The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football)(52)

Mia: What’s really bothering you, Hazel? Is it the farm, or is it Crew?

Hazel: The unknown. These unknown feelings. The unknown of what’s waiting for me at home when I leave this dreamlike bubble in Germany. It’s like, after what happened this morning, I can’t find a way to relax around Crew. I can’t find a way to have fun and enjoy the time here. I can’t find a way to connect with Pops and ask him for advice.

Mia: Maybe this time, you have to figure it out yourself.

Hazel: That’s what I’m afraid of. Once again, being alone.

Mia: You’re never truly alone. You know that.

Hazel: I know. I just . . . I miss him, Mia.

Mia: Pops or Crew?

Hazel: Both.

Mia: And you’re dreading the end of the trip because you’re not sure when you’ll ever see him again.

Hazel: I can’t even think about it.

A lone tear slips down my cheek. I quickly wipe it away as my heart aches for what’s to come in a few short days. Another goodbye that I’m not ready for.

Mia: Easier said than done, but I think you need to focus on the amazing opportunity Pops gave you. Enjoy being in Germany with Crew Smith. Focus on honoring Pops. And then when the time comes to say goodbye, you let your emotions take over. And, yes, that will be hard, but at least it won’t be every day you’re there.

Hazel: You’re right.

Mia: Usually am. And text me when you start to feel sad again. You know I’m here for you.

Hazel: Thanks, Mia.

Mia: Anytime. Now, tell me more about this dry humping.





“Good morning,” I say as Crew lifts his head from his pillow and looks around. I’m already showered and ready to go for the day, thanks to my restless sleep last night.

I spent the early portion of the morning on the couch, looking out our window at the snow-covered rooftops of Würzburg, deciding how I’m going to handle the rest of this trip.

Yes, I have feelings for Crew. That’s obvious. There’s no stopping those.

Yes, I miss Pops, and am so thankful for his generosity in sending me to Germany.

Yes, I’m scared of what’s to come after this trip and what’s supposed to happen to the farm.

But . . .

I’m in Germany.

With a boy who has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. A friend. A comfort.

I’m getting glimpses of Pops through letters and pictures and maps.

I’m exploring a place I’ve never seen before.

So, I decided I can either sit and be depressed with all the rapid and unsure feelings I’m trying to drift through.

Or, I can block them out, and like Mia said, enjoy the opportunity.

I choose to enjoy the moment, even though there might be heartache at the end. I would rather enjoy the here and now, and not worry about the latter.

“Are you showered?” Crew asks, bringing his palm to his eye, rubbing it carefully. His hair is twisted and pulled in all different directions. It’s one of my favorite parts of the morning, seeing what kind of hair he’s going to wake up with. Today has not been a letdown.

“Yup, and I already picked out what I want for breakfast.”

“Well, hell.” He sits up farther so the comforter falls from his chest, exposing his bare and toned torso. “I should probably get in the shower then, huh?”

“It would be helpful if you smelled nice while we travelled together.”

His eyes land on mine. “I see you’re back to your sarcastic self.”

I hold my fingers up, pinching them closely together. “Just a minor speed bump yesterday, but all good here. Ready to give you shit all day.”

“Lucky me.” He smirks and then throws the covers off. He stands and stretches his arms above his head and, shamelessly, I watch as his abs flex from side to side. “What are you getting for breakfast?”

“Sausage and eggs,” I say, quickly pulling my eyes away from his body. “I figured I’d order the same for you.”

“That would be awesome, and some coffee, please. Given you’re already a spitfire this early in the morning, I’m going to need it.”

“I suggest an espresso to handle me.”

“Oh, shit.” He chuckles and heads toward the bathroom. “I’ll be quick.”

While he’s in the shower, I order us food and then start packing up my suitcase for the next hotel. At this point, I leave as much as I can in my suitcase and only take out what I need to because the packing and unpacking is starting to get tiresome. Got to play this road trip smart.

From my backpack, I pull out the envelope marked “Day Four.” I can’t believe it’s only been four days. Feels so much longer than that, as if we’ve been in Germany for two weeks. Possibly from trying to face all these unspoken feelings and emotions.

Staring at the envelope, I quietly say, “What do you have planned for us today, Pops? More romantic shit?” I shake my head. “You were always a romantic.”

The bathroom door opens and I look up to find Crew walking out in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist and droplets of water hanging from the tips of his unruly hair.

Yup, thanks a lot, Pops. Why can’t your grandson be average looking?

“Is that the letter for today?” Crew asks while digging through his suitcase. He pulls out a pair of boxer briefs—these have little hot dogs on them—a pair of jeans, and a long-sleeved Braxton College shirt. It’s a simple outfit, but he’ll still look really good in it. He always looks really good, doesn’t matter the time of day.