Brett

by Kylie Walker

“Thanks man!”

  **

  I waited until I was showered and had two cups of coffee before I sent the text. It was after two so there was the real possibility that both Erica and Adele had other plans. There was also the fact that I hadn’t seen or talked to Adele for three years. I kind of missed the pain in my ass. My family went through so much shit at that time though none of us came out the other side the same. My youngest sister Elise moved to New York. She started school there and the last time I saw her she was doing great. She still hasn’t been in touch with anyone other than family though. I understand how she feels. People ask too many questions that I just don’t want to answer. It hurts too much. My dad retired and my parents live mostly off of the yacht these days. None of us wanted the house. There were too many memories there. They sold it and put the money in a college fund for their grandchildren.

  I had no idea if Adele’s number was the same as the one I still had in my phone for her but I took a chance and said, “Hey Adele, it’s Brett.”

  I limped from the living room into the kitchen to look for something to eat while I waited for her to text back. It was about fifteen minutes later when I got a text back. I’d just limped back into the living room carrying my plate of hash browns and eggs. It was all I could find in the refrigerator. The text said, “Brett? The only Brett I’ve ever known was a guy named Brett Kinney. But this can’t be him. I haven’t heard from him in years. I’m sure he’s forgotten I even exist. Unless of course he’s texting me to somehow get to my cousin?”

  I rolled my eyes. I guess some things never change. Adele was still snarky and sarcastic. I took a deep breath and text back, “I’m sorry about not staying in touch. Life got in the way. I’m not texting you about Erica. Josh Durham is having a party tonight and he’d really like it if you came.”

  Three or four minutes later her response was, “Josh Durham the kicker? I don’t believe you. I don’t even know him. Why would he have you invite me to a party?”

  Shaking my head again I text, “He saw you today and he’s in lust. He asked me to invite and introduce you.”

  “How did he know you knew me?”

  Damn woman! “He didn’t. He told me to invite Erica and tell her to bring you.”

  “So is Erica invited too?”

  “If she’ll come. I’m sure she’s told you how she feels about me. It’s not all good.”

  I got three laughing emoji’s back. “It’s not good at all.” Thanks, Adele. “But I’ll talk her into coming. Can Jenny come too?”

  “It’s Josh’s party, bring as many people as you like.” I text her the address and the time and just when I thought we were finished I got a text back from her that said, “Hey Brett, it’s really good to hear from you.” I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. It was just so fucking hard to stay in contact with anyone from back then.

  “It was good talking to you too. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”

  “☺ And Erica?”

  I sent her back three eye rolls. The girl was still a piece of work. Josh had no idea what he was in for, but at least I could assure him this one wouldn’t be interested in taking him for all he had. The poor guy needed to at least get laid.

  I finished eating my crappy lunch and then took another nap before it was time to get ready for the party. Unfortunately this time I dreamt about Josh and football. I was happy that when I woke up I didn’t have a raging hard-on like I had the last time. I didn’t want my cock associated with my teammate in any way shape or form.

  Chapter 10

  ERICA

  I can’t believe I let Adele talk me into this. My plans for the evening had been pajamas, good German beer and catching up on Game of Thrones. The day had gone to hell quickly as Brett insisted on talking about what happened five years ago. Of course he had some big explanation about the woman I’d seen him with, and of course the gullible side of me wanted to believe it. I resisted and I put him through a work-out that was actually pushing the limits of what he should have been doing. I felt bad about that so I gave him a really good massage afterwards. So good that by the time I finished my panties were soaked and I was considering forgiving him just so I could get into those little shorts he was wearing. Thankfully I convinced myself that there was no way I’d let myself be made a fool of again.

  After I left his house I got a text from Adele wanting me to meet her at Panera for lunch. I didn’t have any other clients today so I agreed. I found out when I got there that Jenny had dropped her off at the mall on her way to class and she needed a ride home. Heaven forbid she pay Uber or a cab. She did buy my lunch though so I guess I can’t really complain.

  After lunch was over and we were headed home I got a call from Doctor Williams. He needed me to sign some forms regarding Brett’s case so I ran by the training center on my way home with Adele in tow. She of course couldn’t wait in the car and that meant every eyeball in the place was on us as she pranced by in her short denim shorts and tank top. I was already sweating in my scrubs, but thankful that I wasn’t on display for every perverted football player in the place. Adele didn’t mind. She loved the attention.

  Once I finally got home I did laundry and I unpacked the last of the boxes I’d brought with me from Vegas. I had just showered, dressed in my yoga pants and a t-shirt, pulled my wet hair into a pony tail, opened my beer and sat down on the couch when Adele said, “Don’t get too comfy cousin, you’ll have to get ready for the party soon.”

  “What party?”

  “Oh, did I forget to tell you that we were invited to a party at Josh Durham’s house?”

  “Um, yeah. You forgot that. No, I’m not going.”

  Adele sat down next to me and popped out her bottom lip. “Why not?”

  “Because I’m relaxing and because I work with these guys now and I have no desire to drink with them and because…Brett will probably be there.”

  “So, are you going to let him run your life?”

  I laughed. “I know what you’re trying to do. You’re using reverse psychology to get me all worked up and I’ll have to go to prove he’s not running my life. But it’s not going to work. He doesn’t run my life. I just don’t care to go somewhere that he’s going to be.” That wasn’t exactly true. The idea of seeing him outside of our professional arena thrilled me a lot more than it should have. I didn’t trust myself. I didn’t trust him.

  “Please go with me. This guy saw me with you today and he wants to meet me.”

  “I’m confused. If you haven’t met him then who invited you?”

  “Us. You and I were invited and he even said it was okay to bring Jenny. It’s been too long since all three of us went out. Come on, we’ll have a great time.”

  “He said you could bring Jenny? Adele, who invited you to this party?”

  “I don’t want to say. You’re being unreasonable.”

  I laughed and took a long swig of my beer. “Fine, don’t say. I’m not going to a party where I don’t even know who invited me.”

  “Oh damn you! It was Brett, okay?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Brett called you?”

  “He text me. He said that Josh asked him to invite us.”

  “And he’ll be there.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m not going.” That was the last thing I really remember saying. My cousin is good…very, very good. There is also the fact that in spite of knowing I’m better off staying away from Brett Kinney, the mention of the man’s name practically brings me to my knees. Now it’s two hours later and I’m sliding into the backseat of the Uber with Jenny and Adele. I’m dressed in a short coral colored summer dress I’d just recently bought and never worn with my bathing suit underneath and a pair of sandals I love. I pulled my hair back in front and gave it a little twist before securing it with a coral colored comb that matched my dress. I curled the rest of it and let it hang loose around my shoulders. I took way too much care with my appearance for a party I suppo
sedly didn’t want to go to. I laughed it off when Adele said I look hot but the truth be told, I was once again warring with myself and the conflicting desires of hoping Brett thinks the same thing, and the desire to kick him in his sore leg for inviting me to this damned party.

  Josh lived in San Marcos. It’s of course one of the nicer places to live in San Diego. As the Uber car drove up in the circular drive in front of his house I saw that the Twin Oaks Valley Trail ran right alongside his property. It’s a really popular walking, jogging, hiking and even horseback riding trail. As I slid out of the car I saw the stables off to the right, nestled against the side of a rolling green pasture. The house was made out of wood and brick and it was huge with a connected four car garage. I know how well football pays, but I’m still shocked when I actually see it. Jenny and Adele were giggling about something as we walked up and pressed on the doorbell. I couldn’t think of anything other than seeing Brett.

  The door was pulled open by a short dark-haired girl in a tiny little white bikini. She smiled and revealed a mouthful of the whitest teeth I’d ever seen. “Hey y’all.” That, I was not expecting.

  Jenny and Adele seemed speechless so I said, “Hey there. I’m Erica and this is Adele and Jenny…”

  “Nice to meet y’all. I’m Crystal, Josh’s sister. Come on in.” I think I saw Adele breathe a sigh of relief as we followed the short but very well endowed girl inside. The house was incredible. The ceilings were at least thirty-feet high and the living room she led us into had a television on the wall that looked like a movie screen and big, fluffy tan couches and chairs. The kitchen was attached by an open island and had a gourmet set-up and huge stainless steel appliances. The blonde headed toward a set of giant glass doors and slid them open. Loud music, laughing and splashing floated inside. “Josh is out here.”

  As soon as we stepped outside everyone seemed to stop what they were doing and looked at us. The rest of them disappeared as soon as I saw Brett’s towering frame. He was wearing a white t-shirt and his thick arms stretched the fabric of the sleeves and it also pulled taut across his massive chest. His skin was smooth and tan except for the riot of colorful tattoos that grace most of his right arm and half of his left. I know that there is one on his right side as well. With the t-shirt he had on a pair of white and black board shorts. He wasn’t wearing his brace which I would be sure to give him shit about, if I chose to talk to him. I stood there for several long seconds marveling at the fact that I’d just seen him practically naked a few hours ago and yet fully dressed he still had a powerful effect on me. My mouth was completely dry and all of the moisture in my body seemed to be seeping out onto the bikini bottoms I wore underneath my dress. It didn’t help that his sexy eyes found me as soon as I stepped out of the house and he hadn’t taken them off of me the entire time I’ve been checking him out.

  “Erica?” I looked at Jenny. She looked like she was waiting for me to say something.

  “What?”

  Adele laughed. “Don’t try and talk to her in his presence, Jenny.” They both laughed and I rolled my eyes. I had my revenge a few minutes later when Josh Durham walked up to us. He addressed me first since we had already met.

  “Erica! I’m glad y’all made it.” He shook my hand and then looked over at Adele and Jenny. “And who are these gorgeous women?” Jenny blushed as I expected but I was surprised to see my mouthy cousin speechless over a man for the first time. I waited a few seconds and when neither of them spoke I said, “Josh this is my cousin, Adele and our friend Jennifer.” Jenny giggled and shook his hand. Adele still looked a little shocky. What the hell? She finally put her hand out slowly and said, “It’s nice to meet you, Josh.”

  “My pleasure,” he said. “There’s beer over there and some snacks on the table. Steaks are grilling. Help yourself to whatever y’all would like.” He took another long look at Adele who still didn’t speak and finally said, “I’m going to go say hello to someone that just came in. Have fun and if you need anything just holler.” I smiled and thanked him and Jenny giggled again. As soon as he was gone I turned to Adele and said, “What the hell was that about? I’ve never seen you like that with a man.”

  “I know this man.”

  “What? You know him?”

  “Yeah. Do you remember that trip I took to New Orleans for spring break senior year?”

  “Of course. I was completely pissed that you went without me.”

  “You had a stupid class or something.”

  I laughed. I was taking college classes at LVU my senior year. I wasn’t finished for a full week after Adele got out for spring break. She went without me and if I remember correctly she wasn’t very forthcoming with the details when she got back.

  “Josh and I met in New Orleans but he told me his name was Mike.”

  Jenny snorted. “Mike is the most popular fake-name ever.”

  “Why would he give you a fake name?” I asked. Adele is gorgeous. Men fall dead at her feet for crying out loud.

  She shook her head. My heart suddenly hurt for her. She looked so sad. “I don’t know. I thought we had a great time together. Actually more than that, I thought that he might even be “the” guy. He drove me to the airport and kissed me good-bye and he even took my phone number and email address…I never heard from him again.”

  “Oh wow, I had no idea. What a jerk!”

  “He doesn’t even remember me.”

  “Maybe he does,” Jenny said. “Maybe that’s why he told Brett to invite you.”

  “Then why act like he has no idea who I am?” Adele said.

  “Ask him,” I said.

  She narrowed her eyes at me and said, “You’re one to talk.” I couldn’t even feign ignorance about what she meant. Brett was suddenly standing right in front of us. He smiled at Adele first and opened his arms. I think she was on the verge of tears. I’d never seen her so deeply affected by a guy before. She folded into Brett’s big arms and he hugged her and said, “It’s really good to see you, Adele.”

  “You too,” she said with a smile. Her eyes still glistened with tears. It made me want to kick Josh’s ass. “How is your family?” What looked like a dark cloud very quickly crossed behind Brett’s eyes. It was there and then it was gone as he said, “Good, Mom and Dad are living on the yacht and they spend a lot of time out on Coronado Island now that they’re retired and Elise is in New York. She works for a publishing company.”

  “Wow! That’s awesome. What about Crystal?” The dark cloud was back and I didn’t miss the way he completely ignored her and looked at me and Jenny then.

  “I’m sorry, Jenny, right?”

  “Yeah, I can’t believe you remember that.”

  “I wish my memory was that good. Adele actually mentioned your name when we text earlier. Hi Erica.”

  “Hi Brett. Where’s your brace?”

  He laughed. “Ever the professional, huh?”

  “Or just the one with a brain. I told you before if you ever want to play football again you have to follow the rules of your rehab.”

  His lips twitched but after a second he said, “It’s in the house. I’ll go put it on. Are you ladies planning to swim?”

  “Maybe,” I said, looking at Adele. She still didn’t look okay. I was worried about her. “We’ll catch up with you later,” I told him, taking her arm. “We’re going to get a beer.” He nodded and I led Adele and Jenny over to where Josh said the beer was. Once there was no one else around I said, “Dell, are you okay?”

  She smiled. “I’m fine. I feel stupid, actually. You know men don’t usually have this kind of effect on me.”

  I nodded. “That’s why I’m worried about you.”

  “Well you know my penchant for picking assholes. When I met Mike…Josh, I thought he was one of the good guys. When he never got in touch with me I told myself he must have lost my phone or something happened…I never wanted to admit to myself that what we had was fake. Now that I find out he didn’t
even give me a real name, I guess I have to.”

  “I’m sorry honey.” I pulled a beer out of the ice and handed it to her and then pulled out two more for me and Jenny. Adele twisted off the cap and took a long drink. We stood there for five minutes or less and she finished the entire bottle and pulled out another one. I cringed. She was fun when she was drunk until it was time to pour her in a cab and get her home. That was why she usually crashed at whoever’s house that threw the party. Tonight that wouldn’t be an option. “Let’s go mingle,” I told the girls.

  We walked around a bit and introduced ourselves to a few more of the football players. The backyard was as huge and neatly kept just like the inside of the house. There was a huge saltwater pool, a built-in garage, and an awning that shaded a built in tile table. Flowers lined the fence and the grass was dark green and looked lush and soft.

  After we had made the rounds, Jenny and I took a seat near the pool on two of the outdoor recliners. Adele disappeared for a while. I was pretty sure the next time I saw her she’d be drunk.

  “Are you girls going swimming?” It was Brett again. This time he was wearing his brace. He sat down in the chair next to me just as if he’d been invited. He smelled like sunscreen or suntan lotion or oil or something. Damn him. Why can’t he smell bad or look bad or something?

  “I might go in,” Jenny said. She was lying back on the recliner with her eyes closed. Her skin was alabaster white except for the little light brown freckles sprinkled here and there. I found myself on the verge of asking her if she put on sunscreen and then reminded myself that I’m not her mother. As for me I didn’t think I’d go swimming. It was hot but the back yard was suddenly packed and I wasn’t in the mood to get ogled by a bunch of horny linebackers. I didn’t say that out loud. I actually didn’t say anything hoping that he would get the hint and go away. Instead, my girl ditched me and got in the pool and I was left alone with him. They were both getting their asses kicked when we get home.

  “So, you’re not speaking to me?”