Fourth Down (Portland Pioneers 1)

When dinner is over, Noah whisks Peyton off to the dance floor. Harrison follows with Elle, leaving me sitting with two of the hottest older men I’ve ever been around. I’ve always been a date near my age type of woman, but damn it, this older gentleman vibe is definitely something I might want to try.

If I was expecting either of them to talk to me, I was sorely mistaken. Within minutes of everyone getting up, they did as well. I knew any fantasy I conjured in my mind would have to stay there for a lifetime. I do, however, follow their lead and decide to head toward the auction room. I see Julius’s name down on a bid form—something about a handyman, jack of all trade sort of thing—and put down a bid. I’m sure I’ll never win, but it’s for the kids. If I do win, I think he could wash my windows, or maybe I’ll tie him to a chair and keep him there until he tells me why he hates me so much. The latter is very unlike me, so windows it is.

I bid on a few other things before making my way back to the table. A crowd has formed, and the conversation seems lighthearted. I hear “weather girl” and groan. I’ve never hated a nickname more in my life than I do that one. I ignore Julius because flipping him off in public could be a bad career move.

“Gentlemen, if you are up for auction, please come to the stage.”

“I hate this shit,” Julius mumbles as he sets his drink down. He hates it, yet volunteers? I don’t get him at all. I do, however, keep my eyes focused on him as he walks to the stage. His black pants are form fitting, hugging his tight muscles and firm . . . I clear my thoughts. There is no need for my mind to go into the gutter where this man is concerned.

Each player has their name called, and each winner comes forward. When Julius steps up to the front of the stage, I smirk and take a sip of my gin and tonic. Some unlucky person is going to have to spend the day with him, and I’m thankful—

“Congratulations, Autumn LaRosa.”

I spit my drink out, sputtering, and some kind person pats me on the back. I bend at the waist, trying to regain some semblance of composure. “Shit,” I mutter and stand upright, only to come face to face with Julius.

“Tell me how much so I can write you a check.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Weather Girl. How much did you bid? There is no way in hell I’m spending the day with you.”

At this moment, I realize my only mission in life is to make Julius Cunningham miserable. “I hope you like windows,” I say before turning and walking away. I may look confident on the outside, but my nerves are frayed. By the time I make it to the bathroom, I’m ready to hurl.

Ten

Julius

My weekend sucked. I somehow convinced Reggie and Roxy that we needed to stay in on Sunday. I kept the blinds closed, helped them build a blanket and pillow fort in the living room, turned my phone off, and laid under the tent with the kids watching movies. I may have taken a nap or two as well. Mostly, I laid there and allowed Roxy to climb all over me while I battled the demons in my mind. It’s funny how what I call demons are images of two women: my ex and the Weather Girl.

Weather Girl pulled a fast one on me the other night when she won the auction. I’m confused why she would even bid on me. It’s not like I want to spend time with her. Hell, I can’t even stand to be in the same room as her, and I don’t get it. I don’t know what it is about Autumn and why I’m so hung up on her. I just am, and I hate it. I hate that she’s on my mind. She shouldn’t be. Yet, each time I close my eyes, she’s there, smiling and doing a hair flip, even though I’ve never seen her do such a thing. Every time I see her, she’s poised and unaffected by my brutish behavior. Clearly, whatever subtle message I’m trying to send isn’t working, and I’m going to have to use the powers that be to let her know this, whatever the hell you call it, isn’t happening.

By the time I get to the practice facility, I’m in a mood. I’m not sure I ever came out of my funk, but nonetheless, I’m angry. At the world. My life. Everything around me. Usually, on a bye weekend, I use it to my advantage by taking the kids someplace fun. I should’ve bailed on the fundraiser and taken the kids to Disney or something, but then I’d have to see Elena. After her last trip here, I think it’s best we stay away from each other. Elena gave me some song and dance on how her father is considering pressing charges against me for shoving him. It’s so rewarding seeing your family members evolve over time. I go from being the best thing to ever happen to their daughter, to the worst. Good times.