The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football)(93)

“Did you not hear what I said? I love you, Hazel. I fucking love you.”

She looks down, and my heart nearly tumbles out of my chest. It takes her a few seconds, but when she finally looks me in the eyes, she says, “Tell your family to do what they want with the farm.” And then she pushes past me, leaving me in the dark by the big oak tree we used to spend countless humid summer days under.

I sink against the firm trunk and rest my elbows on my drawn-up knees.

“Fuck,” I say, my voice choking up.

I told her I love her.

And she didn’t even blink an eye.

What the hell am I supposed to do with that?





“Are you sure you want to leave?” Dad asks, helping me with my suitcase.

“Yeah.”

It’s been two days since we’ve been here. New Year’s Eve is tomorrow, and I just want to get back home. Get away from all of this, from all the memories, because being here is doing nothing for the progress I made while in Germany.

I haven’t talked to Hazel since our conversation by the oak tree, and not by my doing. She’s been moving around on the farm, getting chores done, and every time I try to speak with her, she brushes me off with work.

There’s no point. She’s done with me.

“I want to get home to train.” Training—it’s the only thing I can fall back on. It’s what I know how to do.

“If that’s what you want, we can do that.” Dad looks over to the barn. “But you need to say goodbye to Hazel first.”

“Was planning on it. It won’t take long.”

I jog to the barn, where I know Hazel is tending to the horses, and slip through the large door, shutting it quickly behind me to keep the cold out.

Hazel is brushing Midnight when she looks over her shoulder and spots me. She takes one glance and then returns to Midnight. With that one icy look, I know where I stand.

Hands stuffed in my jeans pockets, I say, “I’m, uh, I’m flying home today.”

Her hand pauses for a second before it keeps brushing. “Okay.”

“Are you going to say bye?”

She looks over her shoulder. “Bye, Crew.”

“So, that’s how you’re going to leave it? I tell you I’m in love with you and you’re just going to shut me out?”

Sighing, she turns toward me. “What do you want me to say, Crew? It doesn’t really matter because you’re taking off anyway.”

“I would stay.”

“Until when? Until your next chapter in life?” She shrugs. “I’d rather you leave now.”

“You could come with me,” I say, trying one more time.

“Living in a big city, being the doting girlfriend at fundraisers? You know that’s not me.”

“That’s a stereotype. You don’t have to fall in line with the other wives and girlfriends of professional athletes. You can be who you want to be.”

“And you out of anyone should know that this”—she gestures to the barn—“this is who I am. And I’m going to soak it up for as long as I can.”

I bite down on the side of my cheek, trying not to lose my cool. “So, I guess this is goodbye, then.”

“I guess so.” Her eyes find mine, and for a second, I swear I see a touch of vulnerability, but then it’s quickly shielded when she says, “Safe flight.”

I slowly nod. Yup, that’s the best I’m going to get out of her. “Thanks.” I swallow back the pain that pushes forward like a freight truck. “Bye, Hazel.”

I push past the barn door and jog back to the car, where Dad is waiting for me. I hop in the passenger seat and fasten my seatbelt.

“Ready to go?” Dad asks with trepidation.

“Yup,” I answer, staring out the window toward the barn, where I know she is, with my heart in her hands.

“You okay?” Dad asks as we make our way down the country road toward town.

“Fine.”

“You don’t sound fine.”

“Are you going to spend this entire ride badgering me?”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I am, so might as well start talking or else it’s going to be a painful drive to the airport.”

Sighing, I say, “I love her, Dad.”

“You love Hazel?” Dad chuckles lightly, as If he’s known all along.

“Yeah, I do. And I told her, and she didn’t say it back. I don’t even think she accepted my feelings.” I lean my head against the headrest. “I think I’ve always loved her, but this trip with her, it solidified my feelings. I love her, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

“What do you mean you don’t know what to do about it? If you love the girl, you be with her.”

“She doesn’t want to, Dad,” I say, my voice cracking. “She doesn’t want the life that I’m going to have. She was quite clear about that.”

“And what kind of life do you want?”

“What do you mean? We’ve talked about this since I was young. To play football. Make something of myself.”

“Is that what you want?” Dad asks, his voice full of concern.

“Of course,” I answer without thinking about it. “There isn’t another option for me.”