Abby looked away, hating the anticipation that had her blood racing. He wore her tie. A gift for his first guest spot on ESPN. Cobalt blue to match his eyes. Cripes, she was a sap. Yeah, but he was the idiot wearing it tonight.
“Abs, we have no escape route. He’s blocking our only way out of here.”
Abby shrugged. “There’s only five minutes left in the game. We’ll live through it.”
As Doyle caught a fly ball, ensuring a Bisons victory, Tyler closed the distance between them.
“Nice game,” he said, sliding into the vacant seat on Abby’s right. “Kevin had a helluva night.”
Bridget nodded, keeping her eyes on the field. “Don’t you have to write copy? I imagine your deadline is still pretty tight.”
Tyler rubbed the bridge of his nose. It was a nervous habit that had plagued him for years. “Actually, I have a good draft. Other than the ninth inning, it’s done.”
Bridget turned, leaning over to see past Abby. “Well, we should probably head downstairs. Kevin should be ready soon.”
It was lie. And they all knew it. It would be at least another forty minutes before he’d even think to look for them.
Abby stood. Tyler’s hand reached up. “Hey, Abby, can you spare a few minutes?”
The quiet request was her undoing. But Bridget remained unmoved.
“Where’s Meg? She’s usually hard to miss.”
Abby turned toward her cousin frowning. “Just give me ten minutes. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Bridget left without another word. The look in her eyes spoke volumes though.
Tyler sighed. “It’s good to know she still has your back. Even if that means I’m a varmint in her eyes.”
Abby slipped into the seat, looking at the field below. “How’s Toronto?”
“Great,” Tyler said, angling his body toward her. “But I’m probably going to make a move at the end of the year. I’ve had an offer from a local New York City station.”
She nodded. “Your mom must be happy. I’m sure the distance has been tough on her.”
“Yeah, I’ve been doing print for so long I’m not sure how well I’ll do in front of a camera.”
“Please,” Abby said. “You’ve been waiting for this your whole life. You’re ready.”
He lowered his head. “I heard about Meg’s performance. I’m sorry.”
Abby ignored the urge to shake some sense into him. She knew from experience that interference rarely produced positive outcomes.
Abby shook her head. “Not necessary. You deserve to be happy. I’m glad you’ve found that.”
He took a deep breath. “Baffling that I’ve found that with Meg, huh?”
“Yes,” Abby said.
He laughed.
“I’m glad you still have a sense of humor. When I heard about the engagement I figured you must.” She turned, lowering her voice. “I know somewhere, probably pretty well hidden, that Meg has some good qualities. In fact the best one might be the fact that she genuinely loves you.”
“I hope,” he said, tucking his feet under the seat in front of him. “On the not-so-pleasant side, she’s still jealous of you.”
Abby choked. “What?”
“Her feelings toward you weren’t just about the whole mess with your brother. A lot had to do with you.”
“Oh,” Abby groaned. “I think I could have been happy not knowing that.”
“She called me the night she ran into you at Bartleby’s. Cried in fact.”
Abby leaned her head against the back of her chair for support. “Because?”
“The champagne.” Tyler rubbed his hands along the knees of his pants. “I think it surprised her. Embarrassed her. Made her regret her own behavior.”
Abby thought about that. Wondered if it was wishful thinking on Ty’s part. It was hard to imagine Meg turning over a new leaf.
“Does she know that you’re here? I mean, here as in talking to me?”
He looked away. “No. That would be pushing my luck, I’m afraid.”
“You know I wasn’t looking forward to seeing you today. Thought about staying home.”
Tyler took her hand. “I’m not surprised, just glad you’re here. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I miss you.” He paused. “Even though we didn’t belong together as a couple, I think we were pretty good as friends.”
Abby stifled a sigh. It was the story of her life. Same beginning. Same ending. “Yes. Good thing or I might have challenged Meg to a mud wresting match.”
“What about you? What man’s heart are you breaking now?”
“Singular?” Abby said. “Have I slipped that much?”
“Forgive me. Of your horde of followers, anyone holding your interest?”
She rolled her eyes. “No. But I have been eyeing an adorable Irish wolf hound at the Humane Society.”
“Find a two-legged friend first.”
Abby shook her head. “Too hard to train.”
Footsteps interrupted her next words. The sight of Nick at the railing below stopped her cold. Tyler followed the track of her eyes.
“Valente?” Tyler asked, rubbing the small bump along the bridge of his nose. “Is it me or does he look like a rabid pit bull?”
She smiled. “Good one. He does look a bit demented.”
He cleared his throat. “Are you dating Nick Valente?”
“No,” she said, turning away from the figure below. “Casual friends. And I’m guessing you knew that already.”
“His look says something else entirely. And how would I know if you’re involved?”
“Oh please,” Abby said. “You dated me for nine months. I’m not exactly a walk in the park.”
His mouth tightened. “Honey, I’m not even going to touch that statement. You need to beef up your self-image.”
Abby tried to ignore Nick’s folded arms and angry expression. He was probably trying to scare Tyler off.
“Damn, I hear that a lot.”
“Well, kidding aside. You sell yourself short. We both know that.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Abby slid forward in her seat. “So have you set a date?”
His smile faded. “Not yet. I thought it might be wise to complete some counseling together first.”
Abby wasn’t sure what the proper response was to that bit of news. It was probably a wise decision. One that she hoped would help him navigate the future with Meg. “Good for you, Ty. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed for the both of you.”
He leaned over, placing a soft kiss on the side of her cheek. “Thanks.”
It was a strange moment. Abby recognized the bittersweet goodbye that was happening. This was really an ending for them. They may be friends, but they would not be friends who shared their lives actively from that point forward. Marriage would change that. As it should. She hadn’t seen much of Tyler the past twenty-four months but she had thought about him on a regular basis. With Meg a permanent part of his picture, maybe she would think about him less.
He touched her hand again. “Listen, I believe what you told me about you and Valente. But, as a guy, I have to tell you the look on his face right now has nothing to do with being your friend. He’s pissed to high heaven.”
She turned, trying to see what Tyler saw. It must have been a male thing, because she had a whole different interpretation. She wouldn’t admit it, but she wished his words rang true.
“I am probably keeping Bridget waiting.” Abby slipped her feet back into her sandals. “Which means I’ll have to hear her complain the whole way home.”
Tyler stood. “Want a lift? I’m staying about fifteen minutes from your place, so it wouldn’t be out of my way.”
She pushed to her feet. “Thank you, but no.” Abby returned a light kiss to his cheek. “Our even talking will keep Bridget buzzing for a week. Anything more and I’ll have to change my phone number.”
His grin faded. “We can do this without an official goodbye, right? I’m not real good with that.”
Abby slowly nodded, hating the tears that threatened her eyes. “I’m pretty sure someday, somewhere our paths will cross again. This time I’m going to look forward to it.”
The hug was warm and familiar. Her heart didn’t ache this time. She hoped his didn’t either. He walked away, passing Nick on his path. She watched, hoping Nick kept his thoughts to himself. Abby didn’t want the memory soured. Things were good. Her feelings toward Tyler were healthier now than they were this morning.
She sat. Bridget could wait five more minutes. Nick tackled the stairs two at a time. Instead of sitting, he moved in front of her, forcing her legs back against the seat. Tonight he wore a navy shirt and a frown.
His eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t start messing with Meg’s man. She probably knows a few moves that the Godfather missed.”
“So funny, yet hardly necessary,” Abby said, trying to pull away from his hard stance.
Nick shrugged. “Please, she’d have a freak fest if she knew Tiger was here cozying up to you.”
“True,” she said. “But Tyler wasn’t exactly cozying up to me. Meg would misread the situation because…well it’s what she does best.”
“So did he have a reason to corner you after the game other than trying to get in your pants?”
If she could have executed a graceful exit at that moment she would have. His two-hundred-plus frame was like a cement wall. She was blocked.
“Your mother would be proud, I’m sure. This is where I get indignant, defend myself and then tell you to mind your own damn business.”
His jaw hardened. She ignored it.
“I think I’ll go directly to the good part. This was a private matter between two friends. Nothing more.”
He closed the gap between them, leaning in far enough for her to feel the heat of his breath. “Technically you’re right. It’s not my business. Yet, here I am making a jerk of myself. So, tell me more.”
Abby wanted to ask him why. Why was he here? Why did he care? Why did his answer mean more than it should?
“Sit,” she commanded. “Right now you look like my mother used to when she wanted to read my diary.”
“Your mother wanted to see your diary? That family of yours sounds more charming every day.”
She pushed her chin to her chest. “Well, I was eleven and she wanted to make sure I wasn’t sneaking cigarettes behind the playground.”
His look softened. “Hey, you shock me. I had you pegged as a goody two shoes, clapping erasers against the pavement.”
“Ugh,” Abby said. “I was, Valente. I never even tried a cigarette until my freshman year of college. Believe me that was soon enough.”
He brushed against her, dropping into a seat. “So, are you going to keep me guessing? What did hot lips really want?”
“Correction. Warm lips. Definitely warm not hot.”
Nick closed his eyes. “Would it be easier if I go track him down in the parking lot? I’m guessing I can convince him to fill in a few details for me.”
“You’re so full of it.” Abby lifted her head defiantly. “If you must know, girly man, Tyler wanted to apologize for the scene at Bartleby’s.”
“He wasn’t even there.”
“Yes, but he heard the story from Meg.” Abby pushed his arm off of the armrest between their seats. “Because of the late hour and my rather pleasant disposition I’m going to break my own butt-out rule.”
In five minutes she gave him an overview of her meeting with Tyler. His reaction ranged from an occasional grunt to a full-blown sigh. She left out Tyler’s comments about Nick. No benefit in going down that road. When she was done, Nick stood. Taking her hand, he pulled her in the direction of the stairs.
“He’s not completely over you, McCabe.”
Now she was peeved. “Hello,” she said. “Have you not heard a word of what I told you?”
He stopped two steps from the bottom of section G. “Contrary to your initial opinion of me, I’m not learning impaired. I heard you. And I believe that you believe what you’ve told me. Fact is he’s still nursing a minor crush.”
“Errr.” Abby bit back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
“Stomp your feet. It will make you feel better.” Nick began to walk again. “I’m not saying he’s carrying a torch. Hell, he’s engaged to another woman. All I’m saying is that there are still feelings there.”
She followed on his heel, relieved to see Bridget less than twenty feet away. “Okay. Just don’t make more of it than there is.”
“Fine,” Nick said. “Now keep your distance from him. The more he sees you, the more those feelings are going to intensify.”
“Nick, that is absurd. Where do you come up with this crap?”
He stopped, cupping her elbow. “I’m living it. The more I’m with you, the less control I have over my feelings. The difference is I don’t have a fiancée lurking around the corner.”
“No,” Abby muttered. “But you do have an ex-wife in the shadows, right? I mean, you told me your life was pretty much a mess right now.”
His grip on her elbow tightened. “Don’t throw my words back in my face. I’m trying damn hard not to forget them.”
Abby wished her words back. He was fighting his own inner battle and she didn’t need to draw blood. “Sorry. That was unfair.” Abby took her free hand and cupped his chin. “Tyler is part of my past. He wouldn’t have it any other way and neither would I.”
Abby ignored the fact that her cousin was probably watching the scene before her with great interest. “Letting go is hard sometimes. But with Tyler it was the right thing. No regrets.”
This time his kiss was baby soft. It devastated her more than the others.
“The whole time I was watching you, I thought about kissing your lips. I’d be happy if you kept Tyler at arm’s length in the future.”
It wasn’t a command but a sincere request. Abby couldn’t control the spike in her pulse. “We’re getting really good at this dance, Nick. One step forward, two steps back.”
He rubbed his hand across his eyes. “I know. My life has become a walking contradiction. I’m trying not to suck you into my situation. How am I doing so far?”
“Oh,” Abby said, placing her hand on his arm. “I think we both might be in danger of getting a failing grade. But my eyes are wide open, you know?”
Nick stood still, his expression guarded. “Meaning what exactly?”
“Heck, I’m twenty-nine years old. You’ve made it clear you still have some open issues back in Tampa. Maybe our timing isn’t perfect, but maybe we just have to go with our instincts.”
“Are you propositioning me, McCabe? Because if you are, I’m going to seriously consider the offer.”
“Bug off,” Abby said. “You’re irresistible until you open your mouth.”
He grabbed the hem of her shirt and gently tugged. “What happened to that pleasant disposition you mentioned?”
She rolled her eyes, enjoying the game.
“Abby, if we do decide to take the next step, I’m not in a position to commit right now. I need to dot my I’s and cross my T’s back in Tampa first. I don’t juggle well and I don’t really want to.”
Abby nodded. “Understood.”
“So, are we still on for tomorrow at one?”
“Uh huh,” Abby said. “I’m taking care of lunch. Better pack some Tums, my friend.”
She turned, taking the few steps needed to reach Bridget. Before she answered any of the twenty questions fired off at her, she glanced back, watching Nick retreat behind the locker room door. No strings attached. She wanted to take that next step forward with Nick. Unfortunately, Abby had enough self-awareness to know her heart was always tethered when she made a decision to become involved. She could count on one finger the number of men she shared the ultimate intimacy with. On that occasion her heart was fully vested in the relationship. This time it couldn’t be, at least as far as Nick was concerned. Her head hammered with indecision.
She glanced at Bridget, noting the growing anxiety in her eyes. “Everything’s fine. I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.”
“Not a problem,” Bridget said, nodding her head in the direction of the exit. “Kevin is going to catch a ride. He wants to spend some time with a rookie they brought up this morning.”
Abby groaned. Alone with her cousin for the next twenty-five minutes. The hammering in her head intensified. “Do you have any aspirin? My brain is doing a damn fine impression of a spooked filly right now.”
Bridget sighed. “Where do you come up with that? You sound like you were raised on a plantation in Charleston. Next thing you’ll be swooning at my feet.”
“In that case, skip the damn aspirin. I want a Mint Julep with a double shot of bourbon.”
“You should’ve stayed home. I knew seeing Tyler would tie you up in knots.”
Abby shook her head slowly. “It’s not just Tyler. It’s all men. Nick. Mark. Harry the hairball.”
“Wait.” Bridget stopped short. “Why is Mark on your hit list?”
“He’s avoiding me. I don’t know if he’s sick of me or if I’ve offended him. Something’s off though.”
The ride was long. Abby dodged as many questions as she answered. In the end Bridget was relieved with the Tyler situation, baffled about Mark and bugging out of her shorts over Nick. Abby couldn’t imagine what would have happened if Bridget heard the unabridged version of events.
Chapter Seven
Abby’s love of sports was not without limits. Sitting on the floor of her living room watching tape of an earlier football game almost put her to sleep. She had less than an hour to submit her preseason report card for Saturday afternoon’s game. The Wildcats had won but in a style reminiscent of Pop Warner, not professional ball. The combination of a young quarterback and a young coach was bound to bring some pain to the rabid fans of Boston this season.
Not all of the news was disappointing. The defensive line, made up of all-star veterans, was virtually impenetrable. If they could hold off injuries and fatigue, they had a solid chance of reaching postseason play. When the final minutes of tape expired, Abby read through her notes. Thirty minutes later she hit the send button on her e-mail submission. Since she was not required to conduct interviews or play by play breakdowns, Abby rarely ventured to the stadium. At home she could hit rewind, pause and stop at her convenience. The first season she had faithfully attended home games, thinking it would provide her with inspiration, only to discover the distraction of competing media personnel.
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