“I hardly dated anyone before her! She was my longest relationship,” I stated.
“Oh, well I don’t think she’s that bad. I actually spoke to the guy on the team.”
“How do you know it was actually him?”
He paused. He didn’t. Wow, I hate to think that some of us seemed to live up to the stereotype of a meathead. But Ryan was proving me wrong.
“I don’t know,” he said.
“Exactly! Ryan, can’t you see someone like that is very dangerous? She makes promises which seem great, but sometimes doesn’t back them up.”
“Huh,”
Finally, I could see the gears in the meathead’s mind turn. It took him long enough. I really just wanted to focus on practice right now. I didn’t want to be bothered with this. Wow, even when we break up, she still causes drama. It was ridiculous. I put my practice clothes and gear on and then proceeded to put my helmet on. I looked over at Brad who seemed quite sad. I was concerned that he just sat there when practice is going to start in five minutes.
“Brad, what’s the matter?”
“I caught her.”
I obviously knew what he caught her doing, but I wanted to be sure.
“What did you catch her doing?” I asked.
“I caught her in bed with someone else,” he replied.
I could tell that he wanted to cry, but this was not the place for it.
“You guys did break up. She has the right to sleep with whoever she wants to.”
“But I still love her….” He then looked at his feet. I wish there was something I could do to help, but I thought Brad was better off not being with her. She was quite toxic and brought drama with her wherever she went. It was irritating to watch a guy like Brad be manipulated by her.
I, on the other hand, was relieved that April wasn’t like those girls. I am so glad I met her. She wasn’t one for a lot of drama and I was grateful for that. I was done with that chapter of my life. I was glad to no longer be with Jennifer and I would never have anything to do with Mandy again. I knew the woman who I wanted to be with for a very long time.
Brad managed to get himself together and put on his gear and uniform. He then headed outside with the rest of the team. I ran up to the team and coach was already speaking to the team and getting us revved up for another training session. We warmed up by running around the field and we did several laps. We did push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks and several other exercises. When coach believed we were fully warmed up, we then practiced our tackles. We identified weak spots in our defense. We ran through various tactics for the next few games and finally after two hours, training was over.
I was really tired and just wanted to sleep. As I was about to leave the field, a middle- aged man with a long white beard was watching from a distance. It was a little disturbing. The dude was creepy. He then walked up to the coach who then pointed me out to the man. Way to go, coach. Let the creepy guy know who I am. I was on the defensive. I knew I could tackle him if he tried anything funny with me. He then walked up to me, stuck out his hand and said:
“Hi, I’m Chad Johnson. I work with the recruitment team for the New York Giants,” he introduced himself.
I couldn’t believe this guy! Are you kidding me? He couldn’t really be from the New York Giants. He then showed me a business card indicating that he was. I was stunned. I had always wanted to join the Giants since I was younger. This was a dream come true! I can’t believe that I might actually get to play with my dream team!
“I have seen you play, kid. You have talent. Your coach told me to come out and look at his boys play and you seem to be the best so far. I have never seen someone so focused on the game. Especially at your age. Kids nowadays seem to have too many distractions, but you seem to have some laser-like focus that I haven’t even seen in my own players.”
“Well, thank you.”
“I’d like to make you an offer. I want to see you play, but I am a very busy man. So I will call you, but when I call, you have to show up at the stadium so that I can see you. An opportunity like this only comes once in a while. So, if you don’t show up to the meeting when I call, that’s it. So just listen out for my call. I will be in touch.”
“Thanks again, Mr. Johnson.”
As he walked off, I thought to myself that this was the best news I had EVER gotten. I can’t believe that I might have the opportunity to play with my favorite team. I wanted to break into a happy dance. I looked around and made sure that no one could see. I then began to dance and shout. I made my way out of the stadium and saw April from afar. She was busy with a customer. I decided that it was probably best that I didn’t disturb her. I smiled and thought to myself that maybe she was my good luck charm. All of the other guys on the team had their various good luck charms: pin-up posters, four-leaf clovers and even underwear. But I think I had the best one on the team now. As I hopped into my car and drove off, I couldn’t stop thinking about my lucky charm. I was getting impatient and I wanted to show her just how much she meant to me. Maybe we would see where the night takes us after our date…
April
I was relieved to finally be home after a long day of work. I was grateful that I got some studying done, but I still had a lot left to do. Tort law was not an easy subject to grasp and neither was patent law. I was feeling pretty burnt out. Suddenly, thoughts of Nick flooded my mind and I didn’t feel so bad. I looked in the window and saw my father on the couch watching television. My happy moment was finally over. He looked so despondent and I wished I could do something to cheer him up. I unlocked the door and walked over to sit next to him.
“Hi, honey. How was work?”
“Fine,” I answered.
I then turned to him and asked him why he wasn’t at work. He then looked down at his feet and sighed.
“Well, sweetheart I don’t know how to tell you this, but I got fired from work,” he said reluctantly.
I knew this already but I didn’t want him to know that. I pretended to be distraught. Dad was also helping me pay for school and without his job I had no idea how he was going to continue doing so.
I sat there, worried that I may never achieve my dream of being a lawyer. Dad began to comfort me.
“Dad, how could you let this happen?!” I asked him.
He sighed, “There was a co-worker and we weren’t getting along. He reported me to the boss and he fired me.”
I could tell that something was missing from the story, but I was too worried about the both of us to even pry. I sat there, worrying about finances now more than ever. My father tried to reassure me.
“Look, don’t worry about it, sweetheart. I will find another job soon. I have some contacts and I have work experience. I also put out some resumes and contacted some other companies. So don’t worry, I should be getting another job soon.”
“I hope so,” I said.
He then leaned in and hugged me. I could tell that he was quite broken. I kissed him on the cheek and headed upstairs. I tried to study but was too concerned about my dad. I knew he wasn’t telling me the full story. Was he somewhat responsible for losing his own job? What was it? I tried to turn the pages of the book and hoped that studying could offer some sort of distraction, but I was beginning to question if it even made sense to study, since I may not even be able to afford school, if Dad didn’t get another job.
I tried to remain focused on the work at hand. In addition to exams, I had some papers that I had to finish. I was proactive enough to have started early, but work was so tiring that I couldn’t finish. I stared at the papers and prayed some inspiration would come so that I could finish the work on time. Finally, I was getting somewhere. I began to write and eventually I had finished the paper. I still had two more to go and I was extremely tired. I decided to take a break and get a cup of coffee.
As I turned on the machine, I could see my father fast asleep in front of the couch. He wasn’t getting any younger and I was concerned that his age may also affect hi
s job prospects. I wished there was something I could do to help our problems, but there wasn’t much I could do. The job I had at the stand was okay, but I could barely afford books and sometimes I had to head to the library to get what I needed. The coffee was finally ready. I poured myself a cup and headed back upstairs.
As I began to find a work-flow, I was feeling much better. At least one thing was going right. I was half-way through the other paper, when my phone went off. It was a message from Mark. I was already very worried and hesitant to check the message. Ever since the party, we haven’t been in touch and I preferred it that way. I just didn’t have the strength right now to deal with this. I continued working and when I had finished the third paper, I decided to take a break and look at the message.
“Hey April. I haven’t heard from you in a while. I just wanted to say that I am sorry for the way I behaved the other night. I know it was out of character for me and I know you just wanted to go out and have some fun and I am really sorry that I ruined the night for you. I know we hardly see each other and I wished I had acted differently. I eventually got over my hangover and although I still can’t remember everything that happened that night, I remember what I said to you when I was drunk. I know it’s easier to just blame it all on the alcohol, but I meant what I said. When you are free and have some time, I would like to talk to you about it. I know we have been friends for so long and I love and value our friendship, but I couldn’t help it. I have had these feelings for you for a very long time and as much as I know it came as a surprise to you, I wanted you to know I have felt like this for a long time. I know what you said, but I would like to talk to you about it. This is so strange for me too. A part of me wishes that I had never said anything, but it actually felt good to finally get it off of my chest. Also, if this was anyone else, it would be so much easier, but you are my best friend and the only person I can talk to about these things. I am sorry it came out that way, but can you please find the time to talk to me?”
I sighed. It was the longest message that I had ever gotten from him. I didn’t want to talk to him about it! I just wanted things to go back to the way they were. It was frustrating that he chose now, of all of the times to contact me. I stared at the phone. I did miss talking to him too, but I still couldn’t get over what had happened that night. Something like this could tear us apart and I didn’t want that. I just wanted my best friend back. I just wanted to pretend like he had never told me. I just wanted to pretend that he was still drunk and that it never really happened.
I just wanted all of this to have never happened. I didn’t want to have to think about my dad’s problems or the fact that I could potentially lose my best friend or how I was supposed to pay for school. I just wanted to get away from all of this.
I just wanted an escape. A little distraction (and some money) right now, would be a great help. I kept studying although I had little motivation. I had to keep pushing. This was important to me and the only thing I had right now that was working out. My grades were really good and I wanted to keep it that way.
I was focused once again on my work, when my phone went off again. I hoped it wasn’t another message from Mark. I really needed my space right now. I checked the screen and realized it was from Nick. I smiled as I read the message:
“Hey beautiful. I hope you aren’t studying too hard. I don’t want a pretty thing like you to end up with worry lines. I know you are going to do well, because you are so smart and such a hard worker. Also, I know you have good studying habits and strategies. Did I tell you that I got an A on my last exam because of the tips you gave me? I couldn’t be more thankful. I would have failed that exam if it wasn’t for you. Thanks so much. I can’t wait for our date. I already made reservations and yes, the place is that fancy. Anyway, you are probably studying now and I shouldn’t distract you. So, good luck on your exams and I will talk to you soon.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. That was what I had needed. The text message was enough to cheer me up and motivate me to work. I replied, thanking him for the message and I finally confirmed that I would be available at that time and he was relieved because the restaurant was very strict about changing reservations. He also said that they were a bit stuffy, but the food was worth it. I told him that I had to go and that his messages were way too distracting. He laughed and then sent me a kiss and I sent one back and then I put down the phone.
I regained my calm and kept working. I couldn’t wait for our date. I wondered what I would wear. I wondered what I would do with my hair. I was really excited about this now and I couldn’t wait! I decided to close my books for a few minutes and start putting things together. I pulled out a few dresses and a few special accessories for the date. I also pulled out a pair of heels that I prayed I could actually walk in.
When the excitement and caffeine buzz wore off, I headed back downstairs to pour another cup of coffee and get back to work. My dad was snoring in front of the television. I saw another empty bottle at the foot of the couch. I was beginning to get worried. I would have to talk to Dad about his habits soon. I turned off the television and tucked him in with the blanket that was on the couch. I kissed him on his cheek, picked up my mug and headed upstairs.
I then grabbed my textbooks and completely immersed myself into the topic. Somehow, just knowing that Nick was there to support and motivate me, made me feel like I could conquer anything. I knew I could find a solution for all these problems and actually cope with it all. I smiled as I studied. Learning Torts didn’t seem that bad after all.
Nick
I was so excited for my date with April that I was rushing to get everything done on time. I was completely organized, which was slightly out of character for me. I just wanted everything to be perfect for her. I made sure that the car was clean and that we still had the reservation. I also made sure that I looked perfect for her. I went to the barber and shaved just for tonight. I looked into the mirror and smiled. This was my first time wearing a suit and I felt a bit strange.
It was a little tight, but I had to admit I did have the whole secret agent, James Bond look down. Heck, I would have dated me! I brushed off some stray hair and tugged on the sleeve. I was really concerned that I would rip the suit. Maybe I was trying too hard, so I then removed the suit and decided to go a little simpler. A dress shirt, slacks and a pair of black Doc Martins dress shoes should do the trick. Although I no longer looked as suave as I did in the suit, I still looked pretty good.
I hopped into my car and headed to her place. I waited for about ten minutes. When she came outside, my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. She looked amazing. She wore a beautiful red dress which wasn’t too tight but fit her perfectly enough to show off her amazing curves. Her long, dark hair was loose and framed her beautiful face perfectly. She wore red lipstick and a pair of heels that kicked my libido into overdrive. I loved a woman in heels and seeing April actually strut in them, just turned me on to no extent. I had to regain control over myself. I didn’t want to ruin the night by coming on too strong. I got out and got the door for her.
“You look lovely tonight,” I told her
“Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself,”
“What are you talking about? I look amazing,” I pretended to be offended.
She playfully rolled her eyes at me.
“Right. Keep telling yourself that.”
I then kissed her and helped her into the car. I closed the door and got into the other side. I stared at her and admitted defeat.
I told her with a grin, “Okay, you are right. You look amazing. I don’t think I could pull off that dress the way you do.”
She smirked, “I knew you would come around. Also, you could probably pull off this dress, but those muscles will have to go.”
I laughed at her, “It’s fine. I prefer my women to wear the dresses in the relationship.”
“Oh, but I prefer to wear the pants,” she winked at me.
God! I wanted to spank her for being so sm
art with me. I loved how we would just have these little play fights with words. It was such a turn-on.
“No, I wear the pants in this relationship.”
She then smirked and squeezed my thigh.
“Sure, keep telling yourself that.”
I leaned in and gave her a kiss, then whispered into her ear.
“Let’s see if anyone will be wearing pants by the end of the evening.”
She remained quiet, but I could tell that the words had an effect on her. Her pupils were dilated and her heart beat slightly increased. I smirked to myself. I loved the effect that being direct could have on a woman. I then sped off and headed towards the restaurant.
When we had finally gotten there, I parked near the valet. I got out and helped April get out of the car. I then handed the keys to the valet who got in and parked the car for me. I held out my arm for April, who couldn’t stop smiling. She took it and we made our way into the restaurant. When we got there, April was amazed by the place.
“Hey! This isn’t Italian.”
I looked at her, “I know. It’s even better.”
She was curious to know what was better than Italian.
“This is my favorite restaurant to bring a date to.”
She then gave me a skeptical look
“So you have brought other girls here?” she stated.
“I didn’t mean it like that. The place where I was initially going to go wasn’t good enough for you, April. You are worth more than just a small restaurant. You deserve to be wined and dined. You deserve to be treated like a lady.”
“Fine, good save. You are right. I do deserve to be treated well.”
Phew! I thought I had almost ruined things. She then realized that we had come to the most expensive Japanese restaurant in town. I didn’t have to worry because I knew I could afford it, but I probably should have asked if she was allergic to anything, but in the midst of my excitement, I completely forgot.
Dirty Indiscretions: A Dark Mafia Romance Page 33