Winning the Player

by Leesa Bow

  Finally.

  My shoulders relaxed. A bubble of confidence rose inside me at the thought of how annoyed he’d be that I didn’t answer. It was like I’d won some stupid game. Maddy insisted that anyone who called more than twice displayed frustration. My insides tightened the way they did every time I thought of Hunter or heard his name.

  Yet I hadn’t won a damn thing.

  He still got to me.

  I jumped when my phone vibrated with a message and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that it was from Maddy.

  Meet you at the gym tonight. What time?

  About time she got her arse back to the gym.

  Be there at 6 x

  I slotted my phone in the side pocket of my bag, quickly dressed in a grey tailored skirt and matching jacket, and headed to work. After arriving fifteen minutes early, there was time for a cup of tea. I then made my way to my office through the hallways—which reminded me of a rabbit warren—and past large sliding doors, which opened to a rose garden brimming with colour. Many of the residents liked to sit here and take in the view of the gardens. Mrs White was one of those residents. I walked towards her and smiled, but before I could walk past she grabbed my hand.

  ‘It was a beautiful sunrise today,’ she said in a weak voice, trying to sound enthusiastic. I couldn’t help but notice her cold fingers on mine. I turned and followed the direction of her gaze to the sun low in the eastern sky. Light reflected off leaves holding droplets of morning dew. It looked magical. I turned back to Mrs White feeling her thumb making little circles on my hand in an endearing way.

  Something caught her attention and her gaze lowered.

  ‘No ring, dear? Why hasn’t a young man snatched up a lovely girl like you?’

  I wanted to laugh and say I’m not even twenty-one. Mrs White was ninety years old, and although marrying young was common in her time, I was somewhat surprised that she thought I should be married. I looked into her kind, smiling eyes and realised it wasn’t about me not being married but about her once having a husband. She had loved and lost in the saddest way.

  ‘No, Mrs White. I haven’t found Mr Right. Tell me about your husband.’ I sat down beside her and sipped my tea.

  ‘Oh, darling, Mr White died twenty years ago. You know, he stole my heart the first day I laid eyes on him.’ Her eyes twinkled and it was then I noticed that her eyes were the colour of chocolate.

  ‘His name was William. He returned from the awful war a few years before we met. His family and mine were friends, not close but they knew each other as many people did back then. I was introduced to him and I knew at that moment I would marry him.’

  ‘What? But you didn’t know anything about him.’

  Mrs White laughed. ‘That’s how it was back in my day. You young people think too much into things. Think and think, forget to listen to your heart. When the right man comes along you will feel it deep in here,’ she said, touching her chest. ‘It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known him, you just know.’

  My eyes widened. ‘So how long before you were married?’

  ‘Three months after we met. And we never spent more than a few days apart until he died.’ Her eyes lowered to her hands playing with the material of her floral dress.

  The strength of her love touched me in a way that gave me hope I would find a soul mate. ‘Do you have any family here?’ I asked, patting her hand.

  ‘Sadly, my son has also passed. He owned a station outside Broken Hill and now my daughter-in-law lives in the town. We were never close. My grandson lives here.’ Her expression softened. ‘He’s in his final year at uni studying geology. He calls on me occasionally.’ Her eyes widened. ‘Perhaps you could meet him?’

  I could see where she was heading with the conversation, so I smiled reassuringly. ‘Trust me, guys don’t tend to stick around with me. I’m not the marrying type.’

  ‘Oh, of course you are, dear. You just need a man who knows how to handle your strong will.’

  ‘What makes you think I’m strong-willed?’

  Mrs White let out a laugh that almost sounded like a cackle. ‘Your eyes, dear. Green eyes reflect a strong woman and a jealous one. You need a man who has eyes only for you.’ She nodded at me like she understood.

  ‘But I’m not the jealous type.’

  Mrs White’s brow arched high. ‘Have you ever had a boyfriend?’

  ‘No,’ I whispered, almost ashamed.

  ‘Then you need to make sure you choose wisely. You need a man with a good heart and not pick one purely for his good looks. Who understands you, puts your happiness first and will care for your heart forever. Treasure it like it’s his own.’ She smiled at me as if remembering her own husband.

  I patted her hand. ‘Thank you, but I really must get back to work. Perhaps we can chat again soon.’

  ‘Please. I’d like that very much.’

  As I walked away from Mrs White I thought about what she had said and for a while considered Hunter until the words puts your happiness first reverberated. If I seriously wanted to put my happiness first, I needed to scratch a line through Hunter’s name.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ‘I was thinking,’ Maddy said in a strained voice between breaths, maintaining a steady pace on the treadmill.

  ‘Now I’m scared,’ I said, and laughed, almost out of breath. I slowed the treadmill to a walking pace.

  Maddy looked gratefully at me, as if I’d given her permission to reduce the speed. She pressed the down arrow. ‘When you mentioned visiting your gran in Victor Harbor it gave me an idea,’ she continued, wiping her arms with a towel. ‘Now the weather’s improving we could head there for a weekend and relax, just us girls.’

  ‘Who?’ Some of Maddy’s friends were not my cup of tea.

  ‘My cousin, Shenae, who you know, and us.’

  ‘So, three of us?’

  She nodded. ‘Our relatives own a house by the beach. I could check on availability and get back to you.’

  ‘When were you thinking?’

  ‘I could try for the weekend. Do you have any plans?’

  ‘My social calendar is overflowing. You know how I roll.’

  Maddy huffed. ‘It’s your choice to hibernate, Aubs.’

  After stopping the treadmill, I grabbed my towel from the rail and wiped the back of my neck. ‘I know. I need to clear my head. I’m going to stretch then I’m done.’ For some reason I wasn’t in the mood for a long session tonight, so after a quick warm-down I headed home.

  I arrived to Mum sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of tea. ‘Kettle’s just boiled,’ she said without looking up.

  After pouring myself a cup, I sat with her. ‘How was your day?’ She glanced up with tears. ‘Oh no, what happened?’ I moved closer and placed my hand on top of hers.

  ‘It’s probably nothing.’ She wiped her eye. ‘You know, it’s that time of year when I get upset thinking about your father.’ I nodded, yet sensed there was more to her sadness. ‘And I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.’

  ‘What for?’ She didn’t answer. ‘Mum, you’re scaring me.’

  ‘I’m going through the change. It’s complicated. After my last scan the doctor recommended a hysterectomy. A Pap smear showed changes.’ Her eyes watered.

  ‘What are you telling me?’ I asked, a worry bubble growing inside.

  Mum shook her head. ‘Nothing. I’m telling you there’s nothing to worry about. The doctor will talk to me tomorrow.’

  ‘I’m coming with you,’ I insisted.

  ‘Aubree, I’m fine. You have to work.’ She tried to sound strong.

  ‘I’m not arguing with you. I’m coming.’

  She forced a smile. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered. ‘I know it’s stupid, but I’m actually afraid of what he might say.’

  ‘Everything will be fine.’ I turned and wrapped my arms around her. ‘I know I don’t tell you often enough, but I love you.’

  ‘I know,’ she whispered.

  ‘Wh
at time is your appointment?’

  ‘Eleven at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. I hate driving in the city.’ Mum managed a half-smile, but her expression told me it was more than just driving in the city that was bothering her.

  ‘I’m about to shower but after we can watch a movie,’ I suggested. ‘Your choice.’

  ‘Then I choose one with Meryl Streep.’ She smiled.

  ‘Good choice. Give me fifteen.’

  The following morning while driving into the city, Mum remained tight-lipped except for pointing out traffic hazards ahead. I bit my tongue from retorting that I wasn’t blind. At least she was talking. When we arrived at the hospital all the parking was taken, and after driving around for ten minutes listening to Mum say, ‘Over there, quick. Oh, someone else has it,’ we finally found a space. ‘If you walk through the parklands there’s a nice coffee shop,’ she added.

  ‘Why would I have a coffee without you?’ As I walked to her side of the car I noticed people gathering in the park.

  ‘I might need to have a scan or something. It’s boring waiting so you should grab a coffee, take a break,’ she suggested. ‘Goodness, it’s busy. What do you think’s going on?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’ A few men were setting up tables on the grass. There were dozens of rows of chairs. ‘Could be a fundraiser.’

  We walked across the road to the multi-level building and caught an elevator to the second floor. The receptionist notified Mum that her doctor was running fifteen minutes late. We sat amongst other outpatients and waited. Mum picked at her nails. I touched her arm and smiled.

  ‘I’m afraid it could be cancer.’ She looked down at her hands in her lap.

  My breath caught in my throat. Did she have to wait till now to open up? ‘What happens if it is?’ I croaked. I wanted to know before she saw the doctor, to prepare myself.

  ‘Probably a hysterectomy and chemotherapy, I suppose. Every case is different,’ she said in a low voice.

  I nodded. ‘And if it’s not, you’ll still have a hysterectomy?’ Mum nodded. ‘So either way it looks like you’ll be having surgery,’ I confirmed.

  ‘Yes.’ Mum looked at me as though apologising.

  ‘The sooner you find out the sooner I can apply for leave from work.’

  ‘Aubree, let’s not talk now.’ She picked up a magazine and flicked through the pages.

  ‘I’m going to take care of you, Mum. I don’t want you to worry,’ I whispered. I took her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. It was important that Mum understood I would support her in every possible way, show her I’d matured and could face my fear and not flee.

  Before she could respond her name was called. ‘Wait here,’ she instructed. ‘I won’t be long.’

  Not being in the doctor’s room with her crushed me. I didn’t want her to be alone when she received a diagnosis. My mother needed me. My stomach tightened as I thought about the worst possible outcomes. Then the realisation hit me that I needed her more than she needed me. To stop my fingers fidgeting, I picked up a magazine and flipped the pages, stopping only to glance at the photographs.

  I stood the moment Mum walked out of the room. I tried to gauge her emotions, but her blank expression was unreadable as she walked towards me.

  She touched my arm. ‘Relax, sweetheart. I’m booked in for an ultrasound and then an MRI in fifteen minutes. It’ll take a while so go for a walk.’ I started to object but she added, ‘I’ll meet you back here in an hour when I see the doctor again to get my results. I’d like you to come in with me then.’

  ‘Yes, yes, of course. An hour you think?’ My voice cracked.

  ‘Go have a coffee, Aubree. I’m sure everything will be fine.

  I kissed her cheek. ‘One hour.’

  I weaved my way through corridors to the outside world, to another perfect spring day. I put on my sunglasses and headed back through the parklands, where the crowd had thickened. A sign was strung between two trees reading ‘Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer’.

  Curious, I decided to check it out after coffee. If I didn’t get caffeine into my system I’d have a meltdown.

  Inside the cafe, the gentle sound of instrumental music wafted from the overhead speakers. I concentrated on the essence of the music to prevent myself from thinking negatively, although it was difficult considering my mother was facing her worst fear. I couldn’t lose her!

  My eyes opened when cheering echoed from the park. I still had another thirty minutes before I was due to meet Mum. I crossed the road just as the speeches began.

  ‘The generosity of the public has been overwhelming. Today we have a grand total of one hundred thousand dollars to go to this wonderful cause of helping provide our sick children with a brighter future. I cannot say enough about this young man and his unselfish nature.’

  At a quick glance, I estimated a couple of hundred people had gathered around a small stage, and I could see a man speaking into a microphone standing next to a single chair and a table. When I reached the roped-off area I stood on my toes and peered over shoulders to try to get a look.

  ‘None of this would be possible without the help of our sporting legends. It is a great privilege to invite Hunter Stone to the stage.’

  I gasped.

  Was I hearing things? I couldn’t see anything until Hunter stepped onto the stage in tight jeans, the ones I loved on him, and a Blackbirds’ polo shirt. The crowd applauded. Whistles and screams continued as Hunter waved back at the crowd before sitting on a chair. ‘Please welcome our lovely hairdresser, Jenna.’

  More wolf whistles as a blonde stepped onto the stage. My heart plummeted, surprising me with my reaction to her being close to Hunter.

  What the hell was going on?

  The crowd waited quietly while Jenna tied a cape around Hunter’s neck. She removed clippers from a box on the table and held them high. The crowd applauded. Jenna smiled, said something for only Hunter’s ears, placed the shaver on his head and slid it over the top.

  A lump grew in my throat. Hunter grinned as though having a quiet joke with Jenna. When the first piece of gorgeous dark hair toppled down his cape to the ground the crowd cheered.

  It was too much. I loved his hair. The unselfish gesture knocked me for six. I took in a deep breath to calm myself. It wasn’t like him. I knew him. Hunter was selfish, arrogant and opinionated.

  When the last of Hunter’s hair fell to the ground, Jenna removed the cape and Hunter stood, holding his hands in the air and clapped along with the crowd. He looked out to the audience in an attempt to engage every person. His eyes appeared bigger, darker with shaved hair, and it made him look sexier, if that was even possible.

  A suited man ushered Hunter off the stage towards the crowd, where a line expanded behind a photographer. My breath caught when he bent over and kissed a bald child on the cheek. Cameras flashed, catching his charismatic smile, and part of me snapped. I couldn’t watch anymore. I rushed back to the hospital to meet Mum before an archangel appeared in his honour proving my judgement of Hunter was wrong.

  While waiting in the sitting room, I opened up Twitter and read a tweet Hunter had posted earlier.

  @HunterStone8: Never give up. There is a reason to keep trying. #Life.

  Although it could be interpreted as inspiration for his football, after today I knew better. I’d discovered another layer to Hunter Stone.

  Within minutes of waiting in reception, Mum approached me. ‘Aubree, I’m ready.’

  I dropped my phone into the side pocket of my bag and stood. ‘Everything okay?’

  ‘Yes. I have to see the doctor then I’m done.’

  ‘Are you feeling okay? You don’t feel sick or anything?’

  ‘No, I’m fine. Let’s go.’

  As soon as the nurse spotted Mum she ushered us into the room. I listened to the doctor talk, although I wasn’t up with medical terminology. All in all, Mum’s results came back clear of any cancer and my shoulders relaxed. The next step was to make an appointment
for a hysterectomy, and since another patient had just cancelled, a spot had opened up in four weeks – much earlier than we expected.

  ‘So what did you do?’ Mum asked while driving home.

  ‘You’re not going to believe it. I wandered over to the parklands and there was a fundraiser for childhood cancer. Hunter shaved his head to raise money.’ I glanced sideways at Mum before looking back at the road.

  ‘Oh my.’ Mum’s eyes widened. ‘You watched?’

  I nodded. ‘He touched my heart today,’ I murmured.

  ‘It was bound to happen,’ she said in a confident voice.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘There are some things a mother just knows.’

  ‘I’m going to lie down and rest before dinner,’ Mum announced when we arrived home.

  ‘I’ll buy dinner tonight. Any preferences?’ I locked the car and followed her into the house.

  ‘I’m happy with anything.’

  ‘I’ll order butter chicken and pick it up around six.’

  Mum smiled appreciatively. ‘Sounds lovely, thank you.’

  An afternoon nap sounded appealing after being zapped of energy from the rollercoaster day. I flopped on the bed and picked up my phone, noticing a new Twitter message from Connor.

  @ConnorStone: @AubsTaylor Islands are beautiful. You should come visit.

  My first reaction was what would Hunter think? I didn’t want to upset him. After thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that if Hunter had matured and if he was anything like the man I witnessed today, he’d be capable of accepting my platonic relationship with his brother. I decided to test him.

  @AubsTaylor: ‘@ConnorStone @AubsTaylor Islands are beautiful. You should visit.’ Sounds like a plan.

  After quoting the tweet, I sent Connor a text message asking if he had smoothed things over with Hunter before leaving. I also mentioned Hunter and I were not on good terms. Minutes later I received a reply.