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

by Micalea Smeltzer

  I let the boys take me to their playroom and reluctantly agree to battle the zombies.

  They both burst out into laughter when a zombie scares me and I scream, falling to the ground.

  “Dad!” Gabe giggles. “The zombie scared her so bad.”

  I ease off the headset and find my dad standing in the open doorway of the room with a smile on his face, my heart tugging when I see the love in his eyes for me, for them. I shoved that love in his face for way too long. I remember a long-ago conversation, one we had when he told me he was dating Allison, and I screamed at him over and over again about how much I hated him.

  I must have broken his heart.

  It’s the way I felt at the time, I was a hurt teenager, but now I see things so incredibly different.

  I guess that’s what they mean when they say hindsight is twenty-twenty.

  “That’s because zombies are terrifying.” I smooth my hair down.

  My dad chuckles. “I’m glad you’re here, Zo-Bug.”

  Getting off the floor where I fell when I turned around to find a rotting green zombie face right beside me, I give him a hug. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

  His eyes warm and he hugs me back. “Are you guys good here? Rosie is awake so I’m going to grab her.”

  I bite my lip. “Do you mind if I get her?”

  His eyes widen. I never have anything to do with the baby. I’m not much a baby person, much preferring kids that can actually talk and tell me what they need versus an infant who just babbles.

  “Um, yeah.” He jerks his head in a nod. “You can get her if you want. She’ll probably need her diaper changed, though.”

  I crinkle my nose. Diapers. Ew.

  “I can handle it.”

  “And then you’ll play with us some more?” Isaac asks.

  “Dinner’s almost ready.” Our dad ruffles his hair. “You can play more after if Zoey doesn’t have anywhere else to be.”

  “I have plenty of time to play,” I assure my brothers, seeing my dad’s grin out of the corner of my eye. “I better get the baby.”

  Excusing myself from the playroom, I head upstairs to the nursery, easing the door open quietly. The room is dark from blackout curtains and a sound machine plays rainfall. I turn a light on, drawing closer to the crib where the baby kicks her legs happily.

  She coos when she sees me. “Hi, Rose.” I reach down, rubbing her tummy.

  She gives me a funny look, her smile disappearing.

  “I know you don’t see me a lot and I’m sorry about that. I’m your sister. Zoey. Or Zo. Whatever you want to call me is fine. I mean, it’s not like you can say any of that yet.”

  She babbles as if she’s trying to say I might not speak your language, but I speak mine.

  I think she even gives a gurgled, “Da,” but I’m not sure whether it’s random or intentional.

  I’m truly clueless when it comes to babies.

  Reaching down, I scoop her up and she gives a small cry but settles down as soon as she curls into me. Laying her down on the changing table I mutter to myself, “How do I do this?”

  I don’t want to have to ask Allison or my dad for help. I’m almost twenty-one years old and should know how to change a diaper.

  Having an aha! moment, I text Cole.

  Me: Do you know how to change a diaper?

  Cole: Yes, why?

  Me: I need to change Rose’s diaper and I don’t know how. There’s probably a YouTube tutorial for this, right?

  He doesn’t respond by text, instead my phone rings with a Facetime and I reluctantly answer it. “Hi,” I say, feeling pathetic for my lack of maternal instincts.

  “Hey,” he chuckles, moving through his parents’ house and stepping outside. “You don’t need a tutorial. I can talk you through it.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.”

  “You know how to change a diaper?”

  He laughs, sitting down on the porch steps, the cheery yellow front door behind him. “I have a shit-ton of nieces and nephews, I’ve changed my fair share of diapers growing up. Now, first off, I need to know what you’re dealing with. Is it a pee or poo?”

  “Uh…” My eyes bug out, darting from his image on the screen to the squirming baby on the changing table. “I don’t know.”

  “Time to figure it out then, Champ.”

  I set my phone down where he can see me and lift the baby, smelling her butt. “It doesn’t stink.”

  “It’s probably pee, but we could still get a surprise. Before you start undressing her get your fresh diaper and wipes out, and there’s probably some ointment there too for her bottom.”

  There’s a basket on the table with everything in it, so within seconds I have the fresh diaper ready, a handful of wipes—probably more than I’ll ever need—and something called Desitin.

  “Okay, got the arsenal ready.”

  “You’re not going into war, Zoey.” His amusement is obvious.

  “That’s what you think.”

  “You’re going to have to take her pants off at some point and check out the damages. Stop stalling.”

  “Fine,” I grumble, slipping her bottoms off.

  “Now the diaper. You can do it.”

  I cringe, afraid I’m going to be met with a messy surprise but it’s definitely just a very full pee diaper.

  “Roll up the old diaper underneath her, wipe her down, and then slide the fresh diaper under her when she’s clean. Now, since she’s a girl you’re going to have to … uh … how do I say this … get in the crevices.”

  “The crevices?” I laugh.

  He rubs his face. “Look, you’re getting off easy since it’s just a pee but it can get messy around there and you want her clean.”

  “Right, right. Okay. I got this,” I chant to myself.

  “Yes, you do,” he assures me, his voice calm.

  After getting the new diaper under her backwards at first, I finally get it right and strapped on, putting her pants back in place.

  “Thank you,” I tell Cole, my relief evident as I lift the baby into my arms. She claps her hands.

  He grins back, standing up. “Anytime, Zo.”

  “Enjoy your dinner.”

  “You too. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Bye.”

  I hang up, and then nearly jump out of my skin when my dad says from behind me, “You and my player, huh?”

  “Jesus Christ, Dad! You’re like a ninja sneaking up on me like that. Were you there the whole time?”

  He laughs. “Just the past few minutes. I have to say, it was quite amusing listening to him walk you through changing a diaper.”

  “I’ve never done it before.” I pat the baby’s back, rocking her in my arms. “And Cole and I … we’re nothing. I mean, we live together, but we’re not together-together.”

  He looks amused more than anything else. “Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?”

  Tonight, was one of the best Thanksgivings I’ve ever had, which makes me the tiniest bit guilty when I think of my mom. I know she’d be happy for me repairing my relationship with my dad and getting to know my siblings.

  Taking my makeup off I hop in the shower and change into my pajamas, ready to crash for the night.

  Burrowing beneath the covers, I groan when my phone starts ringing.

  Reaching over to the nightstand, I grab it and pull it beneath the blankets with me.

  I’m surprised to find it’s Cole Facetiming me again.

  “Hey,” I say with surprise when his face appears on screen. Like me, he’s in bed and bless my eyes he’s shirtless, the tattoo on his chest there for my viewing pleasure. “When you said you’d talk to me later, I didn’t think you actually meant tonight.”

  “Oh,” his face falls, “I can hang up.”

  “No!” I cry out. Calming myself, I add, “I’m happy to hear from you. Did you have a good day with your family?”

  “The best. It’s
always nice to be with them, even if my sisters spend most of the day hazing me. It’s what I get for being the youngest and only boy.”

  “I bet they’re a lot of fun.”

  “I’m sure you’d love them. Then you could all gang up on me.”

  “Thank you for helping me with the whole diaper thing today.” My cheeks heat. “I’m not good at baby stuff. I like kids but babies scare me.”

  He chuckles. “It can be intimidating. I got used to it really quick with my older sisters having kids.”

  “Are you in your childhood bedroom?” I question, noticing what looks like trophies in the background.

  “Yeah, you want a tour?”

  “Sure,” I answer, intrigued by the idea of seeing a peek into the boy and teen Cole was, especially since his bedroom here is lacking so much personality.

  He groans as he rises from his bed and flips the camera, giving me the grand tour complete with photos of family and friends, a giant stuffed teddy bear in the corner that he explains he’s had since he was a newborn and his mom would never let him get rid of, and lots of basketball trophies.

  “I like it,” I say when he sits back down on his bed. “The Big Bird yellow walls are a nice touch.”

  “Ugh,” he groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I was six when I picked it out and my mom would never let me change it because of the work and cost of paint even though I swore I’d take care of all of it.”

  “Bold choice for a six-year-old.” I prop my phone up on the opposite pillow and curl my hands beneath my head.

  “What can I say? I knew what I liked and canary yellow was it.” He leans back against his wooden headboard, crooking an arm. “It looked like you had a good time with your family today.”

  After I left, I sent Cole a medley of photos much like he sent me.

  “It was nicer than I expected.”

  “I can see how hard you’re trying, Zo.”

  “Thanks.” I exhale a weighted breath. “When are you getting home?”

  God, I hope I don’t sound too eager for him to get back.

  “My flight is Saturday afternoon. How are you fairing without me?” He grins, like he knows I’m lonely without his presence. “And without Teddy, of course?”

  “What do you mean? He’s right here.” Something flashes in his eyes as I lift the covers, but leaves when I reveal the stuffed dog he got me. “See?”

  “Right.” He clears his throat. “I’m glad stuffed Teddy is keeping you company.”

  “And my Oreos.” I hold up the pack I stuffed under the pillow.

  He chuckles, shaking his head. “You and your Oreos.”

  “I love them.” With a mighty sigh at the horror, I add, “I’m going to have to find a new favorite soon. Such a shame. Red velvet was superior.”

  “Apparently not superior enough for them to not retire it.”

  I gasp. “You take that back.”

  “Too late.”

  We talk for a while longer before I start yawning uncontrollably and he tells me goodnight.

  I sleep peacefully, dreaming of a life with Cole I haven’t dared to let myself even think about.

  23

  Cole

  “Who’s the girl?” My head whips around in the direction of my mom.

  We’re sitting in the family room drinking homemade hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. It was always my favorite growing up and she makes it every time I’m home.

  “What girl?” I play stupid.

  “Don’t play stupid with me, son.”

  I shouldn’t be surprised she catches right on. My mom has always known things she shouldn’t. She misses nothing.

  “Mom, there’s no girl.” I drink my hot chocolate, ignoring her gaze boring into the side of my head.

  “Really? Then who did you sneak out onto the front porch to talk to yesterday? Mind you, it was freezing cold, and you didn’t even put a coat on. Could get sick, but it’s not like you’d listen to me anyway, since naturally as your mother I know nothing. Like I definitely don’t know that you were talking to someone on the phone in your room last night.”

  “Mom—”

  “I hope one day you have children, and they think you’re dumb too and don’t tell you a thing even when you know. A parent always knows.” She taps her forehead.

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Is she married?”

  “No,” I snort.

  “A criminal?”

  “No.”

  “Does she hate waffles?”

  “Waffles?”

  “Just making sure you’re paying attention. I don’t see the problem here.”

  My hot chocolate tastes sour all of a sudden and I set it on the table beside me, careful to put the mug on the coaster so I don’t get reprimanded.

  “I don’t want to get into it.” She stares at me, daring me to think I can get away with telling her next to nothing. “She’s my roommate. She replaced Teddy after he bailed, remember?”

  “I remember, you just conveniently lying about your roommate. Is Zach even a real person? I see how it is.”

  “Mom.”

  “Go on.” She wiggles her fingers for me to continue, but the look in her eyes tells me I’ll have hell to pay later for straight up lying to her about my roommate situation.

  “Anyway, she’s dealing with things. She had a crappy ex and she transferred to Aldridge to reconnect with her dad, and he happens to be my basketball coach.”

  “Ooh.” She sits up straighter, smiling. “This is juicy. Like those soap operas I love.”

  “It’s complicated,” I repeat. “Not juicy.”

  “If you like her and she likes you, then there’s really nothing complicated about it, just your own fears and worries. Sometimes you have to take a leap. See how things go. Like your father and I.”

  “It was hard for you two, wasn’t it?”

  “Love is always hard. But yes, ours was a little extra complicated. It was all worth it. It’s still worth it.” She gets a wistful expression. “I love your dad with all my heart. We have a beautiful family and grandbabies. I couldn’t ask for more. I want the same for you.”

  “It’ll happen one day, Mom.”

  She looks at me seriously. “Don’t let the one slip by because you’re waiting for one day. Things usually happen when we least expect it.”

  “You’re getting wise in your old age.”

  She gasps, tossing a pillow at me which I dodge easily. “Who are you calling old?”

  “Well, there’s only two of us in the room and I’m definitely not the old one.”

  She cackles, shaking her head. “I thought I raised you better than this.”

  My eyes soften. “You raised me the best, Mom.”

  “I sure hope so.” Sobering, she says, “I want you to be happy.”

  “I am.”

  “All I’m saying is, the last thing that should ever hold you back in life is fear.”

  “I’m not afraid.”

  Her eyes narrow and at first, I think she’s not going to say anything else, but then she adds, “Are you sure about that?”

  24

  Zoey

  Teddy and I descend into the stadium to our seats. Mascen and Rory are already there, and she smiles at me when I take the seat beside her, so we’re sandwiched between the two guys.

  “I love snacks.” Teddy shoves popcorn in his mouth.

  Rory leans around me. “Teddy, you just love food in general.”

  “This is true.” He shrugs, picking up his Coke and slurping it down. “When does the game start?”

  I look at my phone. “We have another twenty minutes.”

  “Shit, all my snacks will be gone by then.”

  “Then you can go buy more.”

  “Excellent point.” He tugs his hoodie up over his head.

  “What are you doing?” I eye him suspiciously.

  “Blocking out my haters.” He nods his head to a gaggle of girls glaring in his direction.
/>   “What did you do to them?”

  “Probably turned them down.” He munches on more popcorn. “I can’t help it that my dick is picky. I won’t fuck just anyone.”

  “Teddy,” I sigh, shaking my head.

  “What?” He blinks his green eyes innocently. “It’s the truth. Not that I haven’t had my man whoreish ways in the past, especially freshman year. Ah, freshman year.” He gets a nostalgic look on his face. “Sophomore year too, I must admit. Okay, last year too.” He holds one hand up since the other is gripping the bag of popcorn. “But this school year I haven’t had sex at all. I have to be on my best behavior.” He wrinkles his nose. “You know, so I don’t get cut off from my inheritance. Assholes,” he mutters the last part under his breath. “I take that back, my mom’s not that bad. A little superficial. It’s my dad who’s the real prick.”

  I blink at him, astounded. “Did you even take a breath through that entire speech?”

  “Only a half one.”

  I turn to Mascen. “Where did you all find him?”

  Without missing a beat, he says, “Found him like Tarzan. Raised in the jungle.”

  “Hey.” Teddy tosses popcorn over my head, pelting Mascen in the face with it.

  Mascen glares back at him with pursed lips but doesn’t say a word as he picks the popcorn out of his hair.

  “Sorry I’m late,” says a soft feminine voice, and I look over to see Kenna.

  Mascen and Rory scoot down another seat and Kenna takes the now empty spot beside me.

  “Is Li coming?” Rory asks her.

  Kenna shakes her head. “No, she’s having a Keanu Reeves marathon tonight.”

  “Kenna, want some popcorn?” Teddy shoves the bag between us and offers it to her.

  “No, thank you. I’m good.”

  “Are you sure?” He wiggles the bag, spilling some popcorn onto my lap. “It’s delicious.”

  “I’m fine, promise.”

  “Okay, suit yourself.” He yanks the bag back and stuffs his hand into it, spilling more onto the floor.

  “Why are you so messy?” I grumble at him, picking pieces off my lap.

  “I can’t help it. I have to sprinkle a little of my presence everywhere. It’s my way of saying Teddy was here.”