Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Betty goes to meet her online 'mystery' friend while Robert gets some devastating news.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.14.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 177 | Status: Completed
Betty goes to meet her online 'mystery' friend while Robert gets some devastating news.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.14.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 177 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter FiveBy Bekka Mouri-Hibiki© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Betty was pacing in her driveway as she waited for a car to come get her. She had agreed to meet with her secret admirer and he said he'd send a car to get her since he had things to do. He hadn't told her what those things entailed though. He just said he would have the car bring her to his house and he'd meet her there.
She was nervous and tried to keep her mind off of the things that could go wrong with him. She thought back to what happened after the game in Taos and how Robert tried to confide in her but Jakob came along before he could tell her anything. He did talk to her a little more before he dropped her off at her hotel and she encouraged him to get Pauline something she liked when he went home.
He had told her enough to make her feel sympathy for him between the arena and the car. When she went out with the team once they had showered and changed, Robert stayed close to her but didn't try to get her alone again or tell her anything else until he took her to the hotel. He had told her then he planned on going home to his wife but she wasn't for sure how that turned out. Betty had wished him well before bidding him goodnight at her hotel.
As soon as she got home the next afternoon, she got online to check her e-mail. She had been on for maybe 15 seconds when her number one fan sent her a message. He told her that he had seen her on the television and wanted her to meet with him Thursday and possibly go to the Supernovas game that Friday. She remembered Branslav Korbel had led them to a definitive victory and wondered if he would be there.
~Of course he will, ~ She told herself. ~Don't be stupid. He's the star of the team. But I wonder if he'll remember me or think I'm someone else? ~
She checked her watch and frowned. She still didn't understand why her secret admirer wanted to meet her so early in the day and was sending someone to get her instead of coming himself. It was just barely past three so she figured maybe he was going to take her out to an early dinner or he lived quite a bit away. She checked her bra where she had hooked her stun pen just in case her panic attacks were actually premonitions.
She was aware of many stories where girls went to meet someone they had met online and were never heard from again. She heard a car approaching and took a deep breath to steel her nerves. ~Please don't let this be a disaster, ~ She thought to herself as a swanky looking luxury car stopped at her driveway.
The driver stepped out. He wore a uniform of one of the more prominent limousine companies in the area. Betty knew this because she had used the service herself. " Melissa French? " He asked with a bow.
" Yes sir, " Betty bowed in return.
The man opened the back passenger side door, " I am here to pick you up. Please get in the car. "
Betty was surprised but got in the car anyway. After the man got back in and started to drive away, she leaned forward in the seat. " So do you know anything about the man that hired you to pick me up? "
" No, " The man replied. " I don't think he's ever used our service before. "
" Oh, " Betty said and sat back. She had thought she could grill the man about her secret admirer but it seemed he wouldn't have much information. " Could you at least tell me the man's name? "
" Sorry ma'am, " The driver said. " The orders we get don't have names on them except for who is to be picked up. Don't you know the person who requested the pick-up? "
" Not really, " Betty said. " But that's okay. "
" I hope it is ma'am, " The driver said.
**
Branslav threw his gym bag down after he tore up the stairs. Practice had been a longer than he had expected and he had very little time to get ready before Melissa was to arrive, even forgoing his post-practice shower to scrounge every available minute he could. He was planning on taking her to an early dinner then spend the rest of the evening with her. He decided to keep his identity secret so she would be surprised when she arrived, letting her believe he was just a sincere fan.
He was meeting her the day before the game so he would have the time to talk and get acquainted offline. He felt like they wouldn't have the luxury of time the day of the game so the plan made sense to him. He wanted to let her have his undivided attention and to do whatever he could to make her feel special. He had even arranged for a limo to pick her up at her house so he would have time to get ready.
He started to pull off his sweat soaked practice uniform as he headed for the bathroom. He had it completely off by the time he had passed through to his bedroom, leaving a trail of dirty clothes behind him. He stopped at his closet, wanting to pick out something nice to wear before he took his shower. As he examined the contents of his wardrobe, he heard his cell phone ring.
He ran back to the stairs to get it from his bag, rifling through it until he found what he was looking for. He flipped it open, " Hello? " He answered but there was no one there. He waited then hung up. " Damn telemarketers, " He muttered as he went back to his bedroom to find the perfect outfit.
**
Robert sat on the bed, looking at his watch as Daniel sat by the telephone. Daniel had went to see Robert so they could decide how they were going to tell Branslav that Betty and the best-selling author Melissa French were one in the same. However, they wanted to mess with him for fun beforehand. Daniel had seen Branslav talking to someone during practice and heard enough of the conversation to know Branslav had arranged a pick-up for a date.
" Call him again, " Robert said. " It's been five minutes. "
Daniel tried not to laugh as he dialed Branslav's number again then hung the phone up when Branslav answered. " Man he's going to be so pissed off by the time the girl gets there. "
" Yeah, " Robert agreed with a chuckle. " Damn, he's so much fun to mess with. "
" It's too bad you guys aren't on the same team any more. I bet we could have tons of fun together, " Daniel said with a chuckle.
Robert sighed, " We would be if Martin wasn't so damn cheap and my wife wasn’t so expensive. "
Daniel furrowed his brow, " How is she anyway? She's usually got your phone lit up with calls and messages. At least that's the way it's been since I've known you. "
Robert's mood turned dark, " She kicked me out after the game against the Flagstaff Firehawks. We had a fight and she told me to leave so I did. "
" Oh. Sorry to hear that man, " Daniel replied. He didn't seem to know what else to say.
" It's okay. It's been working up to this for a long time and I think the other night was the final straw, " Robert shook his head. " I invited a friend that just happened to be a girl to the game and she went ape shit on me. She got so pissed off, she ran into the damn locker room to fight with me. She was screaming at me in front of God and everyone. "
" What about that girl you invited? " Daniel asked. " Who was she? "
" Betty, " Robert said.
" Betty?! For reals? " Daniel looked surprised. " When did you do that? "
Robert nodded, " I invited her at that book signing I went to. I figured I owed her something. "
" Well sure, " Daniel said. " After the way Martin treated her. "
Robert nodded, " Yeah but Pauline thought I either had slept with her or wanted to sleep with her. "
Daniel looked confused, " But I've never seen you look at another chick ever for as long as I've known you. Until I found out you were married, I thought you were gay or something. "
" Well I'm obviously not since I'm married you dumbass, " Robert threw a pillow at Daniel.
" Hey, " Daniel deflected it. " I said I thought you were until I found out you were married. I don't think that now. It's just I've never seen you look at girls. "
" Just because a guy doesn't look at every girl that walks by doesn't mean they're gay, " Robert said as looked at his watch. " Call him again. "
Daniel dialed Branslav's number once more then hung up when he answered. Daniel thought for a moment, " Wait. Didn't you marry her because she said she was pregnant? That's what I heard. "
Robert nodded, " Yes and I love my little boy to death but his mother is just starting to get on my last natural nerve. "
Daniel scuffed the floor with his foot. Robert was only four years older than him but had experienced a hell of a lot more than he had. He didn't know what quite to say to make him feel better so he stayed quiet. He checked his watch since Robert had become extremely pensive and quiet, then sighed.
Robert stood up and walked to the door, " I'm going outside for a little bit. I'll be back later. "
"Okay man, " Daniel said. " I'll call Branslav a few more times then leave him alone. "
" Sure, " Robert opened the door and went into the hall. He shut the door behind him just as his cell phone began to ring. He answered, " Hughes, "
**
" Here we are ma'am, " The driver said as he pulled to a stop in front of a nice looking house. It was much bigger than Betty's house and she got a little nervous looking at it. " He said he would be expecting you. "
Betty was a little surprised that her mystery date lived much closer to her than she had imagined. The car trip had only taken about twenty minutes. She nodded as she got out her wallet to tip the man. She got out a twenty, " Thank you sir. "
The driver took the bill and smiled, " You are very generous ma'am. Thank you. "
" You're welcome, " Betty said and got out of the car, slinging her big black purse over her shoulder. She stared at the house for a long time after the car pulled away. She had to get her head together before she found the courage to approach the front door. She glanced around as she slowly walked up the walkway.
When she reached the front door, she pushed the doorbell with a trembling finger. She waited a few moments but didn't hear anyone coming so she rang it again, waiting a little longer before ringing it again. When there was still no evidence of life, she waited even longer than pushed the button again.
**
Branslav growled, hearing the doorbell ring. Someone had been calling him every five minutes since he got in the shower and he was really starting to get pissed off. In addition to that annoyance, someone had started ringing his doorbell repeatedly. He began to wonder if someone had spied on him while he was making plans for the pick-up during practice breaks.
The Supernovas had gotten quite a few young guys that had barely graduated from high school and the maturity level of the team had suffered a massive nosedive because of it. Most of the young men were bench warmers so it really wouldn't affect their game but it was making everyday life a bit taxing. Branslav had come out one day after practice to find his SUV had been vandalized with soap and another time he had come home to find his trees toilet papered.
Daniel wasn't being much help either because he was encouraging the foolishness, still being a bit of a kid himself. Branslav had tolerated it for a while but everyone had his or her limits and he had reached his. He turned off the water and grabbed a towel from the rack. He wrapped it around his hips and headed downstairs.
The bell rang again so he moved faster lest the perpetrator get away before he reached the door. He waited for the bell to ring again after he reached the door as he tried not to imagine how the person on the other side would react when they were caught.
He grabbed the doorknob and turned just at the bell chimed. He flung the door open, shocked to see not one of his teammates but Melissa French. Her dark blue eyes went wide as she took in the sight before her. " Oh my, " She whispered and fell to the ground in a faint.
He looked at her for a moment as she lay on the front step, realizing Melissa was someone he had met before. He tied his towel a little tighter before leaning down to gather her up in his arms and carry her into the house.
**
Daniel jumped when Robert returned, slamming the door open as he came in and slamming it even harder behind him. Daniel watched as Robert went into the bathroom and slammed that door shut. Daniel stood up from where he was sitting and cautiously approached the closed room. He jumped again when he heard glass shattering and things being thrown around.
He weighed out his options. It was very obvious that Robert was upset and Daniel really didn't want to hang around unless Robert wanted him to. He didn't want to leave without telling Robert he was going though so he knocked on the door gingerly. " Uh, Robert? "
" What? " Robert shouted.
" I'm going to, you know, um, boogie. I'll see you later, okay? " Daniel inched toward the door.
" Whatever. I need some time alone anyway, " Robert called back. He sounded spitting mad.
Daniel left the room as the sounds of destruction resumed, scared for Robert and wondering what to do for him. When he came up empty, he thought of the one person that would know what to and got out his cell phone.
**
Branslav was still in shock put who he realized was actually Betty down on the couch. He set her purse on the end table before taking off upstairs again. He had realized why she was so familiar although she had looked much different on television. He had finally got the magazine she had been in and she looked very different there too.
He felt rather stupid because he hadn't figured it out earlier then wondered if she would be okay. He had never seen anyone faint like that in his life and it frightened him. He realized that she probably hadn't known what to expect and seeing him was quite a shock considering he wasn't in a stitch except for the towel he had answered the door in. He was afraid of the impression that it had made on her, hoping she didn't think he was some kind of pervert.
~We could have saved a lot of trouble if I had let her know sooner, ~ He berated himself. He rushed to get dressed so he could go back to her as fast as possible. As he buttoned his shirt, his cell phone rang again. He growled and turned it off, not wanting to deal with the immaturity of his younger teammates until he knew Betty was okay.
He went into the bathroom and grabbed a clean washcloth from the linen cabinet before taking the backstairs to the kitchen. He filled a bowl with ice and water then returned to the couch. He wet the washcloth with the ice water and gently dabbed at Betty's throat since she looked like she was wearing make up and he didn't want to smear it. ~She wasn't wearing make-up last time I saw her... maybe that's why I didn't recognize her the other night. ~
He thought back to the night he first met her, conceding that she look very different. Gone were the glasses and the pulled back hair to make way for an exotic face framed by dark wavy tresses. Without the ugly glasses to obscure her bone structure, he was able to fully see the gentle lines of her face. She almost reminded him of a pin-up from days gone past or a fabled Amazonian, as strong as they were beautiful.
As he dabbed at her throat, he finally took notice of her attire. She was dressed in a silky dark red velvet blouse that clung in all the right places and black jeans with red ribbons running up side of each leg, They hugged her legs not so much that they looked like they were painted on but let her shape show. The finishing touch was a pair of big black western boots that would have looked at home a swanky nightclub.
He looked her over again but he stopped, noticing a strange lump between her breasts. He glanced at her face to see if she was coming out of it yet but she wasn't. He carefully unbuttoned her blouse to find a stun pen clipped to her bra. ~What was she thinking? ~ He pulled the pen loose and placed the weapon on the coffee table.
He reached for her blouse to button it, stopping for a moment. He noticed how breathtakingly beautiful she looked with her waist length hair spread out beneath her and looking a bit disheveled since her blouse was open. He found himself staring at her chest and shook his head. ~She could be hurt and here I am staring, ~ He scolded himself for being such a cad.
He buttoned her blouse up again as his home phone began to ring. ~What the hell? ~ He glared at the seldom-used handset where it sat almost forgotten on a bookshelf. Very few people had his home number for he only used it for emergencies.
He placed the cold rag on Betty's throat and went to the phone, looking down at the caller ID. He snatched it up quickly when he recognized Robert's cell number. " Robert. What's wrong? "
" Branslav, " Robert was breathing hard and sniffling. " I've been trying to reach you forever. Did you forget to charge your phone or something? "
" No. Some of the rookies have been bothering me so I turned it off. You sound terrible, " Branslav had only heard Robert sound the way he did after he had been crying.
" I feel terrible, " Robert replied. " I have to talk to you. "
Branslav looked at Betty, " I have company but I can go to another room. "
" Could you? " Robert sounded almost like he was begging.
" Sure. Sure, “ Branslav said as he walked into the kitchen, his eyes never leaving the couch. “ What’s wrong? “
“ It’s Pauline, “ Robert sobbed. “ She’s been lying to me. “
“ What do you mean? “ Branslav arched an eyebrow. He had always felt Pauline and Robert was a perfect couple. He had never seen them fight but that really didn’t mean anything since fights were usually in private.
“ Alex isn’t mine, “ Robert sniffled.
“ What? How did you find out? “ Branslav went cold all over. Alexander was Robert’s entire life. It seemed that Robert would sacrifice anything, including his life, for the child.
“ Well, I went to go put some blood in the hospital blood bank because he’s going to have that tonsil surgery, “ Robert explained. " I went a couple weeks ago when the doctor said he first wanted to do it but then Alex got sick again so we had to put the surgery off until next week. "
“ Yes, “ Branslav replied. He had known the child had been sick off and on throughout the last couple of years.
“ Well, the hospital said I wasn't a match when I went to do it. I had a DNA test done at a private lab because I thought it was weird and they just called me with the results. Alex isn't mine. “
Branslav almost couldn’t find his voice, “ No way. What are you going to do about it? “
“ When I get back to Taos I'm going to file for divorce from Pauline, “ Robert sniffled again. “ I’ll talk to Coach Hooker and see if I can take some time off too. I need to get my head together before I can play again. “
“ Okay. You know I have room for you here if you need it, “ Branslav said. " Don't forget that. “
“ I won't, “ Robert said. “ I think I’m going to sell the house in Taos too. I'll move in with one of my teammates there when I can play again. “
“ What about Pauline and Alex though? “ Branslav said.
“ She can go running home to her mother and step father number fifty for all I care, “ Robert became quiet as he thought about Alex’s fate. “ Alex will have to go with her. “
“ You can sue for custody right? “ Branslav knew he was grasping at straws when Robert answered.
“ Hell no. He’s not my child. The court won’t take him away from his real mother to give him to his fake father, “ Robert almost laughed at the idea. Though he did love the child as his own, he knew that wouldn't fly in court.
" Isn't there something you could do? " Branslav asked.
Robert thought about it, " I could try to prove Pauline is an unfit mother but that's going to be hard. Even if I did prove it, I'd have to go through the process to adopt him. It's a long shot at best if it's even possible. I don't even think it's possible. "
" That's true, " Branslav nodded. He wasn't for sure if it could be done either.
" Damn it, " Robert sighed. " Hey. I need to call my coach and see what I can work out. I don't think I can play tomorrow. I'm too upset. "
" I guess it's up to you, " Branslav sighed. " If you don't feel up to it then don't. "
Robert was quiet for a long time then sighed, " I'm really not up to it. I don't know how long I can keep myself from crying. I just barely got it together enough to call you. "
" Oh, " Branslav said. " Is there anything I can do for you? "
" Can you come get me so we can hang out together? I can't stand being here any longer. This hotel room is suffocating me, " Robert said quietly. He didn't want to tell Branslav that he had trashed the room in a fit of rage.
“ I’m sorry. A lot of stuff is going on all at once. Do you remember Betty from the banquet? “ Branslav glanced towards the living room.
Robert got quiet for a moment, “ Uh yeah. She got fired in spite of our efforts. "
“ Wait… “ Branslav tried to process the information. " Martin got her fired after all? "
" Uh duh, " Robert said.
Branslav growled, " I thought maybe she quit after her books came out. That bastard. "
" Don't get pissed. You see it was for the better, " Robert said.
Branslav thought about it then sighed, " Yeah. I guess so. "
" It was, " Robert said. " We talked about it a little bit after the game. "
" Why was she at your game the other night anyway? " Branslav asked.
“ She was there because I invited her. Why? “ Robert said.
“ Oh. Um, I invited her to the game tomorrow, “ Branslav replied.
Robert sighed, “ Great. If Martin remembers her, things will get interesting. “
" No doubt, " Branslav said. " Maybe he won't. She looks really different now. "
" I know but I bet you Martin will know it's her, " Robert said firmly. " I guess I'll just have to be ready for battle. "
“ How did you run into her? “ Branslav asked as soon as the question came to mind. He had known she was on an autograph tour. “ Did you go to her signing thing at the bookstore when she was in your town? “
“ Yeah, “ Robert said. “ Daniel and I saw her in Vivacious but we didn’t want to tell you anything until we were sure. “
" Well you should have told me as soon as you knew, " Branslav said.
" We didn't want to piss you off, " Robert said. We weren't for sure until I saw her in person. "
" Well you should have told me when you found out, " Branslav countered.
Robert growled, " I haven't had a chance to. "
" You've had plenty of chances! " Branslav yelled.
" I don't need this right now. It's over now. The secrets out and it's pointless to fight about it now, " Robert shouted back.
Branslav opened his mouth to say something else but realized Robert was right. He sighed, " Damn it. That's right. "
" So are you coming to get me? " Robert asked sharply. " I need out of here. I don't think Betty will mind if I'm along. "
Branslav sighed, " If you think she won't then okay. "
" I'll call my coach then I'll be waiting in front of the hotel for you two. See you, " Robert said then hung up.
He turned back to the living room, heading for the couch. He took the rag off Betty's throat and wet it again. When he placed it on her again, her right hand came up and grabbed him around the wrist. " Hey, " She muttered.
" Hey yourself, " Branslav gave her a gentle smile. " How are you? "
" Dreaming, " She murmured as she opened her eyes. " Are you really SlovLove9982? "
Branslav chuckled at his screen name, " Yeah. That's me. You're Melissa French but I'd like to call you by your real name, Betty. "
Betty shut her eyes, " Wow. I guess you figured me out. I didn't think I'd see you ever again. "
" I didn't think I would see you again either, " Branslav nodded.
Betty moved to sit up slowly, " And here I thought you were going to someone I didn't even know. I was even scared you'd turn out to be some random psycho pervert like you hear about on the news. "
" You can never be too careful these days, " Branslav sighed. He was a little hurt that she thought that. He hadn't given her cause to think he was that way. He thought he had been nice enough when they had talked on the computer.
" That's why I brought... " Betty reached for her chest, furrowing her brow when she realized the stun pen was reaching for was no longer there. She knew there was only two ways it could be gone and she really wasn't for sure which it was. She hoped that maybe it had fallen out until she saw it was on the coffee table.
" Branslav, " She arched an eyebrow. " How did you get that? "
" Uh, " He lamely motioned to the stun pen. " It was about to fall out of your shirt so I got it out. I didn't want you to lose it. "
Betty nodded once. His story seemed believable enough, " Ah. Well then. "
" Yeah, " Branslav nodded. He struggled for a moment to think then motioned towards her. " You look really nice. "
Betty looked at Branslav. He wore a nice white dress shirt and black slacks. He was barefoot and Betty had assumed he just hadn't had a chance to put on his shoes yet because he was barefoot. " You look nice too. "
Branslav smiled at that, " Thanks. "
They were quiet for another long moment when Branslav's phone rang again. He grabbed up the handset and glanced at Betty, " I have to take this. "
" Sure, " She shrugged.
" Yeah? " Branslav answered since he knew whom it was. " So what did you find out? "
" I talked to Coach Hooker. He doesn't want me playing tomorrow if I'm going to be messed up. He said it would be worse for the team than if I did play. "
" Oh, " Branslav nodded. " If he said it's okay. "
" He did. Please come get me, " Robert said. " I don't have anyone else I can call. You know Pauline ran everyone off except for you. I didn't mean to be pushy earlier but you understand right? "
" Yeah, " Branslav sighed. " I'm on my way. "
" Thanks buddy, " Robert said. " You're awesome. "
Betty watched as Branslav put down the phone after he ended the call. " Who are you getting? "
" Oh, " Branslav looked at the floor then at Betty. " You know my friend Robert? "
Betty nodded, " Sort of. I went to his game the other night. He invited me after he found I got fired. "
" Yeah. I know. We've got to get him, " Branslav chose his words carefully. He didn't want to tell Betty too much but he didn't want her to think the wrong thing either. " He wanted to see me before the game tomorrow night. Well, he's not playing so... "
" Oh my, " Betty said. " Is he hurt? "
Branslav couldn't think of anything else to say so he sighed, " Uh yeah. "
" I hope he'll be okay, " Betty said. She wondered what had happened between the last time she saw Robert and how he had gotten hurt.
Branslav nodded, " Me too. "
Another uncomfortable silence shrouded them as they each thought about something else to say. Betty coughed and Branslav got an idea. " Would you like something to drink before we go get him? " He asked.
Betty nodded, " Yeah. Do you have a diet soda? "
Branslav shook his head, " No. I just have some bottled water. "
" That'll do, " Betty said.
" Excellent, " Branslav stood up. " I'll go get it. "
Betty waited as he ran to the kitchen then came back with the water. He handed it to her, " So are you going to put on your shoes now? " She asked as she opened the bottle.
Branslav looked down and smiled sheepishly. " Shoes would be good. "
" I'll wait right here, " Betty said.
" I'll be right back, " Branslav nodded and ran for the stairs. He took them two at a time, running for his bedroom once he topped them. He grabbed a pair of dress socks from the dresser before hitting his closet. He grabbed the first pair of dress shoes he could find and sat down on the bed.
He thought about Betty as he put his socks on, wishing their re-meeting had gone better. The whole situation seemed so awkward and went nothing like he had imagined or hoped it would. He slipped on his shoes and headed out of the bedroom, praying the rest of the day would turn out better.
Betty was pacing in her driveway as she waited for a car to come get her. She had agreed to meet with her secret admirer and he said he'd send a car to get her since he had things to do. He hadn't told her what those things entailed though. He just said he would have the car bring her to his house and he'd meet her there.
She was nervous and tried to keep her mind off of the things that could go wrong with him. She thought back to what happened after the game in Taos and how Robert tried to confide in her but Jakob came along before he could tell her anything. He did talk to her a little more before he dropped her off at her hotel and she encouraged him to get Pauline something she liked when he went home.
He had told her enough to make her feel sympathy for him between the arena and the car. When she went out with the team once they had showered and changed, Robert stayed close to her but didn't try to get her alone again or tell her anything else until he took her to the hotel. He had told her then he planned on going home to his wife but she wasn't for sure how that turned out. Betty had wished him well before bidding him goodnight at her hotel.
As soon as she got home the next afternoon, she got online to check her e-mail. She had been on for maybe 15 seconds when her number one fan sent her a message. He told her that he had seen her on the television and wanted her to meet with him Thursday and possibly go to the Supernovas game that Friday. She remembered Branslav Korbel had led them to a definitive victory and wondered if he would be there.
~Of course he will, ~ She told herself. ~Don't be stupid. He's the star of the team. But I wonder if he'll remember me or think I'm someone else? ~
She checked her watch and frowned. She still didn't understand why her secret admirer wanted to meet her so early in the day and was sending someone to get her instead of coming himself. It was just barely past three so she figured maybe he was going to take her out to an early dinner or he lived quite a bit away. She checked her bra where she had hooked her stun pen just in case her panic attacks were actually premonitions.
She was aware of many stories where girls went to meet someone they had met online and were never heard from again. She heard a car approaching and took a deep breath to steel her nerves. ~Please don't let this be a disaster, ~ She thought to herself as a swanky looking luxury car stopped at her driveway.
The driver stepped out. He wore a uniform of one of the more prominent limousine companies in the area. Betty knew this because she had used the service herself. " Melissa French? " He asked with a bow.
" Yes sir, " Betty bowed in return.
The man opened the back passenger side door, " I am here to pick you up. Please get in the car. "
Betty was surprised but got in the car anyway. After the man got back in and started to drive away, she leaned forward in the seat. " So do you know anything about the man that hired you to pick me up? "
" No, " The man replied. " I don't think he's ever used our service before. "
" Oh, " Betty said and sat back. She had thought she could grill the man about her secret admirer but it seemed he wouldn't have much information. " Could you at least tell me the man's name? "
" Sorry ma'am, " The driver said. " The orders we get don't have names on them except for who is to be picked up. Don't you know the person who requested the pick-up? "
" Not really, " Betty said. " But that's okay. "
" I hope it is ma'am, " The driver said.
**
Branslav threw his gym bag down after he tore up the stairs. Practice had been a longer than he had expected and he had very little time to get ready before Melissa was to arrive, even forgoing his post-practice shower to scrounge every available minute he could. He was planning on taking her to an early dinner then spend the rest of the evening with her. He decided to keep his identity secret so she would be surprised when she arrived, letting her believe he was just a sincere fan.
He was meeting her the day before the game so he would have the time to talk and get acquainted offline. He felt like they wouldn't have the luxury of time the day of the game so the plan made sense to him. He wanted to let her have his undivided attention and to do whatever he could to make her feel special. He had even arranged for a limo to pick her up at her house so he would have time to get ready.
He started to pull off his sweat soaked practice uniform as he headed for the bathroom. He had it completely off by the time he had passed through to his bedroom, leaving a trail of dirty clothes behind him. He stopped at his closet, wanting to pick out something nice to wear before he took his shower. As he examined the contents of his wardrobe, he heard his cell phone ring.
He ran back to the stairs to get it from his bag, rifling through it until he found what he was looking for. He flipped it open, " Hello? " He answered but there was no one there. He waited then hung up. " Damn telemarketers, " He muttered as he went back to his bedroom to find the perfect outfit.
**
Robert sat on the bed, looking at his watch as Daniel sat by the telephone. Daniel had went to see Robert so they could decide how they were going to tell Branslav that Betty and the best-selling author Melissa French were one in the same. However, they wanted to mess with him for fun beforehand. Daniel had seen Branslav talking to someone during practice and heard enough of the conversation to know Branslav had arranged a pick-up for a date.
" Call him again, " Robert said. " It's been five minutes. "
Daniel tried not to laugh as he dialed Branslav's number again then hung the phone up when Branslav answered. " Man he's going to be so pissed off by the time the girl gets there. "
" Yeah, " Robert agreed with a chuckle. " Damn, he's so much fun to mess with. "
" It's too bad you guys aren't on the same team any more. I bet we could have tons of fun together, " Daniel said with a chuckle.
Robert sighed, " We would be if Martin wasn't so damn cheap and my wife wasn’t so expensive. "
Daniel furrowed his brow, " How is she anyway? She's usually got your phone lit up with calls and messages. At least that's the way it's been since I've known you. "
Robert's mood turned dark, " She kicked me out after the game against the Flagstaff Firehawks. We had a fight and she told me to leave so I did. "
" Oh. Sorry to hear that man, " Daniel replied. He didn't seem to know what else to say.
" It's okay. It's been working up to this for a long time and I think the other night was the final straw, " Robert shook his head. " I invited a friend that just happened to be a girl to the game and she went ape shit on me. She got so pissed off, she ran into the damn locker room to fight with me. She was screaming at me in front of God and everyone. "
" What about that girl you invited? " Daniel asked. " Who was she? "
" Betty, " Robert said.
" Betty?! For reals? " Daniel looked surprised. " When did you do that? "
Robert nodded, " I invited her at that book signing I went to. I figured I owed her something. "
" Well sure, " Daniel said. " After the way Martin treated her. "
Robert nodded, " Yeah but Pauline thought I either had slept with her or wanted to sleep with her. "
Daniel looked confused, " But I've never seen you look at another chick ever for as long as I've known you. Until I found out you were married, I thought you were gay or something. "
" Well I'm obviously not since I'm married you dumbass, " Robert threw a pillow at Daniel.
" Hey, " Daniel deflected it. " I said I thought you were until I found out you were married. I don't think that now. It's just I've never seen you look at girls. "
" Just because a guy doesn't look at every girl that walks by doesn't mean they're gay, " Robert said as looked at his watch. " Call him again. "
Daniel dialed Branslav's number once more then hung up when he answered. Daniel thought for a moment, " Wait. Didn't you marry her because she said she was pregnant? That's what I heard. "
Robert nodded, " Yes and I love my little boy to death but his mother is just starting to get on my last natural nerve. "
Daniel scuffed the floor with his foot. Robert was only four years older than him but had experienced a hell of a lot more than he had. He didn't know what quite to say to make him feel better so he stayed quiet. He checked his watch since Robert had become extremely pensive and quiet, then sighed.
Robert stood up and walked to the door, " I'm going outside for a little bit. I'll be back later. "
"Okay man, " Daniel said. " I'll call Branslav a few more times then leave him alone. "
" Sure, " Robert opened the door and went into the hall. He shut the door behind him just as his cell phone began to ring. He answered, " Hughes, "
**
" Here we are ma'am, " The driver said as he pulled to a stop in front of a nice looking house. It was much bigger than Betty's house and she got a little nervous looking at it. " He said he would be expecting you. "
Betty was a little surprised that her mystery date lived much closer to her than she had imagined. The car trip had only taken about twenty minutes. She nodded as she got out her wallet to tip the man. She got out a twenty, " Thank you sir. "
The driver took the bill and smiled, " You are very generous ma'am. Thank you. "
" You're welcome, " Betty said and got out of the car, slinging her big black purse over her shoulder. She stared at the house for a long time after the car pulled away. She had to get her head together before she found the courage to approach the front door. She glanced around as she slowly walked up the walkway.
When she reached the front door, she pushed the doorbell with a trembling finger. She waited a few moments but didn't hear anyone coming so she rang it again, waiting a little longer before ringing it again. When there was still no evidence of life, she waited even longer than pushed the button again.
**
Branslav growled, hearing the doorbell ring. Someone had been calling him every five minutes since he got in the shower and he was really starting to get pissed off. In addition to that annoyance, someone had started ringing his doorbell repeatedly. He began to wonder if someone had spied on him while he was making plans for the pick-up during practice breaks.
The Supernovas had gotten quite a few young guys that had barely graduated from high school and the maturity level of the team had suffered a massive nosedive because of it. Most of the young men were bench warmers so it really wouldn't affect their game but it was making everyday life a bit taxing. Branslav had come out one day after practice to find his SUV had been vandalized with soap and another time he had come home to find his trees toilet papered.
Daniel wasn't being much help either because he was encouraging the foolishness, still being a bit of a kid himself. Branslav had tolerated it for a while but everyone had his or her limits and he had reached his. He turned off the water and grabbed a towel from the rack. He wrapped it around his hips and headed downstairs.
The bell rang again so he moved faster lest the perpetrator get away before he reached the door. He waited for the bell to ring again after he reached the door as he tried not to imagine how the person on the other side would react when they were caught.
He grabbed the doorknob and turned just at the bell chimed. He flung the door open, shocked to see not one of his teammates but Melissa French. Her dark blue eyes went wide as she took in the sight before her. " Oh my, " She whispered and fell to the ground in a faint.
He looked at her for a moment as she lay on the front step, realizing Melissa was someone he had met before. He tied his towel a little tighter before leaning down to gather her up in his arms and carry her into the house.
**
Daniel jumped when Robert returned, slamming the door open as he came in and slamming it even harder behind him. Daniel watched as Robert went into the bathroom and slammed that door shut. Daniel stood up from where he was sitting and cautiously approached the closed room. He jumped again when he heard glass shattering and things being thrown around.
He weighed out his options. It was very obvious that Robert was upset and Daniel really didn't want to hang around unless Robert wanted him to. He didn't want to leave without telling Robert he was going though so he knocked on the door gingerly. " Uh, Robert? "
" What? " Robert shouted.
" I'm going to, you know, um, boogie. I'll see you later, okay? " Daniel inched toward the door.
" Whatever. I need some time alone anyway, " Robert called back. He sounded spitting mad.
Daniel left the room as the sounds of destruction resumed, scared for Robert and wondering what to do for him. When he came up empty, he thought of the one person that would know what to and got out his cell phone.
**
Branslav was still in shock put who he realized was actually Betty down on the couch. He set her purse on the end table before taking off upstairs again. He had realized why she was so familiar although she had looked much different on television. He had finally got the magazine she had been in and she looked very different there too.
He felt rather stupid because he hadn't figured it out earlier then wondered if she would be okay. He had never seen anyone faint like that in his life and it frightened him. He realized that she probably hadn't known what to expect and seeing him was quite a shock considering he wasn't in a stitch except for the towel he had answered the door in. He was afraid of the impression that it had made on her, hoping she didn't think he was some kind of pervert.
~We could have saved a lot of trouble if I had let her know sooner, ~ He berated himself. He rushed to get dressed so he could go back to her as fast as possible. As he buttoned his shirt, his cell phone rang again. He growled and turned it off, not wanting to deal with the immaturity of his younger teammates until he knew Betty was okay.
He went into the bathroom and grabbed a clean washcloth from the linen cabinet before taking the backstairs to the kitchen. He filled a bowl with ice and water then returned to the couch. He wet the washcloth with the ice water and gently dabbed at Betty's throat since she looked like she was wearing make up and he didn't want to smear it. ~She wasn't wearing make-up last time I saw her... maybe that's why I didn't recognize her the other night. ~
He thought back to the night he first met her, conceding that she look very different. Gone were the glasses and the pulled back hair to make way for an exotic face framed by dark wavy tresses. Without the ugly glasses to obscure her bone structure, he was able to fully see the gentle lines of her face. She almost reminded him of a pin-up from days gone past or a fabled Amazonian, as strong as they were beautiful.
As he dabbed at her throat, he finally took notice of her attire. She was dressed in a silky dark red velvet blouse that clung in all the right places and black jeans with red ribbons running up side of each leg, They hugged her legs not so much that they looked like they were painted on but let her shape show. The finishing touch was a pair of big black western boots that would have looked at home a swanky nightclub.
He looked her over again but he stopped, noticing a strange lump between her breasts. He glanced at her face to see if she was coming out of it yet but she wasn't. He carefully unbuttoned her blouse to find a stun pen clipped to her bra. ~What was she thinking? ~ He pulled the pen loose and placed the weapon on the coffee table.
He reached for her blouse to button it, stopping for a moment. He noticed how breathtakingly beautiful she looked with her waist length hair spread out beneath her and looking a bit disheveled since her blouse was open. He found himself staring at her chest and shook his head. ~She could be hurt and here I am staring, ~ He scolded himself for being such a cad.
He buttoned her blouse up again as his home phone began to ring. ~What the hell? ~ He glared at the seldom-used handset where it sat almost forgotten on a bookshelf. Very few people had his home number for he only used it for emergencies.
He placed the cold rag on Betty's throat and went to the phone, looking down at the caller ID. He snatched it up quickly when he recognized Robert's cell number. " Robert. What's wrong? "
" Branslav, " Robert was breathing hard and sniffling. " I've been trying to reach you forever. Did you forget to charge your phone or something? "
" No. Some of the rookies have been bothering me so I turned it off. You sound terrible, " Branslav had only heard Robert sound the way he did after he had been crying.
" I feel terrible, " Robert replied. " I have to talk to you. "
Branslav looked at Betty, " I have company but I can go to another room. "
" Could you? " Robert sounded almost like he was begging.
" Sure. Sure, “ Branslav said as he walked into the kitchen, his eyes never leaving the couch. “ What’s wrong? “
“ It’s Pauline, “ Robert sobbed. “ She’s been lying to me. “
“ What do you mean? “ Branslav arched an eyebrow. He had always felt Pauline and Robert was a perfect couple. He had never seen them fight but that really didn’t mean anything since fights were usually in private.
“ Alex isn’t mine, “ Robert sniffled.
“ What? How did you find out? “ Branslav went cold all over. Alexander was Robert’s entire life. It seemed that Robert would sacrifice anything, including his life, for the child.
“ Well, I went to go put some blood in the hospital blood bank because he’s going to have that tonsil surgery, “ Robert explained. " I went a couple weeks ago when the doctor said he first wanted to do it but then Alex got sick again so we had to put the surgery off until next week. "
“ Yes, “ Branslav replied. He had known the child had been sick off and on throughout the last couple of years.
“ Well, the hospital said I wasn't a match when I went to do it. I had a DNA test done at a private lab because I thought it was weird and they just called me with the results. Alex isn't mine. “
Branslav almost couldn’t find his voice, “ No way. What are you going to do about it? “
“ When I get back to Taos I'm going to file for divorce from Pauline, “ Robert sniffled again. “ I’ll talk to Coach Hooker and see if I can take some time off too. I need to get my head together before I can play again. “
“ Okay. You know I have room for you here if you need it, “ Branslav said. " Don't forget that. “
“ I won't, “ Robert said. “ I think I’m going to sell the house in Taos too. I'll move in with one of my teammates there when I can play again. “
“ What about Pauline and Alex though? “ Branslav said.
“ She can go running home to her mother and step father number fifty for all I care, “ Robert became quiet as he thought about Alex’s fate. “ Alex will have to go with her. “
“ You can sue for custody right? “ Branslav knew he was grasping at straws when Robert answered.
“ Hell no. He’s not my child. The court won’t take him away from his real mother to give him to his fake father, “ Robert almost laughed at the idea. Though he did love the child as his own, he knew that wouldn't fly in court.
" Isn't there something you could do? " Branslav asked.
Robert thought about it, " I could try to prove Pauline is an unfit mother but that's going to be hard. Even if I did prove it, I'd have to go through the process to adopt him. It's a long shot at best if it's even possible. I don't even think it's possible. "
" That's true, " Branslav nodded. He wasn't for sure if it could be done either.
" Damn it, " Robert sighed. " Hey. I need to call my coach and see what I can work out. I don't think I can play tomorrow. I'm too upset. "
" I guess it's up to you, " Branslav sighed. " If you don't feel up to it then don't. "
Robert was quiet for a long time then sighed, " I'm really not up to it. I don't know how long I can keep myself from crying. I just barely got it together enough to call you. "
" Oh, " Branslav said. " Is there anything I can do for you? "
" Can you come get me so we can hang out together? I can't stand being here any longer. This hotel room is suffocating me, " Robert said quietly. He didn't want to tell Branslav that he had trashed the room in a fit of rage.
“ I’m sorry. A lot of stuff is going on all at once. Do you remember Betty from the banquet? “ Branslav glanced towards the living room.
Robert got quiet for a moment, “ Uh yeah. She got fired in spite of our efforts. "
“ Wait… “ Branslav tried to process the information. " Martin got her fired after all? "
" Uh duh, " Robert said.
Branslav growled, " I thought maybe she quit after her books came out. That bastard. "
" Don't get pissed. You see it was for the better, " Robert said.
Branslav thought about it then sighed, " Yeah. I guess so. "
" It was, " Robert said. " We talked about it a little bit after the game. "
" Why was she at your game the other night anyway? " Branslav asked.
“ She was there because I invited her. Why? “ Robert said.
“ Oh. Um, I invited her to the game tomorrow, “ Branslav replied.
Robert sighed, “ Great. If Martin remembers her, things will get interesting. “
" No doubt, " Branslav said. " Maybe he won't. She looks really different now. "
" I know but I bet you Martin will know it's her, " Robert said firmly. " I guess I'll just have to be ready for battle. "
“ How did you run into her? “ Branslav asked as soon as the question came to mind. He had known she was on an autograph tour. “ Did you go to her signing thing at the bookstore when she was in your town? “
“ Yeah, “ Robert said. “ Daniel and I saw her in Vivacious but we didn’t want to tell you anything until we were sure. “
" Well you should have told me as soon as you knew, " Branslav said.
" We didn't want to piss you off, " Robert said. We weren't for sure until I saw her in person. "
" Well you should have told me when you found out, " Branslav countered.
Robert growled, " I haven't had a chance to. "
" You've had plenty of chances! " Branslav yelled.
" I don't need this right now. It's over now. The secrets out and it's pointless to fight about it now, " Robert shouted back.
Branslav opened his mouth to say something else but realized Robert was right. He sighed, " Damn it. That's right. "
" So are you coming to get me? " Robert asked sharply. " I need out of here. I don't think Betty will mind if I'm along. "
Branslav sighed, " If you think she won't then okay. "
" I'll call my coach then I'll be waiting in front of the hotel for you two. See you, " Robert said then hung up.
He turned back to the living room, heading for the couch. He took the rag off Betty's throat and wet it again. When he placed it on her again, her right hand came up and grabbed him around the wrist. " Hey, " She muttered.
" Hey yourself, " Branslav gave her a gentle smile. " How are you? "
" Dreaming, " She murmured as she opened her eyes. " Are you really SlovLove9982? "
Branslav chuckled at his screen name, " Yeah. That's me. You're Melissa French but I'd like to call you by your real name, Betty. "
Betty shut her eyes, " Wow. I guess you figured me out. I didn't think I'd see you ever again. "
" I didn't think I would see you again either, " Branslav nodded.
Betty moved to sit up slowly, " And here I thought you were going to someone I didn't even know. I was even scared you'd turn out to be some random psycho pervert like you hear about on the news. "
" You can never be too careful these days, " Branslav sighed. He was a little hurt that she thought that. He hadn't given her cause to think he was that way. He thought he had been nice enough when they had talked on the computer.
" That's why I brought... " Betty reached for her chest, furrowing her brow when she realized the stun pen was reaching for was no longer there. She knew there was only two ways it could be gone and she really wasn't for sure which it was. She hoped that maybe it had fallen out until she saw it was on the coffee table.
" Branslav, " She arched an eyebrow. " How did you get that? "
" Uh, " He lamely motioned to the stun pen. " It was about to fall out of your shirt so I got it out. I didn't want you to lose it. "
Betty nodded once. His story seemed believable enough, " Ah. Well then. "
" Yeah, " Branslav nodded. He struggled for a moment to think then motioned towards her. " You look really nice. "
Betty looked at Branslav. He wore a nice white dress shirt and black slacks. He was barefoot and Betty had assumed he just hadn't had a chance to put on his shoes yet because he was barefoot. " You look nice too. "
Branslav smiled at that, " Thanks. "
They were quiet for another long moment when Branslav's phone rang again. He grabbed up the handset and glanced at Betty, " I have to take this. "
" Sure, " She shrugged.
" Yeah? " Branslav answered since he knew whom it was. " So what did you find out? "
" I talked to Coach Hooker. He doesn't want me playing tomorrow if I'm going to be messed up. He said it would be worse for the team than if I did play. "
" Oh, " Branslav nodded. " If he said it's okay. "
" He did. Please come get me, " Robert said. " I don't have anyone else I can call. You know Pauline ran everyone off except for you. I didn't mean to be pushy earlier but you understand right? "
" Yeah, " Branslav sighed. " I'm on my way. "
" Thanks buddy, " Robert said. " You're awesome. "
Betty watched as Branslav put down the phone after he ended the call. " Who are you getting? "
" Oh, " Branslav looked at the floor then at Betty. " You know my friend Robert? "
Betty nodded, " Sort of. I went to his game the other night. He invited me after he found I got fired. "
" Yeah. I know. We've got to get him, " Branslav chose his words carefully. He didn't want to tell Betty too much but he didn't want her to think the wrong thing either. " He wanted to see me before the game tomorrow night. Well, he's not playing so... "
" Oh my, " Betty said. " Is he hurt? "
Branslav couldn't think of anything else to say so he sighed, " Uh yeah. "
" I hope he'll be okay, " Betty said. She wondered what had happened between the last time she saw Robert and how he had gotten hurt.
Branslav nodded, " Me too. "
Another uncomfortable silence shrouded them as they each thought about something else to say. Betty coughed and Branslav got an idea. " Would you like something to drink before we go get him? " He asked.
Betty nodded, " Yeah. Do you have a diet soda? "
Branslav shook his head, " No. I just have some bottled water. "
" That'll do, " Betty said.
" Excellent, " Branslav stood up. " I'll go get it. "
Betty waited as he ran to the kitchen then came back with the water. He handed it to her, " So are you going to put on your shoes now? " She asked as she opened the bottle.
Branslav looked down and smiled sheepishly. " Shoes would be good. "
" I'll wait right here, " Betty said.
" I'll be right back, " Branslav nodded and ran for the stairs. He took them two at a time, running for his bedroom once he topped them. He grabbed a pair of dress socks from the dresser before hitting his closet. He grabbed the first pair of dress shoes he could find and sat down on the bed.
He thought about Betty as he put his socks on, wishing their re-meeting had gone better. The whole situation seemed so awkward and went nothing like he had imagined or hoped it would. He slipped on his shoes and headed out of the bedroom, praying the rest of the day would turn out better.