Twist of Fate (Taking Chances #2) - Tia Louise Page 0,28

of cement, and I pull my knees to my chest.

I haven’t felt pain like this in a long time, but it won’t cancel his flight to L.A. It won’t change my deal with Spencer. It’s my fault for feeling this way, for letting my dream get twisted, and only I can fix it.

Ten

Scout

I can’t leave without saying goodbye. My thumbs move quickly over my phone face.

It’s been three days without seeing her, and I’m worried I’ve caught a bug. My stomach keeps cramping, and when I think about eating, my throat closes.

I haven’t slept since Monday.

I’ve had a headache since Tuesday.

On Wednesday, I walked over just to check on her. I only wanted to be sure she hadn’t fallen or inhaled deadly fumes. She is working with paint, after all, and who knows what else? She nearly cut her arm off with that fucking rooster.

Okay, it was just a scratch, but what if she lost her balance on a ladder?

When I arrived, a note was on the door. It was like she’d anticipated my visit. It was one word, Please.

Yes, this is my fault. Yes, I never should’ve fucked her… five times in two days, but shit, I’m only human. She kept looking at me with those big brown eyes and wrinkling her cute little nose and shaking that ass… Then she said she was bad at sex. I mean, come on.

Check this out. Student production at Clemson. I text her a video of me as Macbeth, standing in front of an audience of people.

My hands are out, and I’m saying, “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hands?”

I loved that production. It was the performance that sealed my decision to give it a shot in L.A. It was the first time I’d ever had a crowd of people cheering for me outside of football, and it was like next level shit.

I’d hoped to show it to her before. I’d wanted to tell her how it made me feel, because of everyone I know, she’d understand.

She texts back, and I feel like I’ve won the lottery. Will it?

A grin splits my cheeks. Sadly, no.

You’re really good. Can’t wait to see you on the big screen.

Instead of pride at her response, a cramp hits my stomach. My throat aches and is dry.

Clearly a bug.

Thanks.

I’ve transferred my savings to the bank in L.A. where I’ll be living, and I’ve checked in with my roommate Crenshaw. I don’t know if that’s his first or last name.

Tomorrow I’ll get on a plane, but if I don’t see her one more time, if only to tell her goodbye, I’ll feel like I left the water running in the bathroom or the front door unlocked.

I need closure.

Aunt Regina and Sly are coming over tomorrow for lunch and a walk-through. You could join? Noon?

“Yes!” I stand off the couch like my team just scored a touchdown. I quickly text back I’ll be there.

My stomach growls, and I walk to the kitchen and eat half a cold pizza out of the fridge.

“Do you have enough money?” My brother doesn’t smile as he straightens the lapel on my denim jacket.

“Yeah, I saved up a couple thousand to get started.”

“Is that going to be enough for rent, food, gas?”

“Hell, it ought to be. I have a roommate, so that cuts the rent in half.”

“What about utilities?” His dark brow is lowered, and I study his blue eyes for a beat.

“You pretty much raised me, didn’t you?”

Dropping his hands, he puts them on his hips. “We raised each other. We looked out for each other. Why?”

“Just trying to decide if I’m going to bust your balls for acting like an old lady or not.” I exhale a laugh. “You know I’ve been through all this with Gran.”

“You’re my little brother. It’s my job to be sure you’re okay.”

“Is it your job?” I squint an eye at him.

I actually am just messing with him. It’s nice to have people care, even if I don’t need it.

He throws a muscled arm around my neck. “Don’t make me take you down.”

“Did you get on your tiptoes for that?” I make a fist like I’m about to ram into his side when my grandmother appears.

“Boys, stop this at once! You’ll break the whole house.” Her tone is sharp and high, and I almost laugh at her choice of words.

J.R. releases me, and I re-straighten my jacket before walking over to our petite grandmother and grabbing her around the waist in a