Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Robert's guest comes to the game.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.13.2009 | Pages: 7 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 203 | Status: Completed
Robert's guest comes to the game.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.13.2009 | Pages: 7 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 203 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter FourBy Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Betty showed her pass to the security guard and he stepped aside, pointing to where she would be sitting for the game. " Oh my goodness. That close? " Betty asked in disbelief. She had gotten her tickets and pass the week before and had come to the arena straight from the airport.
" Yes ma'am. That's where all the family and friends of the team sit, " The guard replied then gave her a gentle smile when he saw her childlike wonder. " Is this your first game? "
" Yes sir, " Betty felt a little embarrassed. She couldn't contain her awe though. After living her life like a virtual recluse, she was finally getting to do things she had only dreamed of and each one filled her with amazement.
She had mostly been a homebody, spending her days either writing or working. It was great until, upon the death of her mother, she realized she hadn't done much except care for her mother and work after a failed stint at college. That left her feeling socially retarded and she viewed everything as child would, as a new and exciting adventure full of wonder and excitement. She knew she looked silly but people just wouldn't understand how sheltered she had been before her life changed.
The guards smile turned to one of recognition. " Oh I know who you are. You're that writer that was here in town a month or so back, right? "
Betty nodded, " Yes. Robert Hughes invited me to the game when he came to get his books signed. "
" You know Robert is the pride and joy of this team. It was a tough break for all of when his best friend defeated our team in the first round of the playoffs this year though, " The guard shook his head. " Oh well. There's always this season. "
" I guess so, " Betty let out a strained chuckle. She hadn't really kept up with basketball but had heard about Branslav and The Reno Supernovas winning the semi-finals then going on to win the finals. " Thank you for showing me to my seat. "
" No problem ma'am, " The guard smiled and went back to watching the aisle.
Betty slid down the row to the seat the man had pointed to, the tiny blonde woman in the seat next to hers turning her head to give her a dirty look. " Excuse me, " The slip of a woman hissed as Betty checked the number.
" Um yes ma'am? " Betty said politely. She could see the woman wasn't happy to see her but she didn't recognize her. She had been confronted by several people at random intervals that had been offended by her books so she assumed it was one of her detractors.
" What are you doing here? " The woman's expression did not change. " Don't you know these seats are reserved for important people? "
Betty nodded as she held out her pass and ticket, " Yes. I was invited by one of the players to come to the game. "
The woman eyed Betty's attire of slim fitting blue jeans, a fitted black satin shirt and black leather dress boots. Her eyes then darted to her face and she seemed to recognize her after a moment. " Oh. I see. Which player would that be, Miss French? "
" Robert Hughes, " Betty showed the woman her pass again. " He sent me this. He asked me to come to the game a little over a month ago when I signed his books. "
The woman stood up but barely came up to Betty's chest, " He didn't say anything to me about inviting you. He must have invited you thinking I wasn't going to come tonight. "
" I don't know about that ma'am, " Betty realized where the woman's thoughts were going. " He invited me as a favor. "
" I bet, " The woman's tone dripped with venom. " If you'll excuse me. "
Betty was shocked as the woman pushed her out of the way and took off toward a restricted area of the arena. Betty ran after her, wondering what was going on and why the woman reacted so harshly.
**
" So you invited her to the game tonight? " Jakob March, the blonde haired forward for the Turquoise asked as he handed Robert back one of Betty's books.
Robert nodded, " Yeah. "
" That's the girl Martin Richardson was screaming at that night? " Jakob pointed to the book. He had his own copy in his locker but Robert wanted to show him the autograph he had gotten, which probably spurred the question.
" Yes. I keep telling you that; " Robert set the book back in his locker. Jakob was good at playing ball but he wasn't the brightest crayon in the box. He often had to be told several times to get anything through his head. He was a nice guy and one of the highest scorers on the team though so everyone tolerated his being a little slow.
Jakob whistled, " Just goes to show you never know. "
" No shit. That's why you got to be careful who you're an asshole to, " Robert nodded and smiled. His mood did a hyper-speed one eighty when the locker room door was slammed open and heard his name called out by his wife. " Damn it, Pauline. Not here not now not again, " He muttered.
The rest of the players scrambled to cover themselves as the tiny woman stormed into the room. " Robert! " She screeched with her eyes fixed on the object of her intrusion. Betty followed her, looking confused. Pauline pointed at Betty, " EXPLAIN THIS! "
" Melissa? " Robert pointed at the woman. " I invited her. I told you before I left that there was a guest coming. "
" You didn't tell me it was her, " Pauline hissed. When Robert had brought home Betty's books, it had upset Pauline greatly because all three books were 'blood filled pieces of smut' as she called them. In fact, that was what some of the harsher reviews of the books had referred to them as but those reviews were far out-weighted by the favorable reviews.
" Pauline. Stop it, " Robert shot back. He stood up and took Pauline by the arm. " We aren't doing this in here. Not in front of my friends. "
Pauline let Robert take her into the hallway, " We're going to talk about this RIGHT NOW! Why "
Robert let out a frustrated growl, " I told you I had invited a friend this morning. You didn't ask who so I didn't say! "
" But her? " Pauline pointed at the locker room. " How could you even think of inviting that woman to the game. Have you even read her books? "
" I read all of them, " Robert replied. " They're pretty good. You should... "
" I did, " Pauline cut him off. " I was so disgusted, I nearly threw up! "
" Oh come on! " Robert scoffed. " You're over exaggerating. Her stuff isn't that bad. "
" Graphic sex and violence isn't that bad? " Pauline shot back. " I can't believe you like that! "
" Well I do and a few million other people do, " Robert said. " Look, you don't have to hate her just because of what she writes. Just settle down and go back out to the arena. You've only got to sit next to her for the game. "
" I'm not staying for the game! " Pauline shouted. " I'm going home to our son and sending the babysitter home early! "
" Fine then! I don't care if you go home! I may not come home tonight at all! " Robert shouted.
" Then I won't wait up! " Pauline said then stormed out towards the arena to leave.
Robert growled then walked back into the locker room. He stopped in his tracks when he saw his teammates lined up and Betty signing their books. He furrowed his brow then sat back down to fume and finish dressing. He wanted to apologize to Betty but it seemed she was busy.
He didn't have much time to stew when the head coach came into the locker room. He was a distinguished older man with graying blonde hair that still looked young though he was probably in his mid-forties. His face was red and he was obviously looking for only one person. He zeroed in on Robert and shouted; " I told you that I was going to ban her from the games if she did that again! "
" I know, " Robert shouted back. He was still angry and didn't care that he was shouting at his coach. " I told her that the last time. She doesn't listen! "
" Well you can tell her she's permanently banned, " The coach started but noticed something else was going on. He looked at the players lined up then saw Betty. He glared at her in confusion for a moment then looked like he remembered her. He looked at Robert; " We'll talk about Pauline later since we have a guest. "
" Coach, " Robert ran a hand through his hair. " I didn't intend for this to happen. I invited her and Pauline blew up and stormed in here when she found out I invited a woman to the game and I guess Melissa was trying to set her straight and she... "
" Is that who I think it is? " The coach cut Robert off mid-sentence. " Isn't that the girl from that night in Reno? "
" The girl Martin Richardson was screaming at, " Robert nodded. " I owed her a favor that goes back to that night. "
" She looks so different, " The coach said. " I almost didn't recognize her. "
" Yeah, " Robert nodded. " I didn't know it was her at first when I saw her. "
" I heard him say he was going to get her fired, " The coach started. He stopped to think as he remembered the night in question, " And I thought her name was Betty. "
" He did and it is. She's using a pen name now. As you can see though, it wasn't that bad after all. She's that writer with the three books tied for first on the bestsellers list, " Robert motioned to her. " They've been there for several weeks now. "
" Oh yes. I've heard of her. Like I said, we'll talk about Pauline later, " The coach waved his hand then walked over to Betty. " Miss? " He said when she finished signing an autograph.
" Yes sir? " Betty looked at him. She looked around then looked at the floor. " I'm sorry about all this. I wanted to set that woman straight and I ended up in here. "
" It's okay. Robert explained it to me. It's okay, " The coach said.
Betty looked at Robert then back at the coach, " Oh. "
" I really don't want to hurt your feelings but we have a game to get ready for so would it be alright for me to escort you back to your seat? " The coach put his arm out to her. He gave her his most charming smile to encourage her to take it. " I promise I won't bite. "
" But she's not finished signing our books yet, " One of the three players Betty hadn't got to said.
" Do it at half-time, " The coach looked at them. " You all sit on the bench anyway. "
Betty glanced at them " I'll do it. I promise. "
The guy that had spoke up sighed " Okay. "
**
Branslav was lying on the couch in his living room as he waited for the game to come on the special public access channel reserved for the prep league games. The Reno Supernovas had a long practice in preparation for the game they were to play against The Taos Turquoise in two days. Afterwards, they were instructed to the team's first game to study their strategies. The pre-game show was on so he was checking to see if Melissa French was online yet.
He hadn't been able to message her during practice so he had been looking periodically to see if she had gotten on since he arrived home. He growled, finding she still hadn't logged on. ~Maybe she's on a signing trip again, ~ He thought as he set his cell phone down again. He sat up then rose to his feet, his goal being a cold beer from the fridge.
He was coming back when something on the TV made him drop the unopened can of beer on the floor. The camera had stopped on Jack Hooker, the coach of the Turquoise, escorting a woman to her seat but it just wasn't any woman. She looked very familiar to Branslav for some reason but he couldn't quite place her. She was a statuesque supermodel looking type with mid-back length black hair and he wondered if she was indeed a model he had seen in a magazine.
He got on the floor to retrieve the beer from under the couch when the announcers solved the mystery of her identity. " Well this is very interesting indeed, Marvin. Who would have thought someone like Melissa French would be at a Turquoise game. I thought she was from Reno, " One of the announcers said as Branslav wrapped his hand around the ice cold can.
" What the fuck? " Branslav nearly shouted as he came up to look at the TV again but caught the edge of the glass coffee table instead. He hissed in pain as he pressed the found can of beer against the place he had hit. He moved slowly away from the coffee table before sitting up on his heels to look at the screen as he felt the back of his head to make sure he wasn't bleeding.
Marvin, the other announcer, replied. " Yes Arnold. According to everything I've heard and that's Supernova territory. "
Branslav stared at the screen as Jack walked away from Melissa and paused the feed so he could really look at her. She looked nothing like he imagined but it didn't seem to bother him at all. He restarted the live portion, wondering why she was at that game and if she would come to his game if he asked. He reached for his cell phone, blindly dialing as his eyes remained fixed on the screen.
~ I must have seen her around town if she's from here, ~ He thought as he waited for the person he was calling to answer. ~That must be it. ~
**
Martin Richardson ground his teeth as he stared at the screen. He never forgot anyone that pissed him off and now one of those people was on television. He had gotten the busser's name when he complained about her but she was using a different name than the one she had at the hotel. " Melissa French indeed, " He scoffed.
The phone next to him rang and he picked it up. " Richardson. Who is it? "
" Branslav, " The caller replied.
" Oh, " Martin said. " Are you watching the game? "
" Yes sir, " Branslav didn't let Martin get a word in edgewise. " I need a favor. "
Martin turned the TV down. " Sure. Anything for my MVP. "
" Is there any way I can still get a ticket and a VIP pass for the game Friday night? " Branslav asked.
" Of course, " Martin scribbled down a note to himself. " I'll give them to you in the morning. Who is it for? "
" A friend, " Branslav replied. " I promised them I'd do them a favor for something they did for me and I think they'd like to go to the game. "
Martin recalled Branslav had stood up to him over the busser, his mind putting two and two together. He smirked evilly as he began to concoct a plan. " Sure. I've got you covered. "
" Thank you sir, " Branslav said.
" Like I said. Anything for my MVP, " Martin said.
**
The Turquoise players were celebrating their first win of the season and, at some point, Betty had been snatched up and whisked back to the locker room by the bench warmers. The starters had whisked Robert back to the locker room with her. The game had been a total victory, The Flagstaff Firehawks falling by twenty points. The win made everyone very excited, including Betty.
When the team arrived in the locker room, they set Betty and Robert next to each other. Betty took a sharp breath when Robert threw an arm around her and hugged her. " Damn. That was awesome! " He shouted.
" Yeah it was! " Betty replied. It seemed the infectious excitement of the crowd and the team had affected her, making her just a excited as they were.
" Hey, " Jakob tapped her on the shoulder. " You want to go out with us tonight? We're going to this place downtown that'll be a lot of fun. We'd love it if you go with us. "
" Um, " Betty said.
" Come on, " Jakob said. " We're just going out for some drinks and some wings. Please? "
Betty sighed, " Okay. I guess I could. I am a little hungry. "
" She said yes! " Jakob shouted and the other guys cheered.
Robert noticed she was looking uneasy, " Something wrong? "
" I'm just... this is too much, " Betty shook her head. " Why are you all being so good to me? This is unreal. "
Robert looked around but everyone else was starting to undress in spite of Betty's presence. He took Betty by the arm, " Come out in the hallway with me. "
Betty let him lead her into the deserted hallway that ran along the back of the locker room. He made sure they were alone before scouting out a table where they could sit down. He sat down and patted the space next to him. " Sit, " He said it much more gently than when they had first met.
Betty did as she was told, " So why is everyone so eager for me to hang out with them? "
" I'm not going to lie to you, " Robert took Betty's hands in his. " Daniel, Branslav and I weren't the only ones angry about the way you were treated at that party. Everyone noticed you working extremely hard and didn't think it was fair for you to get yelled at like that by that asshole. We all decided to treat you to a night out at halftime but Jakob beat me to asking you to go. "
" Oh, " Betty said. " You don't have to... "
" But we want to, " Robert's crystal blue eyes locked with Betty's deep blue ones as he started to speak quietly. " We want you to feel special. We're all very happy for you. "
" What about your wife? " Betty asked. " Will she be upset if you go out? "
Robert let his hand fall away from her face, " You saw what happened. "
Betty looked at the floor " I saw. I'm sorry that had to happen. I didn't mean to be trouble. "
" You weren't trouble, " Robert shook his head. " She's the one that was the troublemaker. Damn, I'm just so messed up right now. Pauline's been riding me thinking I'm cheating on her and she's got me so stressed out right now. "Betty was quiet then took one of Robert's hands in both of hers, " Do you want to talk about it? "
Robert sighed, " It's okay. I can handle it but thanks for the offer. "
Betty gave him a gentle smile. " I'll listen any time you want to talk. "
Robert returned her smile, feeling like he could indeed talk to Betty. She was an uninvolved third party so she could see the situation from a different angle. He sighed, " Thank you. It's just that I think things are coming apart and they have been for a long time. "
" Things in general or with your wife? " Betty asked as she made eye contact with him again. She looked very concerned for Robert.
Robert sighed and ran a hand through his hair, " Both. I just can't understand her any more. She's so distant when she's not screaming at me... "
" There you two are, " Jakob startled them. " Go get changed so we can go party Robert. "
Robert glared at Jakob but looked at Betty when she put a hand on his shoulder. " It's okay. We can talk later. "
Robert nodded, " Okay. "
**
" Honey? " Robert was surprised to see Pauline sitting on the couch waiting for him when he arrived home. She was wearing her short black satin nightgown with the matching robe over it. There had been a day and time when the gown was a good sign but those days were long past.
" Oh so you came home after all? " Pauline's tone was bitter and cold. The huge mirror over the fireplace reflected her to where Robert could see her. She almost looked a little surprised to see him but she quickly went stone faced.
" Yeah. Uh, " Robert fiddled with the roses he picked up at an all-night grocery store. He though they'd be a good thing. Betty had thought the same and encouraged him to do it right before he dropped her off at her hotel.
Pauline still wouldn't look at him. " I thought you were going to stay with a friend tonight. "
" I was mad when I said that, " Robert walked closer to the couch. " I didn't mean it. "
" Well I'm still mad, " Pauline gave him a sideways glance when he got close enough. " I can't believe you. Inviting that woman to the game. "
" Baby, " Robert said. " You don't understand. I owed her a favor. I promised her that... "
" You mean you met her before? Even before the book signing? " Pauline turned to face him but her expression was still icy.
" Yes, " Robert nodded. Betty had told him to explain to Pauline how they knew each other and hoped she would understand then. Robert decided to give it a shot though Betty didn't know Pauline.
" I'm waiting, " Pauline's voice was low, quiet. " How did you meet Melissa French before? "
" Remember that banquet in January? " Robert started.
" In Reno, " Pauline said sharply.
Robert nodded, " Yeah. You know how I told you about how terrible it was? "
Pauline nodded then cocked her head to the side, " Hold on. That woman tonight wasn't one of those bussers was she? "
Robert glanced down at the roses, " Yeah. "
" I thought you said you didn't speak to any of them, " Pauline sounded like she was trying to trap Robert in a lie. " I also remember something about all of them getting fired for flirting with the players. "
" I never told you I didn't speak to any of them. I told you there was one good one there that didn't flirt, " Robert pointed out. He tightened his hand around the bouquet a little bit as he tried not to get angry. " She's the one Martin yelled at. "
" Oh, " Pauline sounded indignant. " The one that you wrote the two-page comment about? "
Robert nodded, " Yeah. You remember. "
" So Melissa French is that busser? " Pauline arched an eyebrow. She looked like she didn't believe him.
Robert nodded, " Yes. "
Pauline threw her hands up in the air, " She didn't need your favor though. She's a bestselling author now. She would have had to quit that job anyway. "
Robert shook his head, " You don't understand. It's the principle of the thing. "
" You owed her nothing, " Pauline said sharply. " I think there's something you want from her... if you haven't already got it. "
" What could that be? " Robert asked then realized what Pauline was saying. She was flat out accusing him of something he swore he would never do. She accused him of cheating on her constantly and he was sick of it, his anger flaring visibly at her words.
" See, " Pauline said. " I hit a nerve. I'm right aren't I? "
Robert clenched the roses so tight, the dethorned stems snapped in his grip. " No! You're way off base! I came home tonight to tell you that I loved you and to forgive you for bursting into the locker room like that. I even brought your favorite flowers, " He said evenly as he tried not to shout. He knew Alex was sleeping upstairs and he didn't want the child to hear them arguing.
" So you think roses will make everything better? " Pauline hissed.
" I thought they'd be a start, " Robert replied. " You used to demand them all the time when we were dating. "
" That was when we were dating, " Pauline shot back. " We've been married for nearly five years and not once have you brought me roses except for tonight. "
" Well tell me why I haven't seen that night gown in two years? " Robert said. It had been exactly that long since Pauline stopped sleeping with him. She always had some excuse at first then changed her tactics to picking fights so he'd be too angry to sleep with her.
" I wear it all the time but you're too busy to notice, " Pauline scoffed.
" That's bullshit, " Robert said. " You know, I wanted to tell you I was sorry but, now that I think about it, I don't know why I'm even apologizing to you. You're the one that should be saying you're sorry for embarrassing me in front of my friends tonight. I invited someone to a game. That was no reason for you to go ape shit on me! "
" Take your damn roses and get out, " Pauline pointed to the door. " I'm not discussing this any further tonight and I don't want you in this house until you're ready to take responsibility for what you've done. "
" For what I've done? For what I've done?! All I did was invite a girl to a game, " Robert started.
Pauline cut him off, " Yes. Now, get out. I'll call you when I'm ready to talk to again and you'd better be ready to apologize when I do. "
Robert flung the roses down on the floor. The flowers exploded from the impact against the tile floor, the petals scattering around where the stems had landed. " Well I won't be apologizing. "
" Then just get out, " Pauline pointed towards the door.
" I will, " Robert looked at the stairs, " Just as soon as I pack some clothes. "
" You have five minutes, " Pauline shouted as he took the stairs two at a time.
Robert stormed into the bedroom, pulling the closet doors open. He grabbed his biggest suitcase since he was pretty sure he'd still be at Jakob's when the team had to go to Reno. He slammed it down on the bed and opened it before grabbing clothes from the closet to take with him. Once the suitcase was crammed to nearly overflowing, he shut it.
He jerked it off the bed and began to storm out of the room when he had to come to a dead stop. Alex was standing in the doorway, staring at him with tear filled eyes clutching his teddy bear. Robert dropped the suitcase and went to his knees in front of the child, " What's wrong champ? "
" Were you and mommy fighting again? " He sniffled then coughed. Alex had been ill with strep throat and was on antibiotics, the illness in it's fading stages. He was prone to the infection and would be getting his tonsils out to keep it from continuously happening. It killed Robert to see his son so sick but there was nothing he could do.
Robert shook his head, " No. Daddy has a road trip and I have to get going. "
" How long will you be gone? " Alex asked.
" Until Monday, " Robert said. He really didn't know how long he'd be away but he didn't want to scare Alex. " I'll be back for when they take your tonsils out, okay? "
" Okay, " Alex said then threw his arms around his father's neck. " I love you daddy. "
Robert patted his son on the back, " I love you too kid. Be good to your mommy while I'm away, okay? "
" Okay, " Alex whispered then coughed again.
Robert pulled away and put his hand out with his pinky finger up, " Pinky swear? "
" Pinky swear daddy, " Alex wrapped his tiny pinky finger around Robert's much larger one.
Alex backed up as Robert got to his feet. He smiled down at his son, and then ruffled his light blonde hair. " I'll get you something okay? "
" Okay daddy, " Alex said. He held up his teddy bear, " Get Roger something too. "
" I will. Now get back to bed, " Robert pointed to Alex's bedroom. " You have to get some rest if you want to get better. "
" Tuck me in, " Alex said as he grabbed Robert's hand.
Robert bit his lip, knowing Pauline's five-minute deadline was surely up but he decided he didn't care. He smiled at Alex, " Sure kiddo. "
Robert left his suitcase in the doorway of the bedroom and followed Alex to his. The child climbed up in his bed and Robert grabbed the covers, pulling them over him then tucking them in. " There you go kiddo. Sleep tight. "
" Thank you daddy, " Alex said.
Robert ruffled Alex hair again, " You're welcome. "
" Your five minutes are up, " Pauline was at the door. " In fact, you took ten. "
Robert looked over his shoulder at her then sighed as turned, " Yes. Yes so I did. I’m going. "
Pauline stepped aside as he passed her in the doorway. He went back to where he left his suitcase and went downstairs. He stopped at the front door to glanced up the stairs one last time but Pauline stood there, glaring. " Go, " She pointed at the door.
" I'm going, " Robert muttered and opened the door. Once he was outside and had the door shut, he got out his cell phone and dialed Jakob's number.
" Yeah? " Jakob answered on the third ring.
" It's Robert. Do you have room at your place? " Robert asked as he tried not to cry from anger and frustration.
" Sure man, " Jakob said. " You know where the key is. I'm on my way home right now. I'll meet you there. "
" Thanks man, " Robert said then hung up. As he walked to his car, he noticed a car parked across the street. He was puzzled since he had never seen it before and knew it wasn't the neighbor's. He stopped next to his own car when he noticed the driver was still in it but looked like he was sleeping.
He looked at his watch, wondering what to do about it at two thirty in the morning. He got out his phone and dialed his house number. He waited for Pauline to answer and she did on the second ring. " What do you want now? " She hissed into the phone.
" Lock all the doors and windows then set the alarm. There's suspicious car out here and I don't want anything happening to you or Alex tonight, " Robert said. " It could just be a drunk sleeping it off but I don't want to take any chances. "
" Yeah whatever, " Pauline said. " You're just trying to scare me. "
" No I'm... " Robert started but Pauline hung up on him. He hung up and growled before getting into his car. After placing a quick call to the police about the suspicious car, he headed for Jakob's apartment.
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Betty showed her pass to the security guard and he stepped aside, pointing to where she would be sitting for the game. " Oh my goodness. That close? " Betty asked in disbelief. She had gotten her tickets and pass the week before and had come to the arena straight from the airport.
" Yes ma'am. That's where all the family and friends of the team sit, " The guard replied then gave her a gentle smile when he saw her childlike wonder. " Is this your first game? "
" Yes sir, " Betty felt a little embarrassed. She couldn't contain her awe though. After living her life like a virtual recluse, she was finally getting to do things she had only dreamed of and each one filled her with amazement.
She had mostly been a homebody, spending her days either writing or working. It was great until, upon the death of her mother, she realized she hadn't done much except care for her mother and work after a failed stint at college. That left her feeling socially retarded and she viewed everything as child would, as a new and exciting adventure full of wonder and excitement. She knew she looked silly but people just wouldn't understand how sheltered she had been before her life changed.
The guards smile turned to one of recognition. " Oh I know who you are. You're that writer that was here in town a month or so back, right? "
Betty nodded, " Yes. Robert Hughes invited me to the game when he came to get his books signed. "
" You know Robert is the pride and joy of this team. It was a tough break for all of when his best friend defeated our team in the first round of the playoffs this year though, " The guard shook his head. " Oh well. There's always this season. "
" I guess so, " Betty let out a strained chuckle. She hadn't really kept up with basketball but had heard about Branslav and The Reno Supernovas winning the semi-finals then going on to win the finals. " Thank you for showing me to my seat. "
" No problem ma'am, " The guard smiled and went back to watching the aisle.
Betty slid down the row to the seat the man had pointed to, the tiny blonde woman in the seat next to hers turning her head to give her a dirty look. " Excuse me, " The slip of a woman hissed as Betty checked the number.
" Um yes ma'am? " Betty said politely. She could see the woman wasn't happy to see her but she didn't recognize her. She had been confronted by several people at random intervals that had been offended by her books so she assumed it was one of her detractors.
" What are you doing here? " The woman's expression did not change. " Don't you know these seats are reserved for important people? "
Betty nodded as she held out her pass and ticket, " Yes. I was invited by one of the players to come to the game. "
The woman eyed Betty's attire of slim fitting blue jeans, a fitted black satin shirt and black leather dress boots. Her eyes then darted to her face and she seemed to recognize her after a moment. " Oh. I see. Which player would that be, Miss French? "
" Robert Hughes, " Betty showed the woman her pass again. " He sent me this. He asked me to come to the game a little over a month ago when I signed his books. "
The woman stood up but barely came up to Betty's chest, " He didn't say anything to me about inviting you. He must have invited you thinking I wasn't going to come tonight. "
" I don't know about that ma'am, " Betty realized where the woman's thoughts were going. " He invited me as a favor. "
" I bet, " The woman's tone dripped with venom. " If you'll excuse me. "
Betty was shocked as the woman pushed her out of the way and took off toward a restricted area of the arena. Betty ran after her, wondering what was going on and why the woman reacted so harshly.
**
" So you invited her to the game tonight? " Jakob March, the blonde haired forward for the Turquoise asked as he handed Robert back one of Betty's books.
Robert nodded, " Yeah. "
" That's the girl Martin Richardson was screaming at that night? " Jakob pointed to the book. He had his own copy in his locker but Robert wanted to show him the autograph he had gotten, which probably spurred the question.
" Yes. I keep telling you that; " Robert set the book back in his locker. Jakob was good at playing ball but he wasn't the brightest crayon in the box. He often had to be told several times to get anything through his head. He was a nice guy and one of the highest scorers on the team though so everyone tolerated his being a little slow.
Jakob whistled, " Just goes to show you never know. "
" No shit. That's why you got to be careful who you're an asshole to, " Robert nodded and smiled. His mood did a hyper-speed one eighty when the locker room door was slammed open and heard his name called out by his wife. " Damn it, Pauline. Not here not now not again, " He muttered.
The rest of the players scrambled to cover themselves as the tiny woman stormed into the room. " Robert! " She screeched with her eyes fixed on the object of her intrusion. Betty followed her, looking confused. Pauline pointed at Betty, " EXPLAIN THIS! "
" Melissa? " Robert pointed at the woman. " I invited her. I told you before I left that there was a guest coming. "
" You didn't tell me it was her, " Pauline hissed. When Robert had brought home Betty's books, it had upset Pauline greatly because all three books were 'blood filled pieces of smut' as she called them. In fact, that was what some of the harsher reviews of the books had referred to them as but those reviews were far out-weighted by the favorable reviews.
" Pauline. Stop it, " Robert shot back. He stood up and took Pauline by the arm. " We aren't doing this in here. Not in front of my friends. "
Pauline let Robert take her into the hallway, " We're going to talk about this RIGHT NOW! Why "
Robert let out a frustrated growl, " I told you I had invited a friend this morning. You didn't ask who so I didn't say! "
" But her? " Pauline pointed at the locker room. " How could you even think of inviting that woman to the game. Have you even read her books? "
" I read all of them, " Robert replied. " They're pretty good. You should... "
" I did, " Pauline cut him off. " I was so disgusted, I nearly threw up! "
" Oh come on! " Robert scoffed. " You're over exaggerating. Her stuff isn't that bad. "
" Graphic sex and violence isn't that bad? " Pauline shot back. " I can't believe you like that! "
" Well I do and a few million other people do, " Robert said. " Look, you don't have to hate her just because of what she writes. Just settle down and go back out to the arena. You've only got to sit next to her for the game. "
" I'm not staying for the game! " Pauline shouted. " I'm going home to our son and sending the babysitter home early! "
" Fine then! I don't care if you go home! I may not come home tonight at all! " Robert shouted.
" Then I won't wait up! " Pauline said then stormed out towards the arena to leave.
Robert growled then walked back into the locker room. He stopped in his tracks when he saw his teammates lined up and Betty signing their books. He furrowed his brow then sat back down to fume and finish dressing. He wanted to apologize to Betty but it seemed she was busy.
He didn't have much time to stew when the head coach came into the locker room. He was a distinguished older man with graying blonde hair that still looked young though he was probably in his mid-forties. His face was red and he was obviously looking for only one person. He zeroed in on Robert and shouted; " I told you that I was going to ban her from the games if she did that again! "
" I know, " Robert shouted back. He was still angry and didn't care that he was shouting at his coach. " I told her that the last time. She doesn't listen! "
" Well you can tell her she's permanently banned, " The coach started but noticed something else was going on. He looked at the players lined up then saw Betty. He glared at her in confusion for a moment then looked like he remembered her. He looked at Robert; " We'll talk about Pauline later since we have a guest. "
" Coach, " Robert ran a hand through his hair. " I didn't intend for this to happen. I invited her and Pauline blew up and stormed in here when she found out I invited a woman to the game and I guess Melissa was trying to set her straight and she... "
" Is that who I think it is? " The coach cut Robert off mid-sentence. " Isn't that the girl from that night in Reno? "
" The girl Martin Richardson was screaming at, " Robert nodded. " I owed her a favor that goes back to that night. "
" She looks so different, " The coach said. " I almost didn't recognize her. "
" Yeah, " Robert nodded. " I didn't know it was her at first when I saw her. "
" I heard him say he was going to get her fired, " The coach started. He stopped to think as he remembered the night in question, " And I thought her name was Betty. "
" He did and it is. She's using a pen name now. As you can see though, it wasn't that bad after all. She's that writer with the three books tied for first on the bestsellers list, " Robert motioned to her. " They've been there for several weeks now. "
" Oh yes. I've heard of her. Like I said, we'll talk about Pauline later, " The coach waved his hand then walked over to Betty. " Miss? " He said when she finished signing an autograph.
" Yes sir? " Betty looked at him. She looked around then looked at the floor. " I'm sorry about all this. I wanted to set that woman straight and I ended up in here. "
" It's okay. Robert explained it to me. It's okay, " The coach said.
Betty looked at Robert then back at the coach, " Oh. "
" I really don't want to hurt your feelings but we have a game to get ready for so would it be alright for me to escort you back to your seat? " The coach put his arm out to her. He gave her his most charming smile to encourage her to take it. " I promise I won't bite. "
" But she's not finished signing our books yet, " One of the three players Betty hadn't got to said.
" Do it at half-time, " The coach looked at them. " You all sit on the bench anyway. "
Betty glanced at them " I'll do it. I promise. "
The guy that had spoke up sighed " Okay. "
**
Branslav was lying on the couch in his living room as he waited for the game to come on the special public access channel reserved for the prep league games. The Reno Supernovas had a long practice in preparation for the game they were to play against The Taos Turquoise in two days. Afterwards, they were instructed to the team's first game to study their strategies. The pre-game show was on so he was checking to see if Melissa French was online yet.
He hadn't been able to message her during practice so he had been looking periodically to see if she had gotten on since he arrived home. He growled, finding she still hadn't logged on. ~Maybe she's on a signing trip again, ~ He thought as he set his cell phone down again. He sat up then rose to his feet, his goal being a cold beer from the fridge.
He was coming back when something on the TV made him drop the unopened can of beer on the floor. The camera had stopped on Jack Hooker, the coach of the Turquoise, escorting a woman to her seat but it just wasn't any woman. She looked very familiar to Branslav for some reason but he couldn't quite place her. She was a statuesque supermodel looking type with mid-back length black hair and he wondered if she was indeed a model he had seen in a magazine.
He got on the floor to retrieve the beer from under the couch when the announcers solved the mystery of her identity. " Well this is very interesting indeed, Marvin. Who would have thought someone like Melissa French would be at a Turquoise game. I thought she was from Reno, " One of the announcers said as Branslav wrapped his hand around the ice cold can.
" What the fuck? " Branslav nearly shouted as he came up to look at the TV again but caught the edge of the glass coffee table instead. He hissed in pain as he pressed the found can of beer against the place he had hit. He moved slowly away from the coffee table before sitting up on his heels to look at the screen as he felt the back of his head to make sure he wasn't bleeding.
Marvin, the other announcer, replied. " Yes Arnold. According to everything I've heard and that's Supernova territory. "
Branslav stared at the screen as Jack walked away from Melissa and paused the feed so he could really look at her. She looked nothing like he imagined but it didn't seem to bother him at all. He restarted the live portion, wondering why she was at that game and if she would come to his game if he asked. He reached for his cell phone, blindly dialing as his eyes remained fixed on the screen.
~ I must have seen her around town if she's from here, ~ He thought as he waited for the person he was calling to answer. ~That must be it. ~
**
Martin Richardson ground his teeth as he stared at the screen. He never forgot anyone that pissed him off and now one of those people was on television. He had gotten the busser's name when he complained about her but she was using a different name than the one she had at the hotel. " Melissa French indeed, " He scoffed.
The phone next to him rang and he picked it up. " Richardson. Who is it? "
" Branslav, " The caller replied.
" Oh, " Martin said. " Are you watching the game? "
" Yes sir, " Branslav didn't let Martin get a word in edgewise. " I need a favor. "
Martin turned the TV down. " Sure. Anything for my MVP. "
" Is there any way I can still get a ticket and a VIP pass for the game Friday night? " Branslav asked.
" Of course, " Martin scribbled down a note to himself. " I'll give them to you in the morning. Who is it for? "
" A friend, " Branslav replied. " I promised them I'd do them a favor for something they did for me and I think they'd like to go to the game. "
Martin recalled Branslav had stood up to him over the busser, his mind putting two and two together. He smirked evilly as he began to concoct a plan. " Sure. I've got you covered. "
" Thank you sir, " Branslav said.
" Like I said. Anything for my MVP, " Martin said.
**
The Turquoise players were celebrating their first win of the season and, at some point, Betty had been snatched up and whisked back to the locker room by the bench warmers. The starters had whisked Robert back to the locker room with her. The game had been a total victory, The Flagstaff Firehawks falling by twenty points. The win made everyone very excited, including Betty.
When the team arrived in the locker room, they set Betty and Robert next to each other. Betty took a sharp breath when Robert threw an arm around her and hugged her. " Damn. That was awesome! " He shouted.
" Yeah it was! " Betty replied. It seemed the infectious excitement of the crowd and the team had affected her, making her just a excited as they were.
" Hey, " Jakob tapped her on the shoulder. " You want to go out with us tonight? We're going to this place downtown that'll be a lot of fun. We'd love it if you go with us. "
" Um, " Betty said.
" Come on, " Jakob said. " We're just going out for some drinks and some wings. Please? "
Betty sighed, " Okay. I guess I could. I am a little hungry. "
" She said yes! " Jakob shouted and the other guys cheered.
Robert noticed she was looking uneasy, " Something wrong? "
" I'm just... this is too much, " Betty shook her head. " Why are you all being so good to me? This is unreal. "
Robert looked around but everyone else was starting to undress in spite of Betty's presence. He took Betty by the arm, " Come out in the hallway with me. "
Betty let him lead her into the deserted hallway that ran along the back of the locker room. He made sure they were alone before scouting out a table where they could sit down. He sat down and patted the space next to him. " Sit, " He said it much more gently than when they had first met.
Betty did as she was told, " So why is everyone so eager for me to hang out with them? "
" I'm not going to lie to you, " Robert took Betty's hands in his. " Daniel, Branslav and I weren't the only ones angry about the way you were treated at that party. Everyone noticed you working extremely hard and didn't think it was fair for you to get yelled at like that by that asshole. We all decided to treat you to a night out at halftime but Jakob beat me to asking you to go. "
" Oh, " Betty said. " You don't have to... "
" But we want to, " Robert's crystal blue eyes locked with Betty's deep blue ones as he started to speak quietly. " We want you to feel special. We're all very happy for you. "
" What about your wife? " Betty asked. " Will she be upset if you go out? "
Robert let his hand fall away from her face, " You saw what happened. "
Betty looked at the floor " I saw. I'm sorry that had to happen. I didn't mean to be trouble. "
" You weren't trouble, " Robert shook his head. " She's the one that was the troublemaker. Damn, I'm just so messed up right now. Pauline's been riding me thinking I'm cheating on her and she's got me so stressed out right now. "Betty was quiet then took one of Robert's hands in both of hers, " Do you want to talk about it? "
Robert sighed, " It's okay. I can handle it but thanks for the offer. "
Betty gave him a gentle smile. " I'll listen any time you want to talk. "
Robert returned her smile, feeling like he could indeed talk to Betty. She was an uninvolved third party so she could see the situation from a different angle. He sighed, " Thank you. It's just that I think things are coming apart and they have been for a long time. "
" Things in general or with your wife? " Betty asked as she made eye contact with him again. She looked very concerned for Robert.
Robert sighed and ran a hand through his hair, " Both. I just can't understand her any more. She's so distant when she's not screaming at me... "
" There you two are, " Jakob startled them. " Go get changed so we can go party Robert. "
Robert glared at Jakob but looked at Betty when she put a hand on his shoulder. " It's okay. We can talk later. "
Robert nodded, " Okay. "
**
" Honey? " Robert was surprised to see Pauline sitting on the couch waiting for him when he arrived home. She was wearing her short black satin nightgown with the matching robe over it. There had been a day and time when the gown was a good sign but those days were long past.
" Oh so you came home after all? " Pauline's tone was bitter and cold. The huge mirror over the fireplace reflected her to where Robert could see her. She almost looked a little surprised to see him but she quickly went stone faced.
" Yeah. Uh, " Robert fiddled with the roses he picked up at an all-night grocery store. He though they'd be a good thing. Betty had thought the same and encouraged him to do it right before he dropped her off at her hotel.
Pauline still wouldn't look at him. " I thought you were going to stay with a friend tonight. "
" I was mad when I said that, " Robert walked closer to the couch. " I didn't mean it. "
" Well I'm still mad, " Pauline gave him a sideways glance when he got close enough. " I can't believe you. Inviting that woman to the game. "
" Baby, " Robert said. " You don't understand. I owed her a favor. I promised her that... "
" You mean you met her before? Even before the book signing? " Pauline turned to face him but her expression was still icy.
" Yes, " Robert nodded. Betty had told him to explain to Pauline how they knew each other and hoped she would understand then. Robert decided to give it a shot though Betty didn't know Pauline.
" I'm waiting, " Pauline's voice was low, quiet. " How did you meet Melissa French before? "
" Remember that banquet in January? " Robert started.
" In Reno, " Pauline said sharply.
Robert nodded, " Yeah. You know how I told you about how terrible it was? "
Pauline nodded then cocked her head to the side, " Hold on. That woman tonight wasn't one of those bussers was she? "
Robert glanced down at the roses, " Yeah. "
" I thought you said you didn't speak to any of them, " Pauline sounded like she was trying to trap Robert in a lie. " I also remember something about all of them getting fired for flirting with the players. "
" I never told you I didn't speak to any of them. I told you there was one good one there that didn't flirt, " Robert pointed out. He tightened his hand around the bouquet a little bit as he tried not to get angry. " She's the one Martin yelled at. "
" Oh, " Pauline sounded indignant. " The one that you wrote the two-page comment about? "
Robert nodded, " Yeah. You remember. "
" So Melissa French is that busser? " Pauline arched an eyebrow. She looked like she didn't believe him.
Robert nodded, " Yes. "
Pauline threw her hands up in the air, " She didn't need your favor though. She's a bestselling author now. She would have had to quit that job anyway. "
Robert shook his head, " You don't understand. It's the principle of the thing. "
" You owed her nothing, " Pauline said sharply. " I think there's something you want from her... if you haven't already got it. "
" What could that be? " Robert asked then realized what Pauline was saying. She was flat out accusing him of something he swore he would never do. She accused him of cheating on her constantly and he was sick of it, his anger flaring visibly at her words.
" See, " Pauline said. " I hit a nerve. I'm right aren't I? "
Robert clenched the roses so tight, the dethorned stems snapped in his grip. " No! You're way off base! I came home tonight to tell you that I loved you and to forgive you for bursting into the locker room like that. I even brought your favorite flowers, " He said evenly as he tried not to shout. He knew Alex was sleeping upstairs and he didn't want the child to hear them arguing.
" So you think roses will make everything better? " Pauline hissed.
" I thought they'd be a start, " Robert replied. " You used to demand them all the time when we were dating. "
" That was when we were dating, " Pauline shot back. " We've been married for nearly five years and not once have you brought me roses except for tonight. "
" Well tell me why I haven't seen that night gown in two years? " Robert said. It had been exactly that long since Pauline stopped sleeping with him. She always had some excuse at first then changed her tactics to picking fights so he'd be too angry to sleep with her.
" I wear it all the time but you're too busy to notice, " Pauline scoffed.
" That's bullshit, " Robert said. " You know, I wanted to tell you I was sorry but, now that I think about it, I don't know why I'm even apologizing to you. You're the one that should be saying you're sorry for embarrassing me in front of my friends tonight. I invited someone to a game. That was no reason for you to go ape shit on me! "
" Take your damn roses and get out, " Pauline pointed to the door. " I'm not discussing this any further tonight and I don't want you in this house until you're ready to take responsibility for what you've done. "
" For what I've done? For what I've done?! All I did was invite a girl to a game, " Robert started.
Pauline cut him off, " Yes. Now, get out. I'll call you when I'm ready to talk to again and you'd better be ready to apologize when I do. "
Robert flung the roses down on the floor. The flowers exploded from the impact against the tile floor, the petals scattering around where the stems had landed. " Well I won't be apologizing. "
" Then just get out, " Pauline pointed towards the door.
" I will, " Robert looked at the stairs, " Just as soon as I pack some clothes. "
" You have five minutes, " Pauline shouted as he took the stairs two at a time.
Robert stormed into the bedroom, pulling the closet doors open. He grabbed his biggest suitcase since he was pretty sure he'd still be at Jakob's when the team had to go to Reno. He slammed it down on the bed and opened it before grabbing clothes from the closet to take with him. Once the suitcase was crammed to nearly overflowing, he shut it.
He jerked it off the bed and began to storm out of the room when he had to come to a dead stop. Alex was standing in the doorway, staring at him with tear filled eyes clutching his teddy bear. Robert dropped the suitcase and went to his knees in front of the child, " What's wrong champ? "
" Were you and mommy fighting again? " He sniffled then coughed. Alex had been ill with strep throat and was on antibiotics, the illness in it's fading stages. He was prone to the infection and would be getting his tonsils out to keep it from continuously happening. It killed Robert to see his son so sick but there was nothing he could do.
Robert shook his head, " No. Daddy has a road trip and I have to get going. "
" How long will you be gone? " Alex asked.
" Until Monday, " Robert said. He really didn't know how long he'd be away but he didn't want to scare Alex. " I'll be back for when they take your tonsils out, okay? "
" Okay, " Alex said then threw his arms around his father's neck. " I love you daddy. "
Robert patted his son on the back, " I love you too kid. Be good to your mommy while I'm away, okay? "
" Okay, " Alex whispered then coughed again.
Robert pulled away and put his hand out with his pinky finger up, " Pinky swear? "
" Pinky swear daddy, " Alex wrapped his tiny pinky finger around Robert's much larger one.
Alex backed up as Robert got to his feet. He smiled down at his son, and then ruffled his light blonde hair. " I'll get you something okay? "
" Okay daddy, " Alex said. He held up his teddy bear, " Get Roger something too. "
" I will. Now get back to bed, " Robert pointed to Alex's bedroom. " You have to get some rest if you want to get better. "
" Tuck me in, " Alex said as he grabbed Robert's hand.
Robert bit his lip, knowing Pauline's five-minute deadline was surely up but he decided he didn't care. He smiled at Alex, " Sure kiddo. "
Robert left his suitcase in the doorway of the bedroom and followed Alex to his. The child climbed up in his bed and Robert grabbed the covers, pulling them over him then tucking them in. " There you go kiddo. Sleep tight. "
" Thank you daddy, " Alex said.
Robert ruffled Alex hair again, " You're welcome. "
" Your five minutes are up, " Pauline was at the door. " In fact, you took ten. "
Robert looked over his shoulder at her then sighed as turned, " Yes. Yes so I did. I’m going. "
Pauline stepped aside as he passed her in the doorway. He went back to where he left his suitcase and went downstairs. He stopped at the front door to glanced up the stairs one last time but Pauline stood there, glaring. " Go, " She pointed at the door.
" I'm going, " Robert muttered and opened the door. Once he was outside and had the door shut, he got out his cell phone and dialed Jakob's number.
" Yeah? " Jakob answered on the third ring.
" It's Robert. Do you have room at your place? " Robert asked as he tried not to cry from anger and frustration.
" Sure man, " Jakob said. " You know where the key is. I'm on my way home right now. I'll meet you there. "
" Thanks man, " Robert said then hung up. As he walked to his car, he noticed a car parked across the street. He was puzzled since he had never seen it before and knew it wasn't the neighbor's. He stopped next to his own car when he noticed the driver was still in it but looked like he was sleeping.
He looked at his watch, wondering what to do about it at two thirty in the morning. He got out his phone and dialed his house number. He waited for Pauline to answer and she did on the second ring. " What do you want now? " She hissed into the phone.
" Lock all the doors and windows then set the alarm. There's suspicious car out here and I don't want anything happening to you or Alex tonight, " Robert said. " It could just be a drunk sleeping it off but I don't want to take any chances. "
" Yeah whatever, " Pauline said. " You're just trying to scare me. "
" No I'm... " Robert started but Pauline hung up on him. He hung up and growled before getting into his car. After placing a quick call to the police about the suspicious car, he headed for Jakob's apartment.