Behind the Count: Cessna U Wildcats Book Two

by Readnour, Kimberly

  “You know you can tell me anything, right? Are you worried about having ALS? There’s a good chance you won’t.”

  “There’s a good chance I will. How do I burden someone with that?”

  Her eyes look pained as she reaches out and grabs my hand. “Sweetie, have you found someone?”

  I nod.

  “That’s great. When can I meet her?”

  “We, uh, we broke up.” I avert my gaze. I don’t want to see the pity in Mom’s eyes.

  “Over this?”

  “Yeah, I mean, she doesn’t know, but I didn’t want her to end up…taking care of me.” I almost slipped up and said like you, but that’s not fair to Mom either. I didn’t know she had other issues to deal with.

  “You need to be honest with her. Your dad was with me.”

  My head jerks up. “You knew about Dad’s condition?”

  “We knew there was a possibility. He hadn’t been tested, but we knew there was a fifty-fifty chance.”

  “And you married him anyway?” All this time, I thought they didn’t know. I thought his condition came as a surprise.

  “I loved him. I was willing to take what I could.”

  “How could you not have any regrets?”

  “I wish we had more years left, but like I said. I loved him. I’d do it all over again if given a chance.”

  Two women in my life are a lot stronger than me.

  “Thanks, I needed to hear that.” And I know what I need to do. I just hope I’m not too late.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Shannon

  One text can change everything.

  I pause with my T-shirt in my hand while I reread Noah’s text that flashed on my screen.

  Noah: Good luck today. I know you can do it. Can we talk later?

  The color run starts in an hour. I’ve been on a natural high the entire morning, anticipating this run. I can’t believe the day has finally arrived. But that good mood soured the moment I read the last part of his text. What could we possibly have to talk about? We haven’t spoken to each other in two months. We had an intense moment after my name was announced as the finalist for Glamour Project, and we locked eyes, but that’s been it. He exited without saying a word, and I haven’t seen him since. I’ve purposely stayed away from jock housing and the baseball diamond. Which sort of kills me. I miss seeing him and Braxton out on the field. I’ve watched them play my entire life.

  I shove my shirt on top of my running shoes inside the backpack and abandon the jogging shorts lying on the bed. I pick the phone back up, contemplating how to respond. Part of me wants to talk to him, yet another part—the heartbroken part—wants to ignore him. How am I supposed to move on if he throws himself back into my life? But who am I kidding? Of course, I cave.

  Me: Thanks. Good luck today, yourself. We’ll talk after your game.

  I hold my breath waiting to see if he’ll respond. When the three dots appear, I relax and breathe.

  Noah: Can’t wait.

  Can’t wait. This guy is slowly killing me. At least, my mind has been occupied since being named a finalist. I had to polish off the pitch for the show. Then, with all the other homework, it’s been hard to concentrate on anything else.

  The door handle jiggles and jars me back to my tasks at hand. I toss in the running shorts and zip the backpack closed. The last thing I want is for Cara to find out what I’m doing.

  “Oh good, you’re still here. Are you going to the game?” Cara asks.

  “I’m going to try to make the later innings, but I have some studying to do.” I close the zipper on the backpack, hoping she buys my lie. I seriously hate hiding this run from everyone. I’m rather proud of the progress I’ve made for it, but Braxton wouldn’t understand. The color run starts at noon, and the baseball game starts at one. By the time I come back and shower, I should make the field by the eighth or ninth inning.

  “Your parents weren’t coming, right?” she asks.

  “Nope. Dad has a business dinner, and Mom didn’t want to make the trip by herself.” Thank God for small favors. If they had shown up, I wouldn’t have been able to hide what I’m doing. As it is, I need to figure out a way to sneak past Cara.

  “Braxton said some scouts are going to be there from Arizona. They’re scoping out the pitchers and catchers.”

  “Really?” That’s the break Noah needs. I hope he gets drafted this year.

  “Yeah, Noah’s pretty excited. He met his mom for dinner last night.”

  “Mrs. Geren is here?”

  “That’s what Braxton said.”

  “Oh, wow.”

  “That’s pretty much the same reaction your brother had when he told me. So, I take it she rarely visits.”

  “She rarely leaves her house. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve talked to her. Her coming to the championship games last season was a huge stretch for her.” Noah must be ecstatic, having the scouts and his mom in the stands.

  “Does she have a certain phobia?”

  “I don’t know. Noah has never said. I just know after his dad died she never came out much. I’m really shocked she’s here.”

  “That’s good for him since this is a huge game for her to watch. I wish you could go with me. Any way you can study later?”

  A twinge of guilt tightens my chest. “Sorry, but I need to crack down on a few subjects. Preparing for my pitch in April has gotten me behind.” Another small lie. They just keep building up, don’t they? But I will miss seeing Noah’s mom. Hopefully, I’ll make it back in time to catch her.

  “Fine. I’ll sit by myself then. But you may want to slow down some. You’re looking tired. Are you feeling okay?”

  “I feel fine.” Just a tad hungry. I barely ate breakfast. I’m so anxious for this run. “Lexie’s not going?”

  “No, she has to babysit.”

  I really hate not going with her, but the timing couldn’t be any worse. “I better get going if I’m going to make it back to the game in time.” I slip the backpack on. The nagging feeling that I’m forgetting something keeps gnawing at me. I shake off the feeling and push through the door.

  “Okay, look for me.”

  “Will do.” My feet move at record speed as I make my way over to the Pi Beta Phi’s house. When I arrive, I text Todd to meet me by the registration booth. I quickly sign up and grab my number.

  “There you are. Finally, girl. I thought you were going to ditch on me.”

  “Never. I couldn’t get away quick enough. I’ll go change.”

  “I’ll be right here.”

  I find a nearby restroom and change my clothes. Before heading out, I check my pulse. It’s slightly elevated but steady. I feel slightly dizzy, but I attribute that to my nerves. I’ve got this.

  I meet Todd outside and hand him the backpack. “Thanks so much for being here.”

  “No problem. Are you up for it?”

  “Yes!” It’s mostly true. The anxiousness streaming through my veins stems more from self-doubt than the actual run. Mom’s coddling and Braxton’s overprotectiveness all play a part in wondering if I can do it. But I know I can. I pin my number on my shirt and glance at Todd. “All set!”

  “And after the run, we’re going to the baseball game?”

  “I did promise to take you.”

  “And we can meet your brother after?”

  “Sometimes, I think you just like me for my brother.”

  “I’ll never tell.”

  I laugh. “Hand me my water bottle. I’ll need to get in line.”

  He rifles through my backpack, his brows creasing. “Are you sure it’s in here?”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty sure.” I open it back up and shove the clothes around, coming up empty. “Oh no. I think I left the bottle back at the dorm.” In fact, I don’t think I’ve drank much all day. If Dalton knew this, he’d chew my ass out. I look over at the crowd forming around the starting line. Crap. There’s no time to worry about it now. “I have to go.”

&n
bsp; “Go. I’ll pick up a water bottle and hand it to you.”

  “Thanks, I owe you one.”

  I stand among the people rearing to go. A few girls laugh at their friend’s story about her boyfriend. The poor guy doesn’t know he’s the subject of their amusement. A few others adjust their ponytails while bouncing on the balls of their feet. Some just stand there looking bored. I take it all in. I’m actually here and doing this. I’ll let Braxton know I’ve run when I’m done. Right now, I’ve never felt more ready.

  The sound of the horn booms through the air, and we take off. My feet pound against the asphalt. With the wind to my face, I embrace the warm air. The first powdered color gets thrown at us. I shake my head, smiling widely. I’m doing it. I’m meeting my goal.

  As we turn the first corner on the road, my smile disappears as a sharp pang slices through my chest. And then another. Black dots impair my vision before I fall, succumbing to total darkness.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Noah

  An unsettling feeling niggles at the pit of my stomach, refusing to leave as I rest my hands on the top railing and peer out of the dugout. I can’t quite pinpoint the stressor. Sure, I could blame the importance of today’s game, considering my performance is being judged, but I’ve prepared for this moment my entire life. I’ll head out to the field and play my best. Just like I do every single time I’m out there.

  Maybe, it’s due to my impending talk with Shannon. She’s agreed to meet me after the game, and I’m going to try like hell to get her to forgive me. Even though that’s enough to make me uneasy, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something bigger happening.

  I check the time on the scoreboard. The Pi Beta Phi’s color run is starting in a few minutes. The knots in my stomach tighten, and I think I’ve figured out the stressor. I’m worried although I shouldn’t be. Shannon’s been training with Dalton and hasn’t had any setbacks. Her heart has been strong. She’s got this. I’m actually proud of her. She’s taking a chance and following her goal. Something I failed to do with our relationship.

  My gaze drifts over to the stands where the scouts usually sit. Four gentlemen dressed in suits occupy the seats. They’ve come. I look up toward the sky and whisper a prayer of thanks, but my stomach refuses to settle.

  Dalton walks up to me and stares out to the field. “Perfect day for a ballgame.”

  “Sure is.”

  “You seem stressed. Are you worried about the scouts?”

  “Nah, I can handle them being here.” My gaze drifts to the scoreboard clock. Almost time. “Shannon’s still running the 5K, right?”

  “Yep. Don’t worry, she’s ready.”

  “I don’t know. I don’t have a good feeling.”

  “For someone who broke up with her, you seem to still care.”

  “I messed up.”

  “You’re damn right you did. She’s the perfect girl.”

  I give him a sideways glance and study him for a moment. “And you never thought about asking her out?”

  A low chuckle escapes his mouth. “Nah, I already have my perfect girl. I just have to find her.” He slaps me on the back and walks away, leaving me to contemplate his words. Shannon is perfect. That’s why I have to talk to her after the game.

  When I had dinner with Mom last night, my entire perspective changed. It was like I was looking at a stranger and not the shell of a woman who raised me. The one who I never understood until now. I scan the crowd trying to find her but come up empty.

  Mom’s right, though. I need to discuss this with Shannon. The decision whether to split should’ve been made together. Why haven’t I seen that until now?

  Another sense of dread washes over me. Fuck. I can’t explain it, but I need to go make sure she’s okay. I glance over at the scouts and run my hand through my hair. Today is so vital for me. Everything I’ve been working for is on the line, but some things are bigger than yourself. I may be fucking my future up, but there will be other chances. If not, then I’ll work like every other red-blooded American. Shannon is worth more than any dream of mine.

  I race back into the clubhouse. The first person I run into is Harry. “Suit up, you’re taking my spot today.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I have to do something personal.” I quickly change out of my cleats but keep the uniform on. There’s no time to change. I seek Coach out and break the news to him.

  “What do you mean you can’t play?”

  “I have to go.”

  Braxton steps beside me, his face coated with concern.

  “Sorry, I can’t explain right now, but I have to get to your sister.”

  “What—”

  I don’t give him a chance to finish his sentence. I head down the corridor toward the exit. When I reach the outside, I realize I didn’t grab my keys. “Shit!”

  “What’s the matter, son? Shouldn’t you be on the field?” the head of the maintenance crew asks.

  “Bart, can you do me a solid and give me your keys.”

  Bart startles. “But you have a game to play.”

  “Yeah, but this is an emergency. I have to go.”

  He tosses me his keys to his beige Toyota. “Be careful.”

  I waste no time hurling through the side streets leading me to the sorority house. As I get nearer, my heart stammers from the flashing lights to the right. This isn’t good. I whip the truck along the side street and throw it in park. I take off, running toward the gathered crowd. No. No. No. Please don’t let this be Shannon.

  I weave myself through the crowd. By the time I make it to the edge, they’re placing the cart into the back of the ambulance. I scan the crowd for any recognizable person. I grab the girl next to me, asking, “Do you know who that was?”

  She shakes her head. “Some girl.”

  “Does anyone know who that was?”

  A few side glances and whispers, but no one is answering my question. I run to the people gathered behind the ambulance. “Did anyone know her name?”

  “Sir, you need to step back. They’re taking her to hospital.”

  The loud siren pierces the air. I want to scream. I’m about to shake the guy in front of me until he tells me the information when I feel a tug at my arm. I whip around to find the guy who’s in Shannon’s class.

  My knees buckle.

  “They’re taking her to Mercy. If you hurry, you can meet them there.”

  I run both hands through my hair and squeeze. “Was Shannon okay?”

  His lips thin. “She looked pale. Other than that, I don’t know.”

  “Her heart?”

  He shakes his head. “I don’t know, but she was breathing when they loaded her into the back of the ambulance. I’ll go with you to the hospital.”

  “Let’s go.” We sprint back to the truck. I knew something wasn’t right. Fuck, I can’t lose her. Not now. Not ever.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Shannon

  My eyes flutter open to a rhythmic beeping ringing in my ears that I quickly deduce as my pulse. My muscles are sore and ache like they’ve been run over by a truck. I move my arm to scratch my nose, but the pain shooting across my forearm stops me cold. I wince.

  “What do you need?” a deep baritone voice asks. I turn to the sound that puts my body instantly at ease.

  “My nose itches, but I can’t seem to move my arm, and my other hand has the pulse oximeter.” I wiggle my fingers, and I glance at the arm with the intravenous line hooked up to my vein. Well, that can’t be good news. My pulse quickens, the beep firing in rapid succession.

  “Calm down. You’re fine. You have oxygen and an IV line.” Noah reaches up and rubs my nose the best he can around the nasal cannula prongs. I should be embarrassed, but I’m too worried about my condition.

  “My heart—”

  “Is fine, but you’re severely dehydrated. You haven’t been eating or drinking properly.”

  I let out a slow breath. Thank goodness for small favor
s. “Don’t berate me. I already know all of this. Plus, I’ll get my fill when the family shows up.” Jesus, I’m in so much trouble.

  “Which will be any minute. Braxton’s on his way. Your parents are too.”

  I lie my head back on the pillow and stare at the sterile white ceiling. “They’re going to be so mad.”

  “Yeah.”

  I turn to face Noah. He hasn’t backed away from the bed and looks as if he wants to crawl beside me. He’s every bit delicious looking in his ball uniform. But that alarms me. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be playing a game right now?”

  “There’s no way I’d be playing with you in the hospital. I had to know if you’re okay.”

  “But the scouts—”

  “Doesn’t matter. There’ll be other scouts. You’re more important.”

  “This is your career, Noah. You can’t be tossing it aside because I forgot to drink water.”

  “It’s more than water. You haven’t been eating properly either. You’ve lost weight. What’s the one thing I told you to do?”

  My jaw clenches as we stare each other down. He’s right. I’m too stubborn to say it, though.

  “I told you to listen to your body.”

  “I know, but I’ve been so busy.”

  “There’s no excuse for not fueling your body. It’s a machine that needs the proper fuel to run smoothly.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don’t have to tell me. I’m sure I’ll get a big lecture any minute. My parents are going to kill me.”

  “I doubt that.” He rubs his knuckles against my upper arm. “But I doubt they’ll be happy finding out you ran in the 5K.”

  “They want to wrap me in bubble wrap.” I blow out a frustrated breath. “I just wanted to prove that I could do something. That I wasn’t some fragile girl.”