Nice Guys Don't Win (A College Sport's Romance)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  It’s on the tip of my tongue to thank him again, but I manage to bite back the words. “I appreciate this so much,” I go with instead, which is basically the same thing.

  Coach eyes me, suppressing a chuckle. “I’ll call you with the details when I have them. Now get out of here, you smell.”

  I laugh. “See you next week then.”

  “Mhmm,” he hums, but he’s already no longer paying attention to me. Instead, he’s looking at the photo I noticed, a sad and contemplative expression on his face.

  Leaving his office, I head to the locker room and grab my stuff changing back into my jeans and cotton t-shirt with the school’s mascot—a wolf—on it.

  Shrugging my backpack over my shoulders, I stride out of the athletic building, heading for the café to grab a coffee before I go home. My steps feel light, buoyant from the excitement of my prospective meeting with Jason Caswell. It’s a step in the right direction.

  My phone rings and I smile before I even answer. “Mom, what’s up?”

  “You haven’t called me in a week, Cole. A week. Is this how I raised you? I don’t think so. Your sisters remember to call me. But not you. Not my baby boy. My one boy. Have you forgotten where you came from? The seventy-two hours of back labor I endured to push your ten-pound chunky ass out?”

  Laughter bursts out of me. “Laying the guilt trip on thick, aren’t we? I’ve been busy with classes, Ma.”

  “And you couldn’t spare five minutes to call your mother?” she harrumphs. “I see how it is. I’ll remember this.”

  “Ah, don’t be like that.” Even if she has a point. “I’m sorry. I’ll be better.”

  “That’s right, you will, or else I’ll get myself on a plane and come down there.”

  Fuck, I know she will too. She did it freshman year when she was worried I wasn’t adjusting to life away from home. Newsflash, I was fine and she’s a worrywart. But she’s still my mom and I love her.

  “Sorry,” I say again. “I’ll call you every day from now on.”

  “God, no. Not every day. I don’t like my kids that much.” She laughs on the other end like she’s told the funniest joke ever. “Have you spoken to Jessa?” she asks, referring to my youngest sister. Before I can answer, she goes on, “Daniel proposed.” I swear, I hear her swoon through the phone. “It was so romantic. He had your father and me hide, along with his parents, so we got to watch it and take pictures with them after. I cried so much. When are you going to find a girl to settle down with?”

  I sigh, dropping onto a bench beneath the shade of a tree across from the café.

  “I don’t know, Mom.” I rub the back of my head, my mind going unbidden to Zoey.

  I know what I went through last year pining for a girl. I don’t want the same thing to happen this year. Especially when time and again Zoey pushes me away the minute things get hot between us. The other night after Harvey’s I went to sleep and dreamt of a different scenario than the one that happened. We kept dancing, and she didn’t freak out on me, and when the moment was right I finally kissed her. She’d kiss me back like she was starved for me and we made out in the middle of the bar like two horny teenagers. When we got back home, I carried her to my bed—I had an actual bed in my dream, not just a mattress on the floor—and made love to her. I woke up right after with a raging hard on and jumped in the shower before she got up, taking care of business.

  “Are you even listening to me?” My mom’s voice snaps me back to reality.

  “Sorry. Zoned out.”

  She grumbles some unintelligible under her breath. “You never call me and now you’re ignoring me while on the phone with me? The disrespect. And from my favorite son, no less.”

  “I’m your only son.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” She inhales a breath that rattles through the phone. “You are at least coming home for Thanksgiving, aren’t you?”

  “Ma, that’s practically two months from now.”

  “It’s never too early to start planning and if you’re not coming, I’m giving away your seat. And I’m never making you that French silk pie you love ever again.”

  “Are you blackmailing me?”

  “I would never.”

  I laugh, leaning against the back of the bench. “You know I’ll be there. When have I missed a Thanksgiving?”

  “Never.”

  “Exactly. Now don’t threaten me with French silk pie ever again. That’s just evil.”

  She giggles. “All right, I’ll let you go. Your dad just pulled in the driveway.”

  “Tell him hi for me and that I love him.”

  “I will.”

  She hangs up and I tuck my phone away, walking across to the coffee shop. I get in line and place my order. When it’s in my hand, I turn to leave but a waving hand catches my eye.

  When I see it’s Rory I expect to feel something—hurt, sad, irritated, but I don’t feel anything and that says everything.

  “Hey, how are you doing?” I walk over and pull out the chair across from her. “Where’s Mascen?”

  “He’s in class.” She smiles, pushing her glasses up her nose. “I didn’t know you could sing. You were amazing the other night.”

  “Thanks. I don’t usually perform for a crowd.”

  “Really?” She sounds flabbergasted. “You were a natural up there. You didn’t look nervous at all.”

  I shrug off her words. “I didn’t say I was scared to perform, just that I don’t usually, and that was way less people than those who watch in the seats at a basketball game.”

  “You really have a beautiful voice. I was impressed.”

  “Is that all you called me over for?” I arch a brow.

  She laughs, crossing her arms over the table. “Am I that obvious? I just wanted to ask you for Zoey’s number. I … I got the impression the other night that she doesn’t have a lot of friends here, and maybe she doesn’t want them, but I don’t know what I’d do without Li and Kenna so I thought maybe I’d invite her to a girls night this week? Do you think she’d like that?”

  “I don’t know. But you can ask her. I’ll give you her number.”

  “Cool.” She beams as I rattle off the digits. Suddenly, her demeanor changes. She grows nervous, slipping her glasses up her nose and fiddling with her hands. “Are you okay?”

  I know what she’s really asking. “I’m over you, Rory. We were never a couple and let’s be real, we probably would’ve never gotten to that point. We … we didn’t have that spark you need to have to make it work. That’s you and Mascen. If I’m being honest with you, what hurt the most was knowing Mascen wasn’t truthful with me. He’s my best friend, so that fucking sucked. But I’m over it. And I’m not sorry for moving out either, you two deserve to have your space.”

  She laughs, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m glad, Cole. You’re a nice guy.”

  “That’s what everyone tells me,” I sigh, picking up my coffee. At times it feels like being told you’re a nice guy is a backhanded compliment. Like you’re nice but a lot of times not good enough. “I’ll see you around.”

  She smiles, pulling a textbook over to her side. “Thanks, Cole.”

  With a jerk of my head, I acknowledge her words and head out and to the parking lot. I’m done with classes for the day and I have to get to work.

  14

  Zoey

  I lock the front door of the main office and turn off all the lights up front. Grabbing my bag, I sling it over my shoulder and head through the shop so I can leave.

  “Hey,” Cole calls out to me, wiping his hands off on a rag. “I have to finish up helping Jay and then I’m headed home too. You want to get Chinese tonight?”

  My stomach rumbles and I frown. “I’d love to, but I can’t. I said I’d have dinner with my dad and his family.”

  “Ah,” he nods, “I hope that goes well.”

  “Thanks.”

  I’ve been trying to have dinner with my dad once a week, but last week he canceled when the
boys and Allison came down with a bug. Things are slowly getting better with us, but it’s still a little strained and awkward. Years of distance are to blame for that. I put up so many walls when it came to my dad. I guess it’s taken getting older, to see things in a different light, that while I wanted to believe my dad didn’t love us, that he left us, he never actually left me. People fall out of love and that’s okay, but when I was young and being sat down and told that my dad was moving out and my parents were getting a divorce, my brain translated that to dad doesn’t love me anymore. But now I see how hard he tried to always see me, to talk to me, to be there, and I pushed him away time and again. I did that. I caused my own heartbreak.

  The girl I was wanted him to hurt as much as I was and I caused us both so much heartbreak.

  But now, I’m not sure how to fully mend that bridge.

  I get in my car and sit there, gripping the steering wheel. Tears stream down my face. I know I need to start my car, pull away and go to their house so I’m not late, but I can’t seem to move.

  The back door of the garage opens and Cole’s head pokes out, his brows furrowing when he sees me still here. Worry fills his eyes when he notices my tears, no doubt they’re shining wetly on my cheeks thanks to the bright parking lot lights.

  He steps outside, his long-legged stride carrying him quickly to the driver’s side. He doesn’t wait for me before opening the door, leaning down with one hand braced on the car.

  “What happened?” His brows are drawn, eyes scanning the darkness like whatever, or whoever, has upset me is lurking there.

  “Having a realization,” I sniffle, wiping beneath my nose. I’m sure I look like a crazed mess, but Cole doesn’t seem bothered.

  “About what?”

  “My dad,” I croak.

  He knows bits and pieces now, that my mom’s gone and they got divorced when I was young and how we’re trying to reconnect.

  “What’d he do?” There’s a protective tone to his voice, like he’s ready to jump to my defense.

  “Nothing.” I wipe away tears but more replace them. “It’s me.” He waits for me to elaborate. “It’s just … he’s tried. All these years now, I see how much he’s tried to have a relationship with me, and I pushed him away over and over again. I guess I was subconsciously trying to hurt him for leaving us, but he never gave up on me. Even now, when I’m adult, and he shouldn’t have to try so hard, he’s still putting in the work.”

  Cole’s eyes are full of understanding. “Sometimes we do things and later on we don’t understand why we’ve done it. You were a kid, Zoey, and you were hurt by their divorce and that’s okay. You’re allowed to feel your emotions, but now that you’ve had this realization tell him that. Be honest. Try to … rebuild, I guess.”

  “Thank you,” I sniffle.

  “Anytime.” He pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to me. “It’s clean, I promise. I haven’t used it for anything yet and it’s fresh out of the laundry.”

  I stare down at the rag he’s given me, smiling at the gesture.

  “I better get going.” I pass the rag back.

  His fingers tap out a beat against the roof of my car. “I’ll see you later?”

  “See you later.”

  He steps back and closes my car door. Cranking the engine, I pull away from the auto shop. I’m going to show up at my dad’s house with mascara coating my cheeks no doubt, but it can’t be helped.

  When I arrive, I park in the driveway and do my best to spruce up my appearance, hoping it won’t be obvious that I’ve been crying.

  I can’t stall any longer, so I get out and go to the front door, ringing the bell.

  My dad’s the one to answer the door this time. With a chuckle, he says, “Kiddo, I texted you the garage code weeks ago so you could use it when you come over. You don’t have to ring the doorbell like a stranger.” I don’t say anything, just dive into him. “Whoa.” He puts a hand on the back of my head to steady me.

  Slowly, hesitantly, his arms wrap around me and he hugs me back.

  Over his bent shoulder I see Allison walk out of the kitchen. She smiles when she sees us and immediately turns, heading back.

  He holds me until I make the first move to let go. “What was that for?”

  “I just … needed to hug my dad.”

  “Oh.” He rubs his jaw. “Okay. Cool.”

  “Cool.” I smile back at him. I hope he doesn’t notice the new tears forming in my eyes.

  “Dinner’s ready!” Allison calls.

  I follow my dad into the kitchen and to the table where Allison is already setting the pot roast.

  “As always, this looks amazing, Allison.”

  “Thank you.” She clasps my wrist briefly before going to grab a side of mashed potatoes.

  I pull out the chair beside Gabriel. “How are you doing, little bro?” I ruffle his curly hair and he immediately reaches up to smooth it back down.

  “Good. I got an A on my spelling test.”

  “Whoa! That’s awesome, buddy. Give me some knuckles.” I hold up my fist and he bumps it with us.

  “Do I get some knuckles too?” Isaac asks from across from me.

  “You didn’t get an A on your spelling test,” Gabriel gripes.

  “But I drew a picture and it’s awesome. I’ll show you!” Isaac says the last part to me and jumps out of his chair, running as fast as his little legs will carry him.

  My dad laughs. “That boy is always on the move.”

  Isaac dashes back into the room just as Allison starts putting food on the boys’ plates.

  “See, Zoey,” Isaac hands me a piece of paper and I flip it over to see the drawing, “it’s our family.”

  There’s my dad and Allison, Gabriel, Isaac, baby Rose and—

  “Is that me?” I point to the tall girl with wild rainbow-colored hair.

  “Yep!” he says proudly.

  “And what’s this?” I point at what looks like another person floating above all of us.

  “Oh, that’s your mommy. Daddy said your mommy was in heaven watching over you, but I think she’s watching over all of us because we’re your family.”

  Gut punch right to the feels.

  My dad comes up behind me, placing a glass of water beside my plate and squeezes my shoulder. I look up at him with a watery smile, and mouth, “Thank you.”

  He smiles back and takes his seat.

  After dinner is done, the boys drag me to their playroom and we play with their Hotwheels for a while, zipping the cars around and around in their tracks.

  It’s surprisingly fun. I never thought I’d like spending time with them, but I actually do.

  An hour or so later, Allison pokes her head in the door. “Boys, say goodnight to Zoey. It’s time to get you ready for bed.”

  “Aw, man!”

  “Do we have to?”

  “Five more minutes, Mom!”

  “Nope.” She shakes her head. “March those little booties up the stairs.”

  “Goodnight, Zoey.” Gabriel gives me a high-five as he walks by.

  “Night-night, Zoey. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Isaac gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

  “Night, boys.”

  I start gathering up their toys, and Allison says, “Don’t worry about that. I’ll get it later.”

  “It’s not a big deal. I promise.” Pausing with a pile of cars in my hands, I turn to her. “I was thinking … would it be okay if I took the boys to a movie one day?”

  Her eyes widen with surprise, her lips parting. “Oh, of course. That would be wonderful. They’d … they’d really love that.” She gets a little choked up. “They’re really excited about the new Spiderman movie coming out.”

  “Perfect. I’ll check dates and let you know?”

  She nods. “Sounds good.”

  When I’ve finished cleaning up, I walk out of the room and down the hall, finding my dad sitting on the couch watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians.


  “You watch this stuff?” I ask him, settling on the opposite end of the couch.

  He chuckles. “It’s my guilty pleasure, but don’t tell anyone that. I’m invested in Kourtney and Scott.”

  I shake my head. “My big, tough, former NBA player father has a love for the Kardashians. Who would’ve thunk it?”

  “This stays between us, missy.” His eyes narrow. “Can’t let my players learn about this or they’ll think I’m weak.”

  I giggle, but quickly sober when I realize Cole is one of his players. I’ve tried my hardest not to think about that fact since I found out in the parking lot of Harvey’s but it’s difficult to ignore. I doubt he knows my father is his coach, how could he? And I’m not about to tell him or tell my dad I’m living with one of his players.

  Standing after a few minutes, I say, “I better head out.” It’s getting late and I have class tomorrow, so I do need to try to get some sleep.

  “All right.” He stands too, opening his arms for a hug. “I was thinking, maybe we should have lunch on campus sometime next week? Or if you didn’t want to be seen with your old man in public we could eat in my office.”

  I laugh. “I’m not embarrassed. We can meet somewhere on campus. Just text me.”

  “Classes are going good for you, right?”

  “Everything’s great.”

  “You know, my offer still stands to knock that prick Todd out.”

  I shake my head. “He isn’t worth it.”

  A slow smile spreads on his face. “I’m glad you see that now. Just sorry it took what happened.”

  “Me too.”

  I start for the door and he calls after me, “I love you, Zo.”

  Turning around, I stumble awkwardly over my words. “Um … yeah, me too.”

  I’ve just gotten in my car when I get a text message.

  UNKNOWN NUMBER: Hey, Zoey. It’s Rory. We met at Harvey’s. I got your number from Cole. I hope that’s okay. I know this is random, but I wanted to see if you’d like to have a girl’s night with my friends and me. You met them too. Li and Kenna. We usually just order pizza and watch movies. Nothing too exciting.