Play Nice (Make the Play Book 3) (18 page)

I’ve been texting and calling Ashley for hours with no response. Mom waited at the mall for almost an hour before leaving, and we’ve been worried sick ever since. Neither of us have said a word to my grandpa because we don’t want him to get worked up. Luckily he’s been in his room lying down. He hasn’t been feeling great today.

It isn’t like Ashley to avoid me like this, and I keep picturing her lying in a ditch somewhere.

Grabbing my cell phone and keys off the coffee table, I stand up. “I can’t keep sitting around here waiting for her to call. I’m gonna go out and look for her.” The only place I tried so far was her house, but her mom slammed the door in my face. I have no idea why that woman hates me so much. But from what she did say, I know Ashley’s not home, and her mom hasn’t heard from her either. She said Ashley left the house that morning to go to the mall.

“Where will you go?” Worried lines etch Mom’s face.

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “But I’m going stir crazy.”

“Maybe try the hospital.”

My stomach bottoms out. “You really think she’s been hurt?”

Mom shrugs. “Well you said that she wasn’t acting strange at all this morning. And even her mom said she was on the way to the mall. What else could’ve happened?”

As I hurry toward the front door, my heart hammers in my chest. Silently I pray that she hasn’t been in an accident. I pray that she’s okay. When I step outside, cold air skates over my skin. As I race toward my car, lights block my path. Squinting, I look at the car pulling into my driveway. My heart lifts.
Ashley.

She’s barely out of the car before I sweep her into my arms. “Oh, thank god you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” she says, but her voice is off.

I pull back. Her cheeks are wet, her eyes moist. “What happened?”

“It’s just been a really bad day,” she says between sobs.

I slide my palms down the sides of her face and kiss her nose. “I’m sorry you’ve had a bad day, but I’m so relieved you’re here and in one piece. Mom and I were so worried.”

She stiffens. “Hayes, I feel so bad that I flaked on your mom. She probably hates me right now.”

“Hates you? No. Not at all. She was sure something bad had happened to you. Ash. She’s not mad at you, she cares about you. When she finds out you’re all right she’ll be overjoyed.”

“Really?”

“Really,” I assure her. “Now tell me what happened.”

She lowers her head, more tears falling from her eyes. Her hair falls into her face, strands sticking to her cheek. I pry them off, brushing them back. “You’re gonna think I’m stupid.”

“I’ll never think you’re stupid, Ash.”

She takes a deep breath, and without lifting her head she begins to speak. “This morning when I was getting ready to meet your mom, my mom came in my room. She started getting angry with me for the online tutorial.”

“Why would she get mad about that?”

“I don’t know.” She shakes her head in confusion, and anger rises in me. That woman has caused so much damage to Ashley. When will it end? “But it doesn’t matter. That’s not what this is about.” She inhales, and I can tell she’s trying to shove her uncontrollable emotions back down. But it’s a losing battle, and her lips begin to quiver again.

I stroke her face. “It’s okay, Ash. You’re here with me. Everything’s going to be okay.”

She nods, sniffing. “When I told my mom who I was going shopping with, she said that your mom was having an affair with my dad.”

“What? No,” I say firmly, stepping back from Ashley. “There’s no way.”

She reaches for me desperately. “You’re right. She’s not. My mom had it wrong. It’s not your mom, it’s another nurse.”

Her words are like a knife to my heart. The revelation that her dad is having an affair with one of his nurses must be killing her. “Ash, I’m sorry.”

Tears pour down her face, and her shoulders shake. “I went to his office and confronted him, and he confessed everything. He didn’t even seem sorry. All this time I thought he chose his job over us, but he chose another woman over us too.”

I wrap my arms around her and pull her close. There’s nothing I can say to make it better, so I don’t say a word. I simply stroke her hair as she sobs into my chest. After a few minutes, she lifts her head. “Please don’t tell your mom I thought the worst of her. I really want her to like me.”

“I won’t tell her if you don’t want me to. But, trust me, she wouldn’t think any less of you if she knew. And she already likes you.”

“Even after today?”

“Let’s go in and talk to her so you can see for yourself.” I grab her hand. She frantically wipes at her face. “My mom’s not afraid of some tears.”

“Hayes.” Ashley stops walking, holding my hand in place.

I turn around. “Yeah?”

“I’ve been like him, you know? I’ve been selfish and mean, and I’ve cheated.”

“We’ve been through this. You’re different now.”

“I know. I think it all just hit me pretty hard tonight. The ways I’ve hurt people.”

I step toward her and gently kiss the crown of her head. “Then that’s one way you’re not like him.”

A tiny smile flickers over her lips. It’s fast. So fast I almost miss it. But I don’t, and it gives me a small sense of hope.

When we step inside, Mom leaps up. Her mouth gapes open when she spots Ashley, and she immediately rushes toward us.

“Honey, what happened to you?” She asks, her gaze traveling her body as if assessing for damage. I can already see her nurse’s mind kicking into high gear.

“I’m fine,” Ashley says. “Well, at least, physically I am.”

Mom’s gaze rests on Ashley’s face, taking in the tear stains. “Wanna talk about it? I can make us some tea.”

At my mom’s sincere concern, Ashley breaks. She tumbles forward into my mom’s arms, the waterworks starting again. “It was the worst day. My dad is having an affair, and my mom didn’t like my video,” Ashley blurts out so fast it comes out sounding like one long word.

“There, there.” Mom rubs circles over Ashley’s back. “It’s gonna be all right.”

“And I feel so bad that I wasn’t there for you. I know you needed my help.”

Mom lifts Ashley’s chin, looking directly into her eyes. “Ashley, I didn’t ask you to go shopping with me because I needed help. I asked you because I wanted to spend the day with you. I thought it would be fun to go shopping, maybe grab some lunch with my favorite girl.”

“Your favorite girl?” Ashley whispers in awe. When her gaze finds mine, the emotion in her irises almost causes me to cry. But it doesn’t. Of course it doesn’t, because I’m a guy and guys don’t do that.

“Yep. But don’t worry about today. We have plenty of other days to go shopping and do lunch.”

“I’d like that,” Ashley says, wiping her nose.

“Me too.” Mom brushes hair from Ashley’s face. “Now, why don’t you and I go get that tea?”

“I’ll go check on Gramps. He’s probably been eavesdropping enough to know what’s going on anyway,” I say, heading out of the room. But the girls barely notice me. Their heads are bent together in deep conversation. But it doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, it may be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

***

It’s the first game of the fall season. My nerves are frayed. Our scrimmages haven’t been the best. We’re struggling to work together as a team. It’s clear now how much we relied on Cal and Chris. Not just for their skills, but for their leadership. They were the glue that held this team together.

As I warm up by swinging the bat, I scan the bleachers. Grandpa is stuck at home, still recovering. We both were hoping he’d be well enough to attend the first game. When I left the house this morning, I did my best to cheer him up about it. But the truth is, I’m as sad about it as he is.

My gaze travels through all the bleachers. I see a lot of familiar faces, but not Ashley or my mom. The game is about to start, so hopefully they’ll be here soon. I’m sure they’ll show up together. Those two have been attached at the hip lately. Ever since that night when Ashley showed up at our house crying, Mom’s been taking her out a lot, and Ashley’s been helping my mom with her makeup and clothes.

Also, Mom’s offered her assistance with the online tutorials. Not that Ashley needs assistance. Her channel has taken off. She has thousands of subscribers. Ashley is shocked, but I’m not. I knew she’d be a success.

I love how her relationship with my mom is evolving though. The closer she gets with my mom, the more I see her opening up. The more vulnerable she’s becoming. And I’ve realized that what Ashley’s needed even more so than a loving boyfriend or friends or a grandpa figure, is a mom. I wish that her mom could fill that void, but since she isn’t, I’m grateful to my mom for stepping up.

Coach Hopkins calls us over, so I abandon the search for my girls and jog over to the rest of the team. After Coach finishes his instructions, the game starts. Heading into the dugout, I glance one more time into the stands, but Ashley and Mom still haven’t arrived. A funny feeling drops into my gut, but I ignore it. I’m not going to let fear grip me now. I’m sure they’re just running behind.

The first inning starts, and I sit in the dugout while the first few batters are up. When it’s my turn, I grip the bat and jog out to home plate. I swing a few times for practice. Then I get in position, focusing on the ball. When it comes at me, I swing hard, connecting with it. The ball shoots out over the outfielder’s head making its way toward the outer fence. Dropping the bat, I take off running as fast as I can. The stands erupt in cheers all around me, but I can hardly hear it over the pounding of my heart and my cleats on the dirt. I round first, then second, then third, and set my sights on home. As I continue to run, I can feel the energy in the stadium and it fuels me. When my feet hit home plate, the cheering is so loud it envelopes me, cocooning me in its enthusiasm.

Smiling, I glance over to the bleachers, and my heart leaps in my chest. Ashley and Mom sit right in the front row, and next to them is Ashley’s dad, my grandpa’s nurse and my grandpa. He’s in his wheelchair, but he’s here. And he’s clapping demonstratively right along with everyone else. I swallow back the lump in my throat. No way am I crying here in front of the team. But if there was ever a time when I wanted to, it would be now.

I step to the fence and motion Ashley out of her seat. She stands and comes toward me.

“You did this, didn’t you?”

She nods. “It was so hard to keep the secret, but I wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m definitely surprised.” My gaze flickers to her dad. “How did you make it work?”

“Let’s just say my dad owed me a little favor.” She winks, and I know exactly how she finagled this.

“Parker, get the hell back in the dugout,” Coach hollers. “This is not going to be a repeat of Alcott and his girl.”

I chuckle, pulling away from the fence. “Too bad, because a kiss was sounding pretty good right about now.”

Ashley smiles. “How about this?” Bringing her palm to her lips, she kisses it and then sweeps her hand out.

I pretend to catch it, and she giggles. It’s cheesy, but I don’t care. I’d do about anything to see her smile.

I stand off to the side, giving Hayes privacy so he can talk to his grandpa. The look on his face when he caught sight of Henry during the game made all of this worth it. I’ve been so angry with my dad. The last thing I wanted was to spend the morning with him. However, I’d do it a million more times to see Hayes happy like this. Henry too.

“It was a really nice thing you did for him.” Dad approaches.

I nod. “Thanks for all your help.”

He wears a sheepish grin. “I owed you.”

I frown, his words a stark reminder of the real reason he’s here. Wouldn’t it be great if my parents did nice things for me out of the kindness of their hearts and not because they were forced into it? That’s what other parents did.

“Hey.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Tawny’s gone. She transferred to another hospital.”

My head snaps up. “So, does that mean…?” I’m afraid to finish the question.

“It’s over between us,” he says. “You finding out about it, and showing up at my work like that really drove home what I’d done. The damage I caused.”

“Does Mom know?”

He nods. “We’re going to try to work things out. And I made it clear that I was never having an affair with Nurse Parker.” His gaze flickers over to Hayes and his family. “Hayes really cares about you. Actually, his whole family does.” When he returns his attention to me, I swallow down the emotion rising in my throat. “I’m proud of you, Ashley.”

It’s the first time my dad’s ever said that, and my eyes well with tears. I blink them back.

Dad smiles, shoving a hand in his pocket. “Well, Henry needs to get home. I said I would go with him to help get him situated.”

“Thanks again, Dad,” I whisper as he walks off. Taking a deep breath, I mull over his words, my heart lifting.

“Seriously, Ash, I can’t believe you’re still playing poor Hayes like this.” Josh saunters over to me. His hat is low on his head, darkening his eyes. The familiar scent that used to make my heart race fills my senses. Only now I feel nothing. It’s oddly satisfying. In fact, the only person I’m thinking about right now is Hayes and how much I want to see him. “I mean, I’m sure Talia and that group would take you back. And there are plenty of other guys who want to go out with you.” He moves closer. “Hell, I’d take you back. So ditch Hayes and Emmy and all those losers and get back on top where you belong.”

There was a time when I would’ve given anything to hear those words. To know that I could get it all back. My popularity. My queen bee status. Even Josh. But none of that matters to me anymore. Stepping away from Josh, I shake my head. “I’m not playing Hayes. And I’m not dumping him. I love him.”

Josh laughs. “Dude, for a second I thought you said you loved him.”

“That is what I said.”

“Wait.” Josh holds up his hands as if in surrender. A doubtful look paints his features. “What?”

“I love him,” I repeat, hoping it sinks in.

“Like you’re
in
love with him?”

“Yep.” I smile, images of Hayes filling my mind.

“And have you told him this?” The smug look has returned. He thinks he has me.

“Of course,” I say. “I tell him everything.”

Josh frowns. “What do you mean you tell him everything?”

I shrug. “We’re open with each other.”

He snorts.  “Yeah, right. You’re open with him? So you tell him all your deep dark secrets? You talk about your family and your feelings?” His voice takes on a nasally tone, and I know he’s mocking me. It reminds me of why I’m glad not to be with him anymore.

“Pretty much.”

He sobers up. “But you never told me shit.”

“It’s different with Hayes.
He’s
different.”

“He’s certainly made you different,” he says sourly, his gaze traveling up and down my body.

“Hey,” Hayes’ voice reaches my ears. “Everything okay?” He steps toward me, eyeing Josh warily.

“Hey, you.” I step into his arms, and they effortlessly wrap around me. “Everything’s fine. Josh and I were just talking.”

“Yeah,” Josh grounds out. “We were talking about how you’ve brainwashed Ashley.”

Laughing, I shake my head. Hayes tosses me a puzzled look. “I was just explaining to Josh how much I love you.”

A large grin sweeps across Hayes’ face. He bends down and kisses me tenderly on the forehead. “Not as much as I love you.”

“Eww.” Josh groans. “Am I on one of those hidden camera shows? No way is this for real. You guys are acting like Emmy and Chris.” After the words leave his mouth, his eyes widen. “Oh, my god. This is what I do to girls.”

I giggle. “Yeah, you drive them right into the arms of another guy.”

Josh glares at me. “Nice to see you still have that wicked humor.”

“That’s my girl.” Hayes playfully slaps my backside, and I yelp.

Josh shakes his head. “Never thought I’d see the day when Ashley would let someone call her “their girl” and she’d be okay with that. The Ashley I knew wanted to be her own person. In fact, she made it her life’s mission.”

Underneath his mean spirited words, I know Josh is hurting. In the time we dated, it became clear that under this tough exterior is a little boy who desperately wants approval. The truth is that Josh and I really aren’t that different. I think it’s one of the things that attracted us. I also think it’s what drove us apart. We were too broken to be together. We only succeeded in tearing each other apart. But I have no desire to hurt him further. Honestly, I want nothing more than for him to find his Hayes. I mean, not his Hayes, obviously. A girl version of Hayes. I want him to find a girl who will love him and allow him to open up.

Someone who will help him heal.

“That’s the beauty of what Hayes and I have,” I explain. “I am my own person. More so than I’ve ever been before. He doesn’t take anything from me. He adds to me.”

Josh takes off his hat, running his hands through his hair. “Ash, you sound like a damn greeting card.”

I giggle. “One day you’ll see what I’m talking about.” Glancing up at Hayes, I say, “One day you’ll meet your soul mate. The person that makes your heart sing. The person who brings out the best in you. And when you find them, you’ll never want to let them go.”

“Okay, I’m outta here. I need a damn shower after that speech. Clean all the sap off.” Josh storms off.

Hayes and I burst into laughter.

“I see what he’s saying though.” Hayes faces me. “That was pretty sappy.”

“But I meant every word.”

“I know you did,” he murmurs, his face moving closer. “Right back at ya.” His lips crash over mine with such force I almost fall over. To keep from toppling into the grass, I loop my arms around his neck. When Hayes rests his hand on my waist, my feet lift from the ground. But I don’t fall. Hayes is strong. He can hold me up.

It’s what he’s good at.

He carried me through one of the toughest times of my life, and he continues to carry me now. I melt into him, content in his arms. And I pray that he will never let go.

THE END

PLAY DIRTY (Make the Play #4) – Josh’s story – coming summer 2016!

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