Beyond the Team (Out of Reach 4)

“Maybe she was the one?”

“No.” He takes a long pull of his drink. “She’s not the one. I want someone who I meet organically. You know, like my Frisbee landing at her feet on a random day at the beach with my friends. Those two saw us, knew we were athletes, and pounced. You’ve got me seeing things a little differently.”

“Oh, yeah? Care to enlighten me?”

“I want a Peyton.”

I point at him. “You can’t have mine.” I know he’d never, but I’m drawing clear lines in the sand with anyone and everyone when it comes to her.

Oliver tosses his head back in laughter. “Not yours, but someone like her. Someone real.”

“Karina?”

He looks away. “She’s chill and beautiful.”

“Daniel?”

“She was passing through for him.”

“And for you?”

“I can’t stop thinking about her.”

“So you coming with me when I go see Peyton?”

“When?”

“I don’t know yet, but you can guarantee I’m going to figure it out. Soon.”

“Count me in. We have to use our trust funds for something, right?” he asks.

Oliver and I both got trust funds from our grandparents when we turned eighteen. It’s not millions, but it’s enough for me to travel to see my girlfriend whenever I find the time in my schedule. Gramps told me not to blow it. To save it for something important, something that I loved. I smile to myself. I’ll have to call him and tell him my plans. I’m certain he’ll approve.

Finishing up our meal, we head back to the dorms. Oliver and I share a double with a private bathroom. We’re moving off-campus next year, but as freshmen athletes, we were required to stay on campus this year. Neither one of us pledged a frat. We don’t have time with school and baseball, and now I have Peyton. I always said I wouldn’t have time for a girlfriend either, yet I’m making it a point to make time for her. I didn’t know I’d meet someone who was perfect for me or that I would be eating those words, but I’m willing to admit I was wrong. It’s tough, but we’re going to make it happen.

As soon as we’re in the dorm, I kick off my shoes and retrieve my laptop from my bag. I settle on my bed with my back against the wall, place my pillow on my lap, and video call Peyton.

“That was fast,” she greets me with a smile.

“We were hungry and ready to get out of there. Two girls were hitting on us.”

“Really? Did you get her number?”

“Nope. I pissed her off when I told her I was taken.” I relay what happened, and she laughs.

“You could have taken it easy on her.”

“Why would I? I don’t want her or anyone who is not you touching me, even if it is just on the shoulder. And she didn’t believe I was taken, and that pissed me off.”

“You said you’ve not been much on commitment. Your reputation precedes you, Griff.” Her smile is infectious.

“Let me see.”

“I’m fine,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“Let me see.”

She winces as she moves her arm to the camera. “See, it’s just a bruise.”

“Damn, Peyton,” Oliver says, leaning over the screen to take a look.

“Guys, it’s fine.”

“She’s lying!” I hear Karina call out. “She’s been whining since we got home today.”

“I’m sorry I’m not there,” I tell her.

This makes her laugh, but her eyes are soft. “Griffin, even if you were here, there is nothing you could do. This is all a part of the game. Our third string pitcher was on the mound, and I didn’t move out of the way fast enough.”

“Did you take anything?”

“Ice.”

“Karina, get her some ibuprofen,” I say loud enough, hoping she’ll hear me.

“Already on it,” she says, appearing on the screen. She hands Peyton pills and a glass of water.

“Hey, guys.” Karina waves. “You keeping that one in line, Griff?” she asks, pointing at Oliver.

“He’s been on his best behavior.”

“I bet he has.”

“No, really.” I go on to tell her about the girls who were hitting on us earlier and how neither one of us took the bait. From the sound of it, Oliver is interested in her, and if I can be his wingman, then I will. Besides, we both blew them off. Sure, it was mostly me, but I have a feeling Oliver wouldn’t have gone out with them anyway.

“What are you ladies getting into tonight?” Oliver asks.

“Staying in, watching a movie maybe.”

“What are we watching?” I ask them.

Peyton laughs. “You watching with us again?”

“Yes.” I leave no room for hesitation or negotiation in my answer. It’s the next best thing to being there with her.

“I have some homework I need to wrap up.”

“Me too. Should we start now?”

“Yeah, hold on. Let me grab my stuff.” She hands her laptop to Karina.

“What about you? Are you going to study with us this time?” I ask her.