Playing the Field (Hot-Lanta Series)

by Quinn, Meghan

  “Not at all.” He said as he slapped her ass on her way off the table.

  “Hold that thought.”

  She went through her contacts and called Jane.

  “Molly? Is that you?”

  “Hey doll, how are you. Almost time for the big day.”

  “Are you kidding me right now? Where the hell have you been? I’ve been worried sick, I thought something happened to you?”

  “Sorry, I visited a friend in, uh Savanna and lost my phone in the ocean. Silly me. I needed to get away for a little. You know everything with the wedding just brings up bad memories.” Molly grabbed the bottle back from Reid and took another long swig, chasing it with a drag off her cigarette.

  “Oh, I understand. I’m sorry this is so hard for you. You’re my best friend and I just want you to be a part of one of the biggest days of my life.”

  “I know sweetie that is why I took some time off to freshen up and be all yours the next two days.”

  “Oh, that’s sweet. Thank you. You’re coming to the rehearsal right?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. We check into the hotel after that right?”

  “Yes, I sent an itinerary to you but I can just print it out again and give it to you when I see you tonight. Don’t forget to be there at six sharp.”

  “I will. Oh and Jane, I’m so excited for you.” Molly said almost gagging on her own words.

  “Thanks Molly. It really means so much to me. I’ve missed you lately and I totally understand what you’re going through. I’m just glad you will be here tonight and tomorrow. That’s what’s important. See you a little later, wear something sexy, but not bachelorette party kind of sexy.”

  “Don’t worry, I retired that dress. See you later.”

  Molly hung up the phone and sauntered over to Reid. “Are you going to the wedding alone or do you have a date?”

  Reid looked her up and down and said, “Well I was thinking about taking a blonde bombshell I know but I’m almost positive she is going with someone else.”

  “That you’re right about, sir. Austin ruins everything but I will be sneaking out with you at some point. I’m not finished with you just yet.”

  “When I leave town are you going to continue your relationship with Austin?”

  Molly thought about that for a second before she answered. Was she? Not that they really had a relationship, well he thought they did but she had different ideas. She didn’t want a relationship with anybody really. The only relationship she cared about was the one that was ripped away from her two years ago, leaving her with a darling little girl who frankly she could not take care of.

  It was gut wrenching just thinking about what her life had turned into; one long blur of drinking, meaningless sex, pills and lying. She was not proud of herself, but anything was better than facing the pain she harbored deep down in her soul or looking into the face of her daughter that haunted her every damn day.

  Lighting up another cigarette she replied, “Who knows, I might fuck around with him a little longer. He is a little too needy for my liking.”

  Reid pulled the cigarette from her mouth and took a drag. Studying her he asked, “What’s going on with you, Molly? You were wild in college but still loyal to Jane. It seems like you’re throwing away any relationship you had.”

  “No one asked for your psycho-analysis Reid.” Molly spat out. Lounging for her robe, she said, “I need to get going. I have to get some clean clothes and get my crap for the wedding.”

  Reid grabbed her arm to stop her frantic movements of gathering her items, which were not much. “Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just worried.”

  “Well don’t be, remember? No strings attached.”

  “Just because we have a no strings attached rule doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.”

  Patting his face Moly said, “You’re sweet for caring but I know what I’m doing. I will see you tomorrow.”

  Molly grabbed the rest of her items, changed into one of Reid’s dress shirts and left the room she spent many sex filled days in. Her stint of care free life was put on hold for two days. All she needed to do was focus on Jane and then the annoying bride would be out of her hair and Molly could go back to doing what she wanted to do…drown into an abyss.

  ***

  Jane paced back and forth in the entryway of Brady’s house, well her house too now. Ever since she moved in, they took their time going room by room decorating together so the house became theirs. Brady really didn’t do much with it. Before Jane, he had a very minimalistic approach when it came to decorating but Jane helped make it into a home by adding warm colors to the walls bright accessories to add pops of color and textiles which brought a homier feel to the whole house. Before Jane, Brady had no clue what a throw pillow was, now he marveled in the idea of having them on the couch.

  Jane could not believe how late Brady was, they had twenty minutes to get to the rehearsal and he was not even home yet. What was taking so long? The guys booked a different flight from the team so they could make it to the rehearsal on time. Jane knew it was alright if they were a little late but she was so time conscious that the mere idea of being late ate away at her soul.

  She saw Brady’s BMW pull up in the driveway and him burst out of the car. He was wearing black dress pants a black dress shirt and a white and lime green striped tie that matched perfectly with her sweetheart cocktail dress. She opened the door for him and he came charging at her with arms wide open scooping her up in his embrace. He pushed her against the wall knocking a picture down but she didn’t care because Brady was kissing her all over.

  “God, I missed you pip-squeak.”

  “I missed you too, handsome but we have to get going.”

  “I know but hold on one second, let me get a look at you.”

  He twirled her around taking in every last inch of her. “Damn you look hot. Are you sure you want to marry me?”

  “I have too much invested in you now to back away, so might as well.” Jane said teasingly.

  Brady fake grabbed his heart saying “Ouch, you really know how to hurt a guy.”

  “Deal with it. I’m yours for life now.”

  “Not yet! I still have a good couple of hours before I tie myself to the likes of you.”

  “Hey, if you want out I have a list of men willing to step in at the last minute.”

  Brady picked her up, placed her legs around his waist and pushed her against the wall. “Who are these men? I want names now.” He started tickling her making her squirm.

  “Mercy, mercy, there are no men.” She said laughing while gasping for air. “Come on you big oaf. We’re going to be late.”

  Still wrapped around his waist he turned his attention to her neck with his lips, kissing her in all the right spots and at that moment Jane completely forgot what they were even late for.

  “I missed you, babe. I can’t wait to spend some alone time with you. Forfeiting my spot on the all-star team was one of the best decisions I ever made, so I can be with you on our honeymoon.”

  Giggling from his touches she said, “Well it wouldn’t be a honeymoon without the groom.” Wiggling away, before things got too intense she straightened her dress and then tended to Brady’s tie making sure it was correctly in place.

  “Save your energy for tomorrow night, handsome, you’re going to need it.”

  Brady raised a questioning eyebrow. “Is that so?”

  “Oh yes, the girls got me a bunch of different lingerie options and lubes. I have everything lined up in order of use, so you better be ready.”

  “Hell yea I’m ready, believe me!”

  Jane grabbed her purse and let Brady escort her out of the house. This was what she was waiting for her whole life. To meet a man like Brady, fall madly in love, get married and start a family. She couldn’t wait to start a family. Both of them were so excited about having children that they already started designating names for their children, gathered decorating ideas for nurseries and gathered
clothes as well. Jane was no longer on birth control so they could get a head start on things. So far no luck but then again, Brady was out on the road a lot as well so trying was kind of difficult. Once the season was over, Jane was going to go on a sex binge with him to make sure they got a jump start on starting the family they dreamed of.

  Chapter 13

  The rehearsal ran smoothly, thanks to Lucy’s direction and the dinner went without a hitch. Molly and Austin were found in the corner of the restaurant sucking face, making a display of course. Apparently Molly didn’t care who knew they were an item now, Lucy was acting extremely weird, Patty was unsure if it was because Molly was around or something else but she had never seen Lucy so withdrawn.

  Jane and Brady were beyond in love and couldn’t take their hands off each other but not in a Molly-Austin kind of way. Then there was Patty, completely alone. Marc didn’t make it to the rehearsal due to a flat tire but swore he knew what he was doing, according to him it was not his first rodeo. When he finally showed up at dinner, he didn’t even spare a glance at Patty. Not that she was looking, or cared.

  Who was she kidding she did care, she cared a lot and it was annoying the shit out of her. She watched all her respective friends say goodnight to the men in their lives and head up for their hotel room. Jane asked if she was coming and Patty told her she needed to take care of something and then she would be right up. Nodding, Jane grabbed Lucy and Molly and headed for the suite.

  Brady and the boys were staying in a suite as well and were about to head up as well, so this was Patty’s chance.

  “Hey.” She called out. Brady, Marc and Austin turned around. “Uh could I speak to you, Marc, for a second?”

  Brady patted him on the shoulder and headed up to their room. What was that about?”

  “What’s up, Patty?”

  Oh God she felt so awkward, she didn’t even know where to begin. Her entire body was sweating and it took all the energy in her body to stop her teeth from chattering. What was happening to her? Her palms were sweaty and she could feel her legs quickly turning into Jell-O.

  “Uh, could we sit down maybe, just for a second?”

  “Sure.”

  ***

  Marc so did not want to be left down in the hotel lobby with Patty right now. He was still upset from their last conversation and didn’t know how to breach the subject with her. He knew she probably didn’t remember anything about the conversation they had, but he did. He remembered every last bit of it thanks to the replays he had in his head every night since the occurrence. He was proud of himself for not letting it affect his game because that just would have been the icing on top of the cake.

  Marc studied her as they sat down. He noticed her wiping her palms on her dress and the slight tremble in her jaw. She was very un-easy. Was she actually nervous?

  “What’s up Patty? I’m Brady’s best man and shouldn’t be leaving him alone right now.”

  “I know, I’m sorry but I just needed to talk to you. I feel like we disconnected at some point when you were gone and I don’t want things to be awkward between us.”

  “Alright, well they won’t be.” Marc went to get up when she stopped him by placing her hand on his thigh. “Patty, please remove your hand.”

  “What is wrong with you? Why are you being so mean to me?”

  That set Marc over the edge. He was done with being the nice guy, the friend she needed. He couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Me, being mean to you? You’re fucking joking right?”

  Truly stunned, she looked at him like she had no clue.

  “Let me refresh your memory, Jane’s bachelorette party, you called me right after you got home, woke me up at some God awful hour when I had a game the next day and proceeded to tell me how I didn’t have any chance of being with you, not a single chance. Never going to happen, I believe were your words. Mind you, I was trying to make sure you were ok because I was honestly worried for you since you were drunk by yourself but then I was treated like shit. So forgive me for not being all chipper and happy to see you when I get back from a long road trip.”

  Marc sat in his chair breathing heavily and watching the tears well up in Patty’s eyes. Normally he would apologize for being harsh with her but he didn’t care. He was done being Mr. Nice Guy.

  Shaking her head she said, “I’m sorry, Marc. I had no clue I said those things to you. I can’t believe I was so cruel to you when you were just trying to be sweet and kind.”

  Oh damn, she was breaking the wall he was trying to put up. Damn her and her gorgeous strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and touchable skin. Stay strong he kept telling himself, stay strong.

  “Well it’s over with now so no use going through it again. I should probably get back to Brady.”

  “Wait, is that it? We’re just done here?”

  “There was nothing here to begin with, so I guess we are.”

  “What about our friendship? Does that not matter to you? Don’t you even care that I completed all the tasks on my list?”

  Marc let out a long sigh and ran his hands through his hair and down his face asking from the higher ups for some courage. This was it, he had to let it all out and she could take it however she wanted.

  He grabbed her hand and placed it between his. He saw her face light up.

  “Patty, I’m so proud of you for completing your tasks. I can see a difference in you and it is wonderful to see you living your life again. It’s refreshing but I can’t be your friend anymore. It’s just not working out for me.”

  “Because of what I said on the phone? I’m sorry Sully I was drunk I had no clue…”

  “Not because of the other night, Patty.” Here went nothing. “I’m hopelessly in love with you, I have been from the moment I bumped into you at Mossimo’s. You invade my mind constantly with your smile, the way your eyes light up when we are joking around or your soft teasing caresses. I can’t be your friend because I want so much more from you. I can’t sit back anymore and wait for you to change your mind about men.”

  Patty just stared at him, tears falling down her face. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you’ll be with me, Patty. Put your past behind you and give us a chance. Let me prove to you that I’m the man for you, the man that can take care of you, love you, spoil you and be there for you. I want to know what it feels like to hold you close, make love to you, wake up next to you and claim you as mine. I want to be with you, Patty.”

  Shaking her head she said, “I can’t Sully, I just can’t.”

  Marc’s heart dropped and he felt like he was going to throw up. He put his feelings out there and she turned him away.

  “Alright…” was all he could say. He had to get out of there. The room was closing in on him and he felt like he was being suffocated.

  She held him from getting up though. “Please, don’t leave me like this. Please, don’t leave me. I love you Marc but I just…”

  “Don’t Patty, don’t tell me you love me unless you are actually in love with me and can fully give me your heart. I don’t want to hear your excuses as to why you can’t give yourself to me. I’m putting my heart out there for you. I’m taking a chance, making a leap of faith and you can’t even try for me. I have done the best I could but you’re not in the same boat as me. That’s fine, but I can’t hang around waiting. I’m moving on.”

  With that he got up and turned to her, “I will be courteous and act like none of this happened until the wedding is over but after that I’m sorry, I need to cut you out. I just can’t get over you if we’re friends. For what it’s worth, you are by far the most amazing woman I have ever met and I doubt I will ever get over you but I will have to try. See you tomorrow.”

  Marc didn’t look back as he left her in the lobby by herself crying. He knew it was cold-hearted but he needed to make a clean break from her. The old Marc would have walked her to her room and made sure she was ok before he left her but the new Marc detached himself. It was t
he only way he was going to be able to hopefully move on with his life.

  ***

  Lucy was extremely uncomfortable for many reasons and one of the big reasons was Molly glaring at her form the corner. Lucy decided to be the bigger person and approach Molly to smooth things over so they could get through the wedding like civilized human beings. Jane was in the shower so Lucy thought it was a great opportunity to talk to Molly.

  “Uh, Molly, can I talk to you for a second?”

  Molly downed a mini alcohol bottle and nodded.

  “I just wanted to apologize for the other night. I had no right in saying those things about you. It was completely insensitive of me and I’m truly sorry. I could not imagine what it feels like to go through such a loss like you did. I’m sure you’re doing the best you possibly can.”

  Molly just stood there, eyeing Lucy suspiciously. Finally she broke the silence and said, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

  That was it? No snarky comment? Lucy was stunned.

  “Don’t look so stunned, I’m a decent person in contrast of what you think of me.”

  “I know you are a decent person Molly, I just don’t agree with some of the things you do with Austin, that’s all. He has been my friend since high school. I’m protective that’s all. I’m sorry if I got between you guys.

  “No hard feelings.” Then Molly did the strangest thing, she leaned over and gave Lucy a hug. Lucy nearly crapped her pants from shock. That was when Patty walked into the suite. She looked terrible.

  “Patty, are you alright?”

  Patty shook her head and started crying while sitting on one of the couches. Jane popped out of the shower, wearing a robe and drying her hair with a towel.

  “What’s going on in here? Patty are you alright?”

  Watching Patty cry made Lucy choke up from her own problems she was facing and trying to put on the back burner for after Jane’s wedding. She could not help herself and in no time she started to cry as well. Molly and Jane stood above them, looking at each other perplexed.