Rushed(21)

Chapter 8





April





I'm sitting at my desk on Tuesday afternoon, still not sure of what I'm going to tell Tyler this afternoon when he gets out of his early meetings. The training camp is going well it seems, at least the coaches are all looking pleased so far. Right now the offensive players, including Tyler, are lifting at while the defensive players are doing their tape reviews. After that, the two groups will switch places and Tyler's going to have tape sessions for three hours before afternoon practice.

None of that helps me though as I sit at my desk, racking my brain. I can't make a decision — should we go to another restaurant? Should I even go at all?

Going out with him again can be dangerous, oh so wonderfully, deliciously dangerous. I think it's the danger that part of me likes — the part of me that I’ve always suppressed.

The door to the main office opens, and in walks Francine Walker, the head cheerleader for the Fighter girls. She's perky and bubbly, all five foot two of her, but she's actually really nice, and one of the few members of the staff that I can consider a friend. She's always patient with me, and she spent six months looking patiently past my shyness before I was able to open up and feel comfortable with her.

"Hey, April, how's life?"

"I'm okay, Frannie," I reply, tapping at my desk. "Actually, no, I could use your help."

Francine, who's got a series of boyfriends as long as Tyler's supposed accomplishments, stops and gives me her full attention. She's the sort of girl that just dates a guy for a few weeks, and moves on. I don't even think she's slept with most of the men she's dated, just had some fun and then grew bored. But, like I said, she knows how to date and have fun. More importantly, she likes me, and I like her.

"What's up, April? Oh, by the way, is Mr. Larroquette in?"

I shake my head. "He's got a business meeting downtown until two. As for help . . . well, I've got a date tonight."

Francine bounces in excitement. "Awesome! Who with?"

“You see, that's the problem," I say. "It's . . . Tyler."

"Tyler Paulson?" Francine asks, shocked. "Whoo-wee, you knocked it out of the park this time, honey! That man is grade A, prime number one hunk!"

“We kind of had a dinner date already, two nights ago," I continue before my nerves get the better of me, or before Francine can ask me any more questions. She doesn't seem to have a filter between her brain and her mouth when she gets excited, both in her telling and her asking. "And he asked me out again, but I don't really know where to go or what to do. I mean, it's a Wednesday night, and he's in training camp. Next Saturday the team has its first game, so it's not like he's got a lot of spare time and energy either."

"April, let me give you a hint . . . a man like Tyler always has the spare energy," Francine says with a chuckle. "But that's cool. What's he like?"

"He's big into the outdoors and water," I say from memory, then smile. "Or at least, he used to be."

"You know him from before?" Francine asks, leaning in close. "Come on, spill it."

"He and I met a long time ago,” I answer quietly. "But you can't tell, okay? Only the GM knows, and Tyler . . . I don’t think he remembers me at all."

"He left an impression on you it seems,” Francine says with a knowing smile. “You've been more focused, trying harder . . . I think I've even seen you come out of that shell you wrap yourself in all the time. At least a little bit. But your question . . . well, where's he live?"

"Just down the street. I told him he might want the separation from the team, but he loves the views of the lake from there, and it's cheaper than the other places he looked at. He wants to save his money."

Francine grins and spreads her hands. "Then it's easy — go for a walk. The weather's nice, the lake looks pretty come sunset, and it's a nice relaxing time. Best of all, you can choose, it can be just friendly . . . or more intimate. You'll have control in that, at least."

I think about it, and the more I do, the more it sounds great. "Okay. I think I'll do that. Thanks for the advice, Frannie."

Francine smiles, and reaches into her purse, taking out something that she slips into my hand. "And just in case. Be careful, April. I'll be back later to check on Mr. L. He wanted to talk about the new girls on the squad, and how their uniform fittings are coming along, and some of the team promotional stuff. I'll see you later."

It isn't until after Francine leaves that I open my hand, and have to laugh. It's the perfect example of her personality, caring and blunt at the same time. Her sense of humor is also there though, as I see the condom she slipped me is not only ribbed, but supposedly strawberry flavored. I laugh quietly and tuck it in my backpack for later, even though I doubt that's going to happen, but a girl can certainly fantasize.



"A walk?"

I shrug, nodding. "Well, it's a nice day, the lake looks pretty, and I thought you'd like something relaxing, that's all. No need for you to get all dressed up and worn out after practice. Not for a girl like me."

Tyler, who’s starting to smile, stops, his smile reversing before he takes a deep breath and comes forward taking my hand. “You’re exactly the sort of girl that I should get dressed up for. But if you want to just take a walk, we can do that."