Unforgettable (Cloverleigh Farms #5)(78)

I didn’t sleep well, and before Sadie was even up, I went down to the kitchen, made a cup of coffee, took it out by the pool and called David Dean. He picked up right away.

“Hello?”

“David, it’s Tyler Shaw.”

“Tyler. Good to hear from you.”

“How’s your dad?”

“He’s okay. Had a decent day yesterday.”

“Just decent?”

“Well, he’s ornery as hell about being in the hospital. Wants to be at home.”

“Sure.” I took a sip of coffee. “You said he asked for me?”

“Yeah, he did. He was a little incoherent that day, but we clearly heard him saying your name and requesting—not too politely—that you get your ass to practice.”

I had to laugh. “Sounds like Coach.”

“We think he was confused about what year it was, but he was definitely looking for you.” He paused. “If you were thinking of paying him a visit, I’d make it sooner rather than later.”

My heart lurched. “Is it that serious?”

“Yes. He’s got congestive heart failure.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize.” I made my decision in a snap. “Of course I’ll come. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thanks. I think it would mean a lot to him.” Another pause. “You know, Tyler, I’m not sure what happened before you left, but the team was really disappointed to find out you’d gone.”

I stiffened. “Sorry. I just . . . wanted to get out fast after what happened. I never should have thrown a punch at Brock.”

“Nah, you shouldn’t have, but he deserved it. Nearly every other parent on the team reached out to me and said they fully support you. Even a couple of them who were there when you hit him.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. They’d like you to come back. The offer’s still there if you’re interested.”

“That’s . . . that’s really cool of those parents. I had the impression some of them were talking to the press because they didn’t want me there.”

“As far as I know, only one gave an interview like that. And I bet you can guess which one.”

“Brock?”

“Yep.”

I wavered for a second, then came to my senses. “I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline. I’m going to jump on a plane as soon as I can to come visit though.”

“Okay. Safe travels.”

We hung up and I lay down in one of the chairs overlooking my pool, bare feet crossed at the ankles. I wondered what April was doing right now, if she was walking at the track or getting ready for work, or maybe having breakfast at her sister’s café. Was she mad at me? Did she miss me like I missed her? Did she think about how close we’d come to being happy together and feel like I’d let her down?

How long would it be before thoughts of her didn’t fill my every waking moment?

A few minutes later, Sadie came out in sweatpants and a T-shirt and stretched out on the chair next to me, a cup of tea in her hands. “Morning.”

“Morning.”

“Did you talk to David?”

“Yeah.”

“How’s Virgil?”

“Not good.”

“I’m sorry to hear it.” She looked over at me. “You’ve got some seriously dark circles under those eyes. Did you sleep at all?”

“Not really.” I hesitated. “But it’s not all about Virgil. I’m fucking miserable, Sadie.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I miss her. I really fucking miss her.”

“I know. I can tell. Why don’t you—”

“Because I can’t, Sadie. I don’t know what possessed me to think I could in the first place. I’m not the guy who stays. I’m the guy who leaves.”

She sighed and looked out at the pool again. “Well, it’s beautiful here. I can see why you like it so much.”

“I don’t like it that much.”

She looked at me again. “So why are you still here?”

I shook my head, feeling more lost than ever. “I don’t know.”

Prepared for another psychoanalysis or lecture about repression or even just a good shaming about how I wasn’t the person she wished I was, I was surprised when all she did was reach over and take my hand.

Surprised and grateful.

“I’ll fly back with you if I can,” I said after a while.

“Really?”

“Yes, but don’t get too excited. I’m only going to see Virgil.”

She smiled sweetly. “Of course you are.”

I rolled my eyes. “Sadie.”

“What?”

“It’s temporary.”

“I know.”

“I’m not staying.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I haven’t changed my mind.”

“I never said you did.”

“Okay. Just so you understand.”

She sipped her tea and looked out at the pool, that grin still on her lips. “I understand completely.”