hands trembling on the wheel. “Just keep going.”

  She reached a straightaway cut into the hills. On her left, the land rose, but on her right, it dropped at a gentle, tree covered slope.

  Frantic, she punched the gas pedal, hoping to put distance between her and the car behind her. But he sped up, too, ramming her car hard. She jerked the wheel unintentionally and lost control, heading for the slope to her right. Her car crashed sideways through the weak rail as she hit her breaks and tumbled down the hill, rolling like a dog doing tricks, stopping right-side up only when it struck a thick tree. Airbags burst from the steering wheel and the dash, startling her further.

  “Oh, no,” she cried, her heart positively exploding in her chest. Her quivering hands fought with the seat belt while blood trickled from her head into her eyes. Her head pounded and her side ached but she didn’t realize it in her fear.

  Twisting in her seat while continuing her battle with the seat belt, she searched the darkness for her stalker.

  Phone. Find your phone.

  “Yes. Yes,” she said as the belt released. She leaned over the console and cried out as a sharp pain flared in her side. Tears poured from her eyes as she tried again, ignoring the excruciating pain in her efforts to locate her phone. Fighting the darkness that threatened to overcome her, she patted the floor, hand landing on various objects she couldn’t identify. Finally, she located her phone and, with a cry of joy, dialed 911.

  “I need help,” she shouted as the operator answered. In a rush, she gave them the road she’d been on and told the operator what happened.

 
“Are you hurt?” the kind voice asked.

  “I’m not sure. A little. Just send someone, please. I don’t know if he is still here.”

  “I’m alerting the authorities in your area,” the woman said. “Just stay on the line.”

  “Okay,” Sidney said, her head swimming, gray edging in on her vision. “But I don’t feel well. A little dizzy.”

  “Keep talking, Miss,” the lady said. “Tell me your name. Is there anyone I can call?”

  “Sidney Roper,” she said, her head growing heavy and her speech slurring. “Rob. Call Rob.”

  Then she knew no more.

  Ten

  When she woke, head pounding, body aching, she realized immediately where she was. Memories of her flight from the car behind her surfaced, causing her heart to race and a monitor above her head to beep.

  “You’re all right, honey. Relax.”

  She opened her eyes to a warm face peering at her in concern.

  “What’s wrong with me?” Sidney asked, her voice gruff and scratchy.

  “Concussion, head laceration,” the smiling nurse said. “Some bruised ribs and a broken wrist.”

  Groaning, Sidney closed her eyes. No wonder she felt as if a dump truck had run over her. Her hands trembled as she thought of the accident.

  “The police,” she whispered. “I need to talk to them.”

  “They were here already,” the nurse explained, checking the monitors. “They said to let them know when you woke. We’ll give them a call.”

  Sidney tried to nod but it hurt her head too much. Turning it instead, she glanced at the clock above the door. Five-fifteen. Was that morning or evening?

  “Is there someone we could call for you?” the nurse asked, scooting a table next to the bed. She picked up a cup and offered the straw to Sidney who took it gratefully.

  Should she have them call anyone?

  “The police said that you told the 911 operator to call Rob,” the nurse continued. “Is that your husband? Boyfriend?”

  “My friend,” Sidney said, straining for the straw again. The cool water was heaven on her throat.

  “We can call him if you’d like,” the nurse offered. “One of the other nurses found a card with a Rob Ross on it. Is that the Rob you mentioned? We can call him.”