Page 75 of The Game
“Christ, he sounds just like the guys in those books you read,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows.
She’s not wrong.
Even though I was a little disappointed he didn’t want to take me up on the offer of a strictly sexual relationship, it’s also exciting to realize he wants more.
When I tell her about the beautiful flowers, Jessica gets teary-eyed as well, understanding how hard this day is for my dad and me.
“Shit, Sarah. I might just have turned into Team McGregor here. That was really thoughtful of him.”
The feelings are flooding again; the whole day has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
The flowers, the card, talking with my mom, spending the day with my dad, and him essentially approving of Alexander.
And now, my traitor best friend is also taking his side.
“You’re supposed to be on my side here,” I tell her, wiping at my eyes.
“I’m always on your side, Sarah. I think he’s making good points, too. I know you’re scared, but just because it’s scary doesn’t mean it’s not worth a shot.”
I’ve already reached the same conclusion, but having my best friend’s support makes me more confident in my decision.
“Yeah, I think so too.”
We say our goodbyes, and I feel dizzy from the whole day, especially after my dad approves of Alexander even before we’re officially together.
One thing’s for sure: I really look forward to seeing him on Monday.
~
On Sunday morning, I’m lying in bed, scrolling through my phone. When I see an article with a huge picture of Alexander with a beautiful woman and the headline “The only bad game McGregor has is out on the ice,” I sit up in bed.
Feeling my heart pounding in my chest, I try not to jump to conclusions as I open the article.
I probably shouldn’t read this; it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
But my curiosity gets the best of me.
I read through the article and scan the pictures of them.
It states that they went out for dinner late in the evening after his game and were photographed together entering his hotel.
I feel a knot in my stomach.
Shit, that happened fast.
I turn him down, and not even 48 hours later, he’s seen with a new woman, probably taking her up on the offer of some no-strings sex.
I can’t believe him.
He told me he wanted more, sent me flowers, and then turned around and brought another girl back to his hotel.
I feel so damn stupid.
Stupid to think I could actually trust him or our connection.
He sure replaced me quickly.
The pictures seem innocent enough, but Alexander isn’t the biggest fan of public affection; he’s told me so himself.
