Rebound (Soulmates Book 3)

by Dykes, Nicole

  When I parked, Lindsay looked pleased, "I love this place!"

  "I've never been."

  "You'll love it."

  We walked in and ordered right away. When we got our food we both dug in. I looked over at her, "This is a pretty good hamburger."

  "Told ya. So are you ready for all of your finals."

  "Yeah. I think so. Economics was the one I was the most worried about and I'm feeling pretty confident now."

  "Good. You going home for break?"

  "Yeah, but just for a week? You?"

  "Yeah, I have two weeks off from the library on campus. They only have two people on the schedule since it is never very busy during break. Only a week?"

  I didn't know she worked there, but I really didn't spend a lot of time at the library. "Yeah, well we have a bowl game right before Christmas and then practice starts up again right after New Year's."

  "Wow. I figured you were done with football until next fall."

  I laughed, "No they pretty much own me all year. So where is home?"

  "Southern Oklahoma. You?"

  "The middle of Kansas."

  She pushed her plate away. She left a little bit on her plate, but ate more than I figured she could. The hamburgers were huge and she was fairly small. "Finished?"

  She sighed heavily, "Yeah. I just couldn't do it."

  I laughed and then we got up and drove back to the dorm. We took the stairs up and she opened the door to go to her room when we reached the second floor, "Well have fun studying."

  "You too. I'll see ya tomorrow." She nodded and went through the door. I went up to my floor and into my room, which was empty.

  The next day I saw Lindsay briefly before the econ final and then she had to rush afterward because she had another final directly after that.

  That night I was lying in my bed at around ten when my phone beeped and lit up on the table by my bed. I reached over and picked it up and had a text from Lindsay.

  Lindsay: Hey how did finals go?

  Me: Good I think. 2 today 1 tomorrow and 1 Thursday Yours?

  Lindsay: Pretty good. 2 more to go. I'm finished Wednesday. Heading home after my last one.

  Me: Have a safe trip. Thanks for helping me study.

  Lindsay: No problem. Maybe we will have another class together next semester

  Me: Yeah. Maybe

  Lindsay: Night

  Me: Goodnight

  I put my phone back down. I kinda hated that was our goodbye before break. I had a lot of fun hanging out with her and getting to know her. She'd actually turned into a nice distraction from Maddy.

  Who I hadn't even thought about for days. Progress I guess.

  Chapter 12

  I finished finals and spent a lot of time with my teammates at practice and after. I even went to a party with Pete with the understanding that I was just going to hang out.

  He really didn't try to push me toward any girls and I had fun drinking a couple beers and playing cards.

  We played a bowl game the following week and lost in overtime. It was a hell of a game though.

  After that, I flew home to see my mom and grandma whom I hadn't seen since the summer. My mom picked me up at the airport and only tried to make me feel guilty a little bit, "it's so good to see you. I still can't believe you didn't come home for thanksgiving break. But you are here now and that's all that matters."

  I hugged her, "Yep. I'm sorry I couldn't be here for Thanksgiving."

  She drove me home and I smiled, looking around the house because nothing had changed. My grandma hugged me and we ate at the kitchen table.

  My grandma started the dinner conversation, "So Ryan, how did finals go?"

  "Really well, I think. Grades won't be posted online for a few days. But I studied pretty hard this semester. Even joined a study group."

  Mom took a sip of her wine, "Oh really? How Was that?"

  "Good. The group’s organizer, Lindsay, was really helpful and we even studied apart from the group. So I felt really good about that final."

  I shouldn't have mentioned Lindsay because I had really peaked their interest, especially my moms, "Oh. And this Lindsay is she pretty?"

  "Mom. We are just friends."

  Grandma spoke up next, "Yeah right. I know what studying means."

  "Grandma, we were really studying. She's really smart."

  My mom pushed her food around on her plate, "Well then you should date her. You need to move on from that last girl."

  My mom never used Maddy's name after we broke up. It was always "that girl" or "that awful girl". "I'm doing just fine. I'm focusing on school isn't that what you guys should want?"

  My mom got up and put her plate in the sink. "We just want you to be happy."

  My grandma looked over at me, "Yeah, and not bitter and swearing off all dating because of one bad experience."

  My grandma never sugar coated anything. I laughed and got up to help my mom clean up. "I'm not bitter. Just don't have time."

  I was a little bitter, but I didn't want to talk any more about it. So I changed the subject, my grandma had told me a couple of months ago on the phone that my mom had gone out on a date with my old high school football coach. I couldn't remember my mom ever going out on a date. I did remember her being asked out on several dates, but she had always turned them down.

  She devoted her entire life to me and I was grateful, but I wanted her to be happy also, "So how are things going with Coach Haywood?"

  My mom looked over at her mom, who looked away trying to look like it wasn't her that told me. She ran water in the sink to wash the dishes, "Good. He's very nice."

  I would have never described him as nice before. He was always screaming at us and pushing us as hard as he could. Not that he wasn't a great guy and one of my role models, because he absolutely was. He was just really tough. I grinned at her, "So are you guys a couple?"

  She stopped washing the dishing and looked at me. "Would you be okay if we were?"

  "Of course mom. I'm not a little kid. If you're happy, I'm happy."

  She had a goofy grin when I said that, "Well I'm very happy. Yes we are a couple and have been officially for three months now."

  "Well that's great."

  She went back to washing the dishes and I rinsed them.

  My break flew by and before I knew it my mom was dropping me off at the airport. I flew back and was greeted by Pete and Trevor when I got back to my dorm.

  We went and lifted weights and all headed to bed early because we had to wake up early for practice the next morning.

  Practice wasn't until eight, but we had all been spoiled the week we had off. There were some mornings I didn't get up until ten A.M.

  A week before classes started I actually found myself with nothing to do. It was a Saturday, so I didn't have practice and I wasn't enrolled in classes during Winter Break like some students. Pete and Trevor went to the movies to watch something I didn’t really feel like watching. So I decided to walk to the library to see if Lindsay was working.

  I walked into the large stone building and went up to the second floor, which was the main floor. I looked around at the computers and empty desks. There were only a few people there and then I saw Lindsay sitting at one of the Librarian Stations. She was looking at the computer screen and didn't see me so I walked over to her. "Hi."

  She looked up a little startled at first, "Ryan. Hi. What are you doing here?"

  "Football players read too."

  She raised one eyebrow at me, "You're here to read?"

  "No. I was bored. So I thought I would see if you were working."

  "Ah, so you missed me?"

  I actually think I had, but I didn't tell her that. I tried to change the subject. "How was your break?"

  "It was good. It actually snowed on Christmas. Which is kind of amazing. I only remember that happening like twice in my life."

  It struck me as a little odd that she didn't mention family, but we hadn't known each other lo
ng enough for me to ask. "Yeah, I guess you probably don't get too much snow where you're from."

  "Not a ton, but for us to actually get snow on Christmas Day is unbelievably rare. How was your break?"

  "It was good. I hadn't been home for a while so my mom and grandma were really happy and doted on me the whole time."

  She smiled, "Well that's nice. So no practice today?"

  "Nope, weekends are free until the summer."

  "That's good. You finally have some free time. What are you going to do with it all?"

  "It’s really only free for another week. Once classes start again I use my weekends for studying and doing homework."

  "And parties?"

  "I really don't go to too many parties."

  "Why is that?"

  Things were starting to get a little too personal. I didn't want explain the whole not dating thing. "Just not really my thing. I like to be in control." I realized that sounded mildly sexual so I added, "Of myself."

  She nodded, "Yeah I get it. I do too."

  "Well I'll let you get back to work. I just want to say hi."

  "Hopefully I'll see ya around."

  "Yeah. Bye Lindsay."

  "Bye Ryan."

  I had a grin on my face the entire walk back to my dorm room. Talking to Lindsay, always left me wanting more. Even when she had hated me I thought about her after I would encounter her.

  When I got back to the dorm, Pete was still gone so I took my shoes off and laid on the couch for a while. I loved the off season, but it could get a little boring. I fell asleep and woke up to a loud bang when Pete came in and closed the door behind him.

  I sat up and looked over at him. I hated when he slammed the door, and since it woke me up it pissed me off, "Why do you have slam the door? Every time you come in."

  He grabbed a bag of chips and walked over and sat next to me, "Don't get your panties in a twist."

  I hated that expression, but I laughed anyway. Nothing rattled Pete. "Good movie?"

  He loudly chomped on a handful of chips, "No, it was shitty. Good call not going. What did you do instead?"

  I grabbed a few chips from the bag, "Not much. Walked around campus a little, ended up at the library."

  "The library? Why would you go there? It's Winter Break."

  He looked at me suspiciously, "Wait. That Lindsay girl works there."

  "How do you know that?"

  "I know everything. So you went to see Lindsay huh?"

  I ate another chip, "Maybe. I just wanted to see how her break was."

  “Uh huh. If you like her just grow a fucking pair and ask her out."

  "It's really not like that. She's a study buddy. And maybe even a friend, but that's it. I can be friends with a girl, unlike some people I know."

  "Yeah, I don't get that. Not at all."

  I shook my head. "I know you don't."

  "Well whatever. I know you like her. I'm always right about these things. You should just save yourself some time and listen to me."

  "Not happening. It wasn't even that long ago that this girl totally detested me and I thought she was a psycho."

  He started flipping through the channels and just left it at that.

  Classes started again and I took five courses instead of my usual four. I didn't have any classes with anyone I knew and was a little disappointed that I didn't share a class with Lindsay. I had thought that we might since our majors were similar.

  After about two weeks into school I ran into Lindsay in the dining hall at lunch. She was standing in line with Julie and I walked over to them after I had my food, "Hi Lindsay. Hi Julie."

  They both greeted me and then Lindsay said, "How have you been?"

  "Pretty good. School and football. Same ole. You?"

  "Good. School and work. Same ole."

  "You guys should eat with us." I pointed over to my usual table full of football players all eating like they just got out of prison.

  Their eyes glanced at the table and then back at me. Lindsay looked at me like I was crazy. "You're kidding right?"

  "You're the one that said you're too quick to judge. Maybe hanging out with athletes will change your mind."

  "Or maybe it will prove I was right."

  I grinned, "Well either way."

  She smiled back at me. That beautiful subtle smile. "We'll see."

  "Okay. If not I'll see ya around."

  I headed back to my table and joined Pete and the rest of the guys and was pleasantly surprised a few minutes later when Lindsay and Julie walked over to our table.

  I had two empty spots next to me and I gestured for them to sit down, which they did.

  Some of the guys looked at me suspiciously and some barely noticed. Pete definitely noticed and elbowed me. I looked over at him and he leaned over and quietly said, "Dude, what the fuck is Julie doing at our table?"

  I had completely forgotten that Pete probably wouldn't want Julie at the same table since he blew her off, "Sorry man. Lindsay and I are friends. So you might see more of Julie."

  "Well that's just great."

  I dismissed him and turned back to Lindsay on the other side of me, "So how are classes? Any good study groups this semester?"

  "Classes are good. I'm taking five. No study groups yet. You?"

  "I'm taking five also. Haven’t had a first test yet to decide if I need to join a study group."

  Julie looked really uncomfortable and I felt a little guilty because I was sure she didn't want to be around Pete any more than he wanted to be around her. I looked over at her, "What about you Julie? Classes going well?"

  She smiled at me, "Yes. I'm actually having fun this semester."

  "Well that’s good."

  Pete was talking loudly with some other guys and I saw Julie’s eyes drift toward him briefly and then back at her food. I wanted to say something, give her some type of explanation for Pete, but I knew nothing was going to fix it. So I asked her about her break. And then we all started talking more in depth about the classes we were taking.

  I found out that Lindsay and I were taking the same behavioral psychology course, just had it at different times. "Well maybe we can study together again this semester."

  We had finished our food and Julie and Lindsay were getting ready to leave, "Yeah, sounds good. You have my number."

  I nodded and they left. I turned my body more toward the guys at the table with a grin on my face until I saw Pete’s face. He was grinning at me like he thought something was going on, "What did I tell ya? You guys are dating now. I win."

  I shook my head, "I invited two friends to eat lunch with me. Grow up."

  Trevor, who was across the table from us laughed, "Looked like a date to me."

  "You both are crazy."

  Trevor ignored me and looked at Pete, "And you. I can't believe you gave up on Julie so quickly. A sweet southern Belle like that."

  Pete looked over at me, "Oh yeah. I'm still pissed at you."

  I stood up, "It wasn't that bad. I think you should give the poor girl an explanation though."

  Again he looked at me like I was insane. After that we all headed off to our classes.

  The next week I had a test in behavioral psychology on Friday, so that Monday I set up a study session with Lindsay.

  She reserved a study room and I met her after dinner. I sat down and didn't bother taking my notes out, knowing that hers were better. "So this class has been interesting so far."

  "Yeah. I really like trying to figure out why people act the way they do."

  "Yeah. Human behavior has definitely always been a mystery to me."

  She looked a little pained, "Yeah. There have been several times I wanted to know how people could act the way they do."

  There was something deeper there, but before I could ask she quickly changed the subject. "So I'm glad the test will be mostly essay questions. Those are my favorite."

  I nodded, "Yeah me too. I hate multiple choice with only one correct answer. Essay quest
ions are broader. Not so black and white."

  "Exactly!"

  We studied for a few hours before calling it a night. I had a good time and it really didn't feel like studying.

  Chapter 13

  We continued to study together a lot throughout the semester and even had lunch together every once in a while. One night we were studying in the study room; we had lunch together that day. We were looking over an article that explored why men feel the need to act macho. She read out loud about how men feel the need to overcompensate when they feel that their masculinity has been threatened.

  She looked over at me, “So is that what is going on with Pete?”

  I laughed, “You still don’t like him huh?”

  “No. Why would I? He only cares about football and getting laid. And he took my friend out on one date after bugging her for weeks and then never called her back. I’m assuming because she didn’t sleep with him.”

  “Okay so he may not treat women as good as he should, but he’s not a terrible guy. He’s a great teammate and has been there for me.”

  She shook her head like she didn’t believe me. “Whatever you say.”

  “So why do you hang out with me then? I play football. For all you know I could treat women terribly.”

  It looked like she was thinking about it, “I don’t think you do. I mean you seemed genuinely sorry that you never called me after our night together, even though I was the one that snuck out that night. And you care about school too.”

  "Fair enough. I really do try to respect women the best I can."

  She looked interested, "Why's that?"

  "I grew up with my mom and grandma. They wouldn't tolerate anything less."

  "You were raised by two women?"

  "Yep. Wouldn't have it any other way either."

  She smiled, "And they let you play sports?"

  "Well my mom was nervous at first. She was fine when I played basketball, but football scared her at first. She was always telling me to make sure my helmet was on right. But she was still a super fan, never missed a game."

  "That's sweet."

  She closed her books, "Well I need to go. I have a test tomorrow and I really should get some sleep." She stood up, "Happy lifting."