A lump fills my throat. “I can’t even think that far ahead. I just hope he shows up.” But my hope is even simpler than that. I just hope he’s okay.
***
The practice is at two on Saturday, close to the university. Metal stands line both sides of the practice field, and I’ve brought some blankets and a travel mug of coffee to keep me warm on the dreary February afternoon. Dark gray clouds hang heavy in the sky, and my umbrella is next to me in case the clouds decide to open.
My stomach is a bundled mass of nerves. I haven’t heard anything from Tucker, and from the anxious look on Jason’s face as he paces the edge of the field, he hasn’t either.
I tell myself it’s only one fifty-five. Tucker is notoriously late to everything. Everything that’s not related to me.
But he knows I’ll be here, so wouldn’t he be here early?
I’ve sworn that I wouldn’t call him, but I’m beginning to panic. I pull out my phone just as I see his car pull up in the parking lot on the other side of the field. Releasing a long exhale, I push my pent-up fear with it. Tucker jumps out of the car and runs past his teammates and across the field toward me.
I stand and walk the few steps down to the field, relief making my knees weak.
When he stops in front of me, he’s hesitant, his face tight with apprehension. “You came.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “I told you I would. I was worried you weren’t coming.”
He leans down and gives me a gentle kiss. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show off for you.” His words are teasing, but he’s holding back. “So is our break over? After this practice I can be with you?”
My chin quivers. Have we solved anything other than proving I’m a miserable mess without him?
“I’ve missed you so much, Scarlett.”
I nod as tears stream down my face. “I missed you, too.”
He wraps an arm around my back and pulls me to his chest. A whistle sounds, and Tucker reluctantly drops his hold on me and gives me his cocky Tucker smile. But it’s tempered by his eyes as they search my own. “Wish me luck.”
I grin. “I didn’t think you needed it, superstar.”
He laughs and runs across the field to warm up with his teammates. When I look out of the corner of my eye at Jason, he’s scowling. I’m irritated that Jason seems more relieved that Tucker is here to impress a scout instead of being relieved he’s safe. But then again, maybe Jason is used to Tucker running off for days at a time. My happiness sobers. Just another reminder of how much I don’t know about him.
I know very little about soccer, but once they begin to scrimmage, it’s obvious that Tucker has talent. He outshines everyone on the field. My heart bursts with pride for him, and sorrow when I see a man walk up to the stands halfway through the match. He sits at the top row and takes notes on an electronic tablet. At one point, he pulls out his phone and holds a serious conversation, his eyes on Tucker the entire time before he leaves.
Tucker’s side easily wins, and when the match is over, Tucker heads straight for me, wearing his trademark grin. Some of his teammates watch him, curious expressions on their faces.
Jason has moved during the match so that he’s sitting two rows behind me, which I suspect was to move to get closer to the scout. I stand, keeping my eyes on Tucker, but ask loud enough for Jason to hear. “How’d he do?”
He hesitates, but then I hear pride in his voice. “He was excellent. Beyond excellent. They’re bound to offer him a contract after that. I’ve never seen him play that well.”
A soft smile warms my heart as I move toward the stairs. I can’t help thinking my presence played a part in it, proving that I’m not a bad influence after all.
Tucker reaches the edge of the field, and Jason stomps down the metal stairs, intercepting Tucker before he reaches me. I’m close on Jason’s heels.
Anger reddens Jason’s face, and he glares at Tucker. “Where the hell have you been?”
“None of your fucking business.”
“It becomes my business when you almost missed a scout from the Fire.”
Tucker’s eyes widen. “You’re shitting me.”
“Dude, he was here, and you were on fire.”
Tucker runs a hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you leave me a message with one of your fifty phone calls and texts?”
Jason grins. “I didn’t want you to know and possibly freeze up.” He gestures toward me. “Besides, I figured you showing off for Scarlett was motivation enough.”
Tucker reaches for me and swings me around, letting out a whoop of excitement. “This could be it, Scarlett!”