“You’ve gotta admit it’s true.” She looks both ways and then darts across the empty street even though the red light is showing on our side.
I think about it for a minute or two. “Maybe. I mean it’s definitely got merit. Personally, I try not to worry about it too much and just go with what feels right when it comes to a woman I’m interested in.”
“And what type of women do you normally go for? The good time gal or the type of you have to put the time in to woo?”
“Honestly, before this past year, I was all about no strings attached sex. I haven’t taken a woman on a date in years. With my job, it’s hard to find a person that isn’t into me for the money or notoriety that comes with dating a pro football player.”
“Huh, I guess I never thought about it. Probably a whole different world for you. I mean, if you’re good at your job, you probably make a good living.”
“I do.”
“Which means there’s likely women out there that want to hook their ball and chain to something like that. Interesting.” She says the words as if she’s cataloguing the information or taking notes.
“Not really. I’m not usually at a lack for company, but none of that company is worth spending time with. Other than a roll in the hay, you know?”
“Not really. I haven’t been sexually active since my last long-term boyfriend.”
I grind my teeth at the mention of an ex.
“Were you, uh, was it serious?” I follow her across another side street and keep pace with her shorter stature.
“Sean was killer in bed. Though I’m not sure we were actually compatible in any other way. My parents loved him though. Far more than I ever did.”
“So, you did love him?” The hairs on the back of my neck tingle and I start breathing deep.
“I wanted to love him. How about you? Ever been in love?”
“The only love of my life has been the game. I’ve lived football since I was a toddler. Dad had me playing from the time I could hold a ball. Took to it like a duck to water. I played all through grade school. Was scouted right outta high school with a full sports scholarship.”
“That’s awesome! Where did you end up?”
“It was. Life-changing. Living in Indiana, I wanted to get the heck away from snow and cold weather. Accepted the deal UCLA offered me. Moved to California and went to college.”
“Did you love it?”
“It was rough. Academics weren’t my go-to. Though the team had tutors available at all times. Coasted through college with a C average but was once again scouted by the NFL. Chose the Marauders because I wanted to stay on the West Coast. Much to my father’s dismay. He wanted me to play for Indiana, but I love the sun.”
“You must miss your family?”
“I do. My brother is a few years younger and often needs a little guidance. He had Mom the least amount of time so I try to be there for him any way I can.”
“That’s right. You said you lost your mom. I’m sorry, Evan. I couldn’t imagine what that would be like. My mother drives me bat shit crazy, but she means well and loves me to distraction. What happened to your mom?”
“Icy roads. She commuted to Indianapolis for work. Was a secretary for a law firm downtown. Got caught in bad weather. Ended up being part of a ten-car pileup. She was one of eight that died that day. I was fourteen and had just started high school. Curt was only nine. My dad has never been the same. Says he married his one and only love and he’d be her husband until the day he dies.”
“That’s heartbreaking for him and you and your brother.” She reached her hand out to take mine but then closed her eyes and pulled it away.
I wished she had forgotten about the six feet rule. After sharing, I could use her comfort.
“Yeah, well it was a long time ago and life goes on,” I say.
“That it does. Still, we should never forget. What was her name?”
“Why?”
“Because she lived and she still lives through you, your brother, and your dad. And I’d like to know a little more about the woman who made such a good man.”
My eyes tear up a little as my chest tightens painfully. “Isabella. Everyone called her Bella.”
“Isabella. A beautiful name.”
I nod and shove my hands in my pockets to not only ward off the chill but in order to not reach for her hand the way she did mine.
“Eureka!” she exclaims. “We’re here.” She points to the big Market sign about twenty yards ahead.
Right at the door is a store attendant wearing a protective mask. He has a bucket of them and hands one to every customer. Not that there are many people in sight. It’s like entering the Twilight Zone with everything so quiet and deserted.