Five Days Until You

  Girl knows about football now—college football that is. Oh, and she’s a Niner fan like the rest of the family because of Drew.

  So I explained to her what the combine was, how it worked, how long it lasted, and that only three hundred of the top college football players in the country were invited to attend.

  “It’s a great way to prove you’re ready for the draft,” I tell her.

  She’s quiet for a moment, processing what I told her, no doubt. “So you’re going to try for the NFL.”

  “I—I think so.” I wait for her to tell me I’m stupid, that I don’t have even a glimmer of a chance to get in. I’m not talented enough and I’m wasting my time.

  Of course, she doesn’t say any of that because she’s not Mom. She’s the love of my life and she believes in me, sometimes more than I believe in myself.

  “I think this is fantastic,” she breathes. I can hear the excitement in her voice and it gets me excited too. “About time you realized your full potential.”

  I burst out laughing. “You think so?”

  “I know so,” she says. “I never wanted you to give up your dream. I always felt like…no, never mind.”

  “You always felt like what?”

  She sighs. “That when you would say that kind of stuff, how you had no intention of trying to play football professionally, that you didn’t think you were good enough, I was secretly scared you were giving it all up for…me.”

  Funny how we both think we’re holding the other back from our dreams and plans. “I give up nothing for you. You made my life better, Chels. I give you my everything.”

  “Owen…” Her voice trails off and now I can tell she’s sort of overcome. Not the most ideal time to tell her I’m not coming to see her this weekend. So I try and hold off a little more.

  “The training I’m going to have to go through, it’s going to be intense,” I start and she interrupts.

  “I’m sure. But you can handle it, right? Don’t worry about the training. I know you’ve got it in you. And you don’t have to work at the restaurant anymore if you don’t want to. I’m sure Drew and Fable would supplement your income while you’re working so hard to get into the draft. I’ll try and help out as much as I can too.”

  “This, ah, this has nothing to do with money, baby. I’ve got that covered.” It used to drive me nuts when Drew insisted on paying for everything. Not only is his family wealthy, but the guy makes more money than God what with his pay plus bonuses and all the endorsements. I realized too that he likes doing things for me. It’s one of the many ways he shows that he cares. I don’t bother protesting too much anymore. It doesn’t feel like a handout.

  “The time then. I’m sure you’re going to be put on a rigorous training schedule. When do they want to start you?”

  “Right now.” I pause. “Like, first thing tomorrow morning. And into…this weekend.” I wince, waiting for her reaction. But it’s not much of one.

  “Oh.” She’s quiet for a moment. A too long moment that makes me antsy. “So are you saying that…you can’t come see me this weekend?”

  “I can’t. And I’m so sorry, baby. I know how much this means to you and it means a lot to me too. I miss you so damn bad and I know you’re all alone over there, but Drew arranged for a trainer to come this weekend to help me and Coach implement a new training regimen and there’s no way I could get out of it,” I explain, closing my eyes. I hate telling her no. The worst thing in the world is denying Chelsea anything.

  “No, I get it, I understand. I’m just…disappointed.” She sounds it, too. My heart is cracking right now.

  “I’m disappointed too. You don’t know how much. But I’ll come see you next weekend,” I tell her.

  “You promise?”

  “Promise,” I say firmly, and with my whole heart.

  “Oh, my gosh, he lives in a mansion,” I say as we pull up in front of the house. I give a quick glance at Talby as she throws her car into park and turns off the ignition before I return my attention to the house with its grand, sweeping front lawn. A lawn that is already littered with discarded Solo red cups and the occasional beer can. The street is crowded with cars lining the sidewalks on either side and I can hear the sounds of the party coming from within the house, even though we’re still in Talby’s car. “He lives here alone?”

  “Well, he shares the house with his cousin Tristan, who’s just as hot as he is.” Talby flashes me a smile when I turn to face her once more. “Talby and Tristan sounds good together, don’t you think?”

  “Sure.” I shrug, then open the passenger door and climb out of the car, my gaze stuck on the huge house looming before us. Talby is a little obsessive over finding a boyfriend to replace the one she dumped two months ago. It’s all she can talk about. She’s sweet and fun and I enjoy hanging out with her but the man talk is sort of over the top.

  “This is going to be epic,” she says as she hurries over to the sidewalk where I’m standing and loops her arm in mine. “All the guys are gonna go crazy with the appearance of fresh meat,” she continues as we start to head up the walkway toward the front door.

  I stop in my tracks. “Are you referring to me as fresh meat?”

  Talby laughs and pulls on my arm so we start walking once more. “Don’t take offense. You really are fresh meat. Trust me, the guys are going to come swarming.”

  “Maybe I don’t want them to swarm.” I definitely don’t want them to. I’m still feeling low from my conversation with Owen last night. I’m so incredibly happy for him. It’s almost overwhelming, to think of my boyfriend as a future member of the NFL and I know he’s got what it takes. I’m just sad he can’t make it this weekend. I miss him terribly. Despite keeping myself busy and okay, it’s only been three days, and maybe I’m the one who’s being over the top, not Talby. But it’s hard not having him around. I’m not used to it yet.

  “Give me a break. Every girl loves attention from a bunch of hot guys. I don’t care if you’re taken or not,” she says as we walk up the steps of the covered porch. Loud music throbs from within the house and a bunch of people are congregated on the porch, most of them checking us out as we approach the door. “And with your guy not coming to see you this weekend, I figured a little extra attention from someone else might do you some good.”

  I should have never told her about my boyfriend. Some things are better left unsaid. “If you’re talking about extra attention like making out with some random guy, I’m not interested,” I say, barely able to hide the disgust in my voice. I would never do that to Owen.

  “Please. Don’t be such a prude.” Talby opens the front door and takes my hand, leading me into the middle of a very crowded living room. “I have arrived, bitches!” she yells, making a bunch of the guys laugh and a small group of girls start to squeal. They’re headed right in our direction, all of them trying to hug Talby and ask her where she’s been.

  She lets go of my hand and I step aside, glad to be away from the chaos. Her friends carry her away in a group, leaving me alone and I’m tempted to run straight out of this too large house filled with too many people and get the heck out of here.

  I feel like I’m in way over my head.

  “Music’s too loud, huh?”

  The deep voice spoken a little too close to my ear makes me whirl around with a soft gasp, finding a wide, covered in a black T-shirt chest facing me. I tilt my head back to see the owner of the broad chest is smiling down at me, his dark brown eyes friendly.

  “It’s uh, great.” I force a smile, knowing what I just said sounds totally inadequate.

  He raises a brow. “You really think so?”

  “Sure.” I shrug.

  “Maybe you’re right, considering it’s so damn loud I have to stand close so I can hear you, and I shouldn’t complain about that.” His dark eyes sparkle as he watches me. “Want a drink?”

  “Um, I’m fine,” I say. “Thanks though,” I add lamely. Is he flirting with me? Certainly feels like it.


  He slowly shakes his head, the smile fading though he doesn’t look mad. No, he appears rather amused at my expense. “A pretty girl like you shouldn’t be standing here all alone without a drink in your hand.”

  “I, um, I just got here.” I don’t know how I could sound any dorkier. This is pure torture, trying to make small talk with a guy I don’t know. How did I do it with Owen? How did he tolerate me? I’m a bumbling idiot I swear.

  “Well, why didn’t you say so? As the host, it’s my duty to make sure you have something to drink.” The smile returns and it’s glorious. I can’t help but find it…appealing. He is seriously handsome, almost as handsome as my Owen. “What’s your name?”

  “Chelsea.” I can assume he’s Shep Prescott, the owner of the house. The guy that Talby’s been talking about nonstop, and I’ve known her only since Monday. And if she wasn’t talking about Shep, she was talking about Tristan, Shep’s roommate and cousin.

  Though maybe this guy is Tristan. And if he is, then I’m in trouble because she’s pretty hot for him…

  “I’m Shep.” He tilts his head toward me, a lock of golden brown hair falling over his forehead. He’s definitely good looking, and he knows it. How could he not? Owen is the same way. He knows he’s gorgeous but he doesn’t act like an egotistical jerk. Most of the time.

  Ha ha.

  “Nice to meet you,” I say, sucking in a sharp breath when he reaches out and takes my hand in his. “What are you doing?”

  “Leading you toward the drink area,” he says with a wink. Yes, he winked at me. But it wasn’t cheesy. I find myself following after him, my hand in his warm one, my gaze darting everywhere as people shout his name as he pushes his way through the crowd.

  I’m having a total flashback, remembering that moment when Owen defended me out in front of the restaurant and then we walked back to his place, only to find his roommates were having a party. Scratch that, his roommate Wade and drug dealer Des were having a party. Owen had been so angry, but so sweet to me. Taking my hand and leading me through the crowd, taking me back to his bedroom.

  I really hope Shep doesn’t think he can lead me back to his bedroom.

  There are so many people in this gorgeous, I’m-pretty-sure-it’s-brand-new house. They all look about my age, carefree and having the time of their lives, cups in hand and smiles on their faces. Considering the university isn’t even in session, I can’t imagine how big the party could get when all the students were back in town.

  “What’s your poison?” Shep asks after I slip my hand out of his. We’re in the kitchen, which is state of the art with its shiny granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and recessed lighting. An array of liquor bottles cover the center island, most of them I’m not familiar with and Shep waves a hand toward them. “Or there’s a keg in the backyard. You want beer? Though I gotta warn you, it’s mostly foamy and probably warm.”

  That sounds gross. “Um, would I sound like a complete nerd if I asked for water?”

  “How about a Coke?” He grabs a two-liter off the island and holds it aloft. “Would that work?”

  “Yeah,” I say with a nod, watching as he grabs a red cup off a stack and scoops up some ice in a bowl before he cracks open the two liter and pours in the Coke. He hands it to me with a smile. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. So tell me.” He leans against the edge of the counter, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He has nice arms. Great biceps. They strain against the sleeve of his T-shirt and I think of Owen. When do I not think of Owen? “How do you know Talby?”

  Oh. Not the question I expected. This I can handle. “We work together.” I take a sip of my drink while Shep starts laughing.

  “Talby works? Go figure. Do you know her very well?”

  “Not really,” I say with a shrug. “I just met her Monday. We’re participating in putting together a summer writing program for Professor Michaels. She’s an intern and I’m a supervisor. We’ve been hanging out and she mentioned the party suggesting I should go, since I’m not from around here.”

  “Clearly,” he scoffs and I almost giggle. I can tell he’s not being insulting. “Talby is…how shall I put this…a party girl.”

  “Okay,” I say slowly, taking another sip of my drink. That sounds harmless.

  “As in, she likes to party,” he continues, his dark brown gaze locked on me. I study him from over the rim of my cup, wondering at his intentions. Is he trying to warn me? “A lot. Too much. And when I say too much, I mean we might find her on the lawn tomorrow morning with her skirt hiked up around her waist with no underwear on. This is a common experience when it comes to Talby.”

  “Oh.” I don’t know what else to say. I feel bad that he feels the need to warn me. And I feel bad that Talby acts like that at parties. She should have more respect for herself.

  “It’s only since that asshole Chad cheated on her. She’s kind of spiraled out of control but I guess it’s to be expected, right? Anyway.” He leans in closer, his voice lowering like we’re about to share a secret. “You don’t look like the type who’d end up half naked on my lawn at three in the morning.”

  “Much to your disappointment, am I right?” Another guy appeared, this one just about as good looking as Shep. He holds out his hand, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Tristan.”

  “Chelsea,” I offer, shaking his hand weakly. Great, I’m alone in the kitchen with the two guys Talby gushed over. What are the odds?

  “You would scam on the new girl first,” Tristan mutters, giving Shep a shove.

  Shep doesn’t even budge, just glares at his Tristan with minor disgust. “I’m not scamming on her, as you so crudely put it.”

  “Making a move, chatting her up, scamming on her, whatever you want to call it, you’re doing it,” Tristan returns, his gaze sliding to mine. “I’m the nicer Prescott. Just thought I’d let you know.”

  “From the way Talby talks about you two, I don’t think either of you are very nice,” I retort, making them both laugh.

  “You’re not too far off the mark,” Shep says, grabbing an open vodka bottle and chugging straight from it. “I like you,” he says, pointing the bottle in my direction.

  “Don’t bother,” I tell him with a tiny smile. This is sort of fun, harmless flirting with guys. I had no idea I could actually do this. “I’m very, very taken.”

  “Ha,” Tristan says with a smug grin, pointing his finger at Shep like a gun and pressing his thumb down. “And you’re done.”

  “We can still be friends though, right Chelsea?” Shep asks with a disarming grin.

  “Probably not,” I admit, making them laugh even harder.

  “I’m out dude,” Tristan says, clapping Shep on the shoulder as he walked past. “Great meeting you Chelsea. Try your charm on someone else, Shepard.” And with that, he was gone.

  “So I’m wasting my charm on you?” Shep asks once we’re alone.

  “Absolutely,” I say with a nod. “I’m madly in love with my boyfriend.”

  “Then he’s a lucky dude,” Shep says with a sigh, grabbing the vodka and tucking it under his arm. “See ya around,” he says with a salute as he shuffles off.

  “See ya.” I wave, staring at his retreating back. I’m ready to go too. There’s no point in staying. I have no idea where Talby is. The house is full of people and more keep spilling through the front door. I do have Talby’s number though. I can text her in a few.

  After I call Owen. He’ll definitely want to hear this story.

  One month later…

  My girl isn’t answering my calls. And it’s kind of pissing me off.

  Granted, I know she’s busy. I’m busy too. Busy busting my balls out on the football field or in the gym, enduring the most intense training of my life. Drew stayed with me for the entire first week of my new training regimen, encouraging me, giving me endless speeches and trying to pump me up. Making me watch past games so he could point out my weaknesses and strengths. Hell, he even
put me on a diet, something I’ve never done before in my life. He said I ate too much junk food.

  He’s probably right.

  I suffered through it all, thankful he was there and encouraging me, because without him by my side pushing me, I probably would’ve given up before that first week was even through.

  Working out so hard for hours at a time meant I collapsed into bed super early. This also meant my schedule wasn’t really corresponding with Chelsea’s. She usually wants to talk at night, and all I want to do lately at night is sleep. She even got mad at me one night when—and this is shitty, but it couldn’t be helped—I fell asleep while she was talking to me.

  “Oh my God, Owen are you sleeping?” she’d screeched into my ear, startling me back into wakefulness. “I could hear you snoring!”

  Yeah. She didn’t call or text me for a solid twenty four hours after that incident. Not that I could blame her. And I didn’t call her back either. Not only was I letting her cool down, I was too damn busy with Drew being my shadow. Having him watch me so closely, I knew I couldn’t let him down. I had to do this for him.

  And for myself.

  At the end of that first week with Drew, Fable and Autumn came up to visit and we all hung out together for a few days. So I didn’t go see Chelsea that weekend either. She understood—I was with my family. But I missed her like crazy because she’s a part of my family too.

  I still haven’t seen her. It’s been one month since she left. We’re at the halfway point before she returns home. And I haven’t gone back to Santa Augustina to visit her yet. I feel like an asshole. Part of it is her fault too and she’ll admit it. She’s just as busy as I am. Her project is consuming her and she even works Saturday and Sunday—the main reason I didn’t come see her last weekend.

  Three weeks into training all alone and I’m doing great. I’ve burned off fat but gained muscle and I’m ten pounds heavier because of it. Wade’s been training with me too, encouraging and forcing me to the gym when I tell him I can’t do it. I didn’t realize how much I needed a partner in this. How much it freaking helps to have Wade jogging by my side, throwing me those passes, spotting me with the weights.