Tailwind (Love By Design 4)

“I might have texted Kristen.” I sunk down on the couch next to him handing him a soft pillow. Chase covered his face and rolled over grunting.

“Mad, baby?” I tried teasing but it was hard to keep a straight face when he looked so adorably perturbed with me.

“So mad. Your ass is mine.” Normally that would be code for anal sex and I would be delighted except I think Chase doesn’t mean it in the sexy way I’d like him too, because of the texting, you know.

“Oh you poor thing.” Taylor Jane petted my head letting me lean against her side. “Go get a shower. We got the rest.”

I’m ushered into the bathroom and locked the door behind me. I heard Chase shouting and the guys laughing. I stand under the spray of hot water feeling the jets beat down on my shoulders. The weight of the world seemed to wash off me and down the drain relieving the burden I didn’t know I had been carrying. Feeling better, I dried off and dress in comfy leggings and an off the shoulder top. I felt ten times better already.

I open the door and peer into the living room. The guys have coaxed Chase to shower and propped him on the couch to play Mario Cart. They’re zooming around a track. Hunter played Bowser, a grumpy spikey dinosaur which seemed like an obvious choice. Damien played Princess Peach and Whit maneuvered Yoshi around the track. My guy was Mario and in the head of the pack.

“Shouldn’t you be playing?” I stood next to Evan who sipped a beer watching them.

“Nah, besides I get to hang out with the girls and irritate you know who.” He tipped his head at Damien. These guys were on a crash course for a beat down behind a bar dumpster, but that was a tale for another day.

“We like you better over here anyway.” Kristen approached our twosome and handed me a beer. She glanced back at Damien and winked at Hunter who shook his head like he was used to these antics.

“I made some salads and Evan promised to grill the man food.” Taylor handed him a pair of tongs and a chef’s apron. The food smelled delicious.

“Where’s this beer from?” I asked checking out the unusual label. It tasted hoppy and like raspberries although I was no expert.

“Easton’s Pub. Andy makes his own brew and he saves us a case of the new stuff. He couldn’t stop by, but he called and asked me to pick this up.”

“Yeah, we’re all the unofficial guinea pigs for his craft beer.”

“Hmm. It’s good.” I said taking another sip.

“Babe, can you get me one.” Chase called from the living room.

“No, you’re on pain medication.” I yelled back. He groaned loudly flopping back on the couch being dramatic.

“Dude, don’t be such a dick!” Damien teased and Chase scowled. Hunter couldn’t stop the laugh fill apology and I bit my lip. Oops. He’d never live meeting my dad this way down.

Evan leaned over, “and that’s why we’re here. He’s a real pain in the ass.”

I chuckled. “I’m glad you all see it too.” I finished my beer and reached for another.

By the time we ate grilled food and cleaned up I was feeling pretty buzzed about life in general.

27

Chase

Winsome was drunk. Snoring. Drooling. I hoped she wasn’t going to wake up with a splitting headache hung over. Evan actually carried her inside for me and dumped her gently in the middle of the bed before leaving. I still didn’t get what Damien was so hung up over with Evan, but I hoped they’d work it out some day for my sister’s sake.

It was great having my friends come over and distract us. This was why we were all so close. We were always in each other’s business, but I guess that’s what small towns do. At some point we all thought about moving on and far away, but we always seemed to come back here, back home to New Paltz. If my knee hadn’t failed me and required reconstructive surgery, I was certain I would have been playing for a team in another city and state until I quit.

I certainly didn’t stay for Damien’s quippy comments.

Maybe things happened for a reason? Maybe fate has a way of putting the right things in your path when you’re ready. Maybe it’s a joke and snoring girlfriends who mumble about hating cats in her sleep. Either way, I love her, and I love our life together.

I scroll through m

y phone to read the bevy of text messages. One is a group message from Damien who can’t help himself but talk shit about Evan. Asshole makes me laugh. Another message was from Whit seeing about when I get this stone passed if I’m interested in hiking one of the peaks on our list. It’ll be good to hike. Better than a session of physical therapy. My mom demanded an update from the doctor she sent me too see in Albany. She simply can’t help herself and I reluctantly promise to follow up because I know it’s her way of caring and gets me off her hot list. I just don’t know if I can explain that my doctor is also Winnie’s dad. Probably best to wait on that one.

28

Winnie