“Yeah, I think it’s ‘cause I miss my hubby. It’s hard when he gone,” she said sadly.

“That sucks, Elli. If you need anything, please let me know.”

Elli smiled widely at her before taking her hand in hers, “Thank you so much, I’m good. I got this…I think.”

Audrey giggled as Elli continued to smile. “Wanna join me for lunch?”

“I would love too,” Audrey answered.

With food in hand, the women entered a booth and sat across from each other. Elli smiled up at Audrey and said, “So, I talked to Fallon yesterday.”

“Oh God,” Audrey groaned jokingly.

Elli giggled as she waved her off, “Nothing bad, just she informed me that you’ve been hanging out with my star goalie.”

“Key word there, Elli, hanging, nothing more,” Audrey said dryly.

“I think it is more, and so does Fallon.”

“I don’t think y’all know what you’re talking about.”

Elli laughed, rolling her eyes as she took a bite out of her chicken salad sandwich. It looked way better than Audrey’s salad and soup. Now Audrey wanted a sandwich. Damn it, she hated when she had food envy!

“I saw the way y’all were at Shelli’s birthday, I think it’s cute.”

Audrey shrugged her shoulders, “He’s easy to get along with.”

“Is that it?”

Audrey paused, and then looked up at Elli. She was bursting to tell someone and maybe Elli wasn’t the right person, but damn it, she asked!

“No,” Audrey gasped.

Elli looked up in surprise and then smiled, “Wow, I was only picking. I didn’t expect that at all.”

“I like him, like really like him. A lot. But Elli, it’s just so hard. He so much younger than I am, and well, I’m scared he only wants sex. Plus I’m supposed to be in love with this other guy, but to be honest with you, I haven’t thought about him except when he texts me. It’s insane, and I feel like a two bit whore.”

Elli blinked twice, her sandwich halfway to her mouth. Placing it on her plate, she took in a deep breath, “Well, goodness me.”

“Right?!”

Elli smiled, “Audrey, the age thing is stupid, I wouldn’t even think twice about that.”

“But I’m almost 29, he just turned 21!”

“So? At least he can drink legally.”

Audrey shrugged her shoulders, “I guess you’re right.”

“I am and let me tell you, Tate is not looking to just sleep with you. What would give you that idea?”

“Elli, I think it took him 4 minutes to get me in bed.”

Elli took in a sharp breath, “You already slept with him?”

“Yeah, the night of Fallon’s bachelorette party.” Ignoring Elli’s shocked expression, Audrey went on, “I take back my previous statement; the more I talk to him the more I know it isn’t about sex anymore. It’s about us. He hasn’t been subdued about his feelings for me. He likes me, but I’m the one holding back and putting up walls.”

“Why?”

“Because, I am,” Audrey answered sadly, “because I’m confused and not sure what is right and wrong.”

“How so?”

“Do I go with the guy who only wants sex and who I know is the wrong choice but a safe one, and I know no one can get hurt, well maybe me, but I’m used to it,” Audrey said referring to Levi. “Or do I go with the guy who wants me but that could change and then we both could get hurt, because I could fall for this guy. I know that hands down.”

The more Audrey thought about it, the more she knew she could. They had so much fun together and if she would stop with the walls and secrets, there was a chance she and Tate could be happy. But even with that dream staring her in the face, she couldn’t help but see Tate walking away when she told him she was defective. It could happen. Then what would she do?

“I don’t know what you are talking about, Audrey. I am beyond confused.”

Audrey could tell she was confused. Hell, Audrey was confused.

“Here is my question,” Elli said.

“When your mind wanders, who comes up? Because that’s the person who matters, that’s the person you want.”

“You make it sound easier than it is, Elli,” Audrey groaned, leaning against her hand.

“It is that easy,” she said, standing, “I gotta to use the bathroom, but let me say this first.”

“What?” Audrey asked.

Elli smiled, “I think you should go with Tate.”

Yeah, I want too.

***

Tate sat on the beach, his toes in the sand as the sun was warmed his face. The surf was running up on his legs and Tate felt like everything was okay in the world. He could make a list of things that were wrong, but he wouldn’t think of that. He would also try to resist the urge to call Audrey and tell her he missed her. Not right now, it was too early. Instead, he would relax, and prepare for the next game.

The Assassins had done well on the road. Beating Washington, Carolina, and then Tampa Bay, Tate was feeling good, especially with two out of the three games being shut-outs. He was on his game, but that could change at any second. All he could do was hope it didn’t. Tate didn’t feel it would, he felt good, really good.

Pulling his phone out, he checked his Facebook, okay, he checked Audrey’s. The girl was obsessed and posted everything she did. He knew the ins and outs without even being there. He would never tell her he checked it consistently, but he did. The other day he found himself laughing at the fact that he had been on his phone as much as Audrey was. She was rubbing off on him, and he didn’t mind at all.