Second Best

Come over.

I can't.

Are you with him?

No. He's at the dinner with the team.

Come over.

I walked up to his new place up the hill from Consol. My cognac riding bots clicked lightly on the pavement. It was dark out and I looked around paranoid I'd get mugged. The short walk seemed like a marathon. I was so nervous to be alone with him I gently knocked on the door already regretting even going there. He opened it and gave me his quirky little smile. He was wearing just his dress pants, a belt and socks. I parted my lips to say something, but his smashed against mine roughly and he pulled me inside. He hastily shut the door behind me and pressed me firmly against the wall. His lips were just like I remembered and his ginger stubble grazed the corners of my mouth. His tongue he always licked his lips with in interviews was exploring my mouth like it was a race. He pulled away for just a moment and I caught my breath. His eyes scanned down at my heaving, hot chest. A huge smile grew on his face, then he frowned. I was wearing the first Pens shirt he gave me. It was a grey V neck with white stripes on the sleeves.

"What hapened?" he asked sadly resting his forehead on my shoulder.

I've never seen him like this. His usually spiky hair was wet and flat against his face and he looked tired from the game. He worked hard, really hard, and I understand how frustrated he was that he didn't score. I'm sure seeing me there didn't help too much either.

"I'm sorry Jamesy. Brandon just wanted to make a scene and make you feel like shit. He used me to get to you. He's just- he's just insecure becasuse he knows I still have feelings for you." I said placing my hands on either side of his face and kissing his forhead. He looked up at me with glazed eyes.

"Then why are you with him?" he asked driving a steak through my heart.

"I don't know. Sometimes he-" I took a deep breath searching for the right word.

"What? Is he good to you? Does he hit you or something, because I'll fucking kill him!" he perked up squeezing my shoulders.

"No. No. Sometimes he makes me...really happy" I whispered. I hated feeling like this. I knew I wasn't in love with Brandon, but I didn't dislike him either.

"I don't make you happy?" He asked with the biggest puppy dog eyes.

"You do. It's just-"

"Am I not good enough? I don't speak enough french? Does he have a bigger cock than me?" he asked sincerely hurt.

"Stop it. You're great James. But I just felt like you were ashamed of me. We barely went out the whole time we were together and Brandon, well he shows we off. He takes me to all the parties and he acts like he's actually proud to be seen with me. Honestly James, is it because I'm-"

"Are you kidding me?"

"Well you never wanted to go anywhere in public with me"

"It's not because you're black. I can't belive you think I'm that much of an asshole."

"What am I supposed to think?" I crossed my arms.

"Maybe I don't want to share you with the rest of the world! With all the guys who are hotter than me, less awkard, have real jobs. I was scared one of them would just scoop in and steal you."

"James..."

"I was constantly paranoid that I wasn't good enough for you."

"How could you think that?" We were still standing in the doorway and I didn't even want to hear his response. I pulled im into me and kissed him hard. I let my hands rest around his neck after the initial passion faded. Before I could pull away he lifted me up and wrapped my legs around his waist. His bare chest was flush against mine as he carried me up the stairs. His hands roamed my body and he held my breast gently in one hand and the othe cupped my ass. He kicked his bedroom door open with his foot and he set me down gently in the middle of his bed. He hovered over me and kissed down my body. He took a deep breath as he rested his head in between my breasts. Then I felt a shocking vibration in my pocket. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw that it was Brandon. I hit the decline button. I threw it over the bed and onto the floor. I didn't realize the voicemail would start playing. James started to peel my shirt off me when I heard Brandon's voice coming from my phone.


"Hey Babe. The guys and I are headed to bed. Just wanted to tell you that uh- well- you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. *nervous laugh* I love you Reese. Call me when you get this."


I squeezed my eyes shut in disgust at myself.

"James. I can't do this" I said beginnning to tear up.

Notes