The Toughest Play

9. Rogan

CHAPTER 9

ROGAN

I ’m eating a sandwich when a text comes in on my phone.

Chip: Dropped off the car. Keys in the glove compartment.

That’s Chip for you. He’s always in a rush and every interaction is to the point.

Me: Thanks, man. Email me the bill and I’ll pay it right away.

Will do.

I pull up Autumn’s contact info and type out a message.

Hey, your car’s in the lot and the keys are in the glove compartment.

Autumn: Thank you. How much do I owe him?

Nothing. It’s all set.

Then how much do I owe you?

Nothing.

That’s not acceptable.

If you want to pay me back, then have dinner with me.

That’s not a good idea.

I disagree, but if you won’t agree to dinner, then how about dessert?

I’m fully prepared for her to disagree, so I’m still formulating my arguments when she replies.

Okay. What time and where?

I smile at my phone.

Seven at 86 Ocean Avenue in Sandview.

See you then.

Looking forward to it.

“What’s got you so cheery?” Cooper asks, dropping down in the open seat next to mine.

“I’ve got a date. Well, not a date. But I’m hoping it leads to that point.”

“Nice. Is this someone you just met?”

“It’s Autumn.”

“From yesterday?”

“Yep. She had car issues and I gave her a ride home. I also had my buddy fix her car and drop it off today.”

“Maybe she wants to show you how ‘grateful’ she is,” he suggests.

I shake my head, laughing. “Not this girl. As it is, I had to negotiate down from dinner to dessert because she doesn’t want to go.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I remind her too much of her ex—Brett.”

“Well, fuck.”

“Yeah. That sums it up nicely.”

“You just need to spend some time with her so she can see you’re nothing like him.”

“That’s the plan, but I have a feeling she’s not going to make it easy on me.”

“Do women ever?”

“I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve been this interested in one.”

“Are you saying you’re a virgin too?”

I bark out a laugh. “Hell no.”

Cooper rubs his forehead and laughs. “I didn’t think so.”

“I’ve never wanted to pursue a relationship with any other woman until now.”

“I hope it works out for you. But don’t let it get in the way of all the progress you’re making on the field.”

“I won’t, dude. Nothing’s going to stop me from having the season of my life. Not even Brett Barlow himself.”

“Judging from the way he’s been playing, he’s going to help you take his position away.”

“I don’t need that. I’d rather beat him at his best.”

“How the opportunity presents itself isn’t important. What matters is that you make the most of it.”

“That’s true. And I sure as hell plan to do that.”

He holds his fist out and I bump it with mine. “Good luck, Rogan. I hope you’re as smooth with Autumn as you are on the field.”

I nod. “So do I.”

I run to the store on my way home and grab everything I’ll need for tonight. Once I’m home, I take a quick shower and then throw on some clean shorts and a Charleston Coyotes t-shirt my brother, Niall, gave me. He used to play hockey for them until he retired a couple of years ago.

I brush my teeth, run my fingers through my damp hair, and put on some cologne before heading to the kitchen.

Lining a few small bowls up on the island, I fill them with the dry toppings I purchased. I’ve just finished placing a spoon inside each one when my phone rings. I grab it from the counter and see my sister’s name on the screen. Smiling, I answer the call. “Hey, Maeve.”

“Rogan, how are you?”

“I’m good. What’s new?” I grab some napkins from the pantry and set them out near the bowls.

“Not too much. Trey and Gwen just ran over to his parents’ place to help his dad with something, and T.J. is down for the night.”

“How is the little man?”

“He’s wonderful. I can’t believe how quickly he’s growing.”

It still hasn’t sunk in that my sister is a mom now, as well as a stepmom.

“How is Gwen doing?” I ask, inquiring about Trey’s daughter.

“She’s doing well. We’ve been shopping for all her dorm room stuff for college.”

I shake my head. “Jesus, I can’t believe she’s eighteen. How is that possible?”

“Tell me about it. Trey’s having a hard time dealing with the thought of her leaving soon.”

“I bet. But at least he has you and T.J. to keep him busy.”

“True. Not to mention his work.” Trey’s the owner of the Charleston Coyotes hockey team. “I wanted to check in and see how camp has been going for you,” she says.

“It’s been amazing. I’m playing better than ever, and I think I might actually have a shot at starting this season. Maybe not right away, but at some point.” Grabbing two more bowls from the cabinet, I place them on the island. I might as well finish setting up while we’re on the phone.

“That’s fantastic. Keep up the good work, and I’ll cross my fingers that you get your chance. I know if you do, you’ll make the most of it.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. I appreciate it.” Reaching in the drawer, I grab some more spoons.

“What are you doing? You sound preoccupied.”

“Sorry about that. I’ve got company coming over, so I’m getting everything ready.”

“Company… of the female persuasion?”

I laugh. “Yeah.”

“Who is she?” she yells in my ear.

“Whoa, you’re way too excited.”

“I can’t help myself. Does this mean my baby brother is finally growing up?”

“I wouldn’t go that far, but I am interested in someone. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem to return the feelings.”

“Why not? Have you been an asshole to her or something?”

Why’s it gotta be my fault?

“No, of course not. I’m not a jerk to women.”

“You use them for sex,” she states.

“And they use me too,” I retort.

“Maybe so, but I bet some of them have thought you’d want more after the fact.”

“I can’t say for sure. But while you’re dissecting my lack of morals, should we discuss how you met your husband?” They swiped right on each other on a hookup app.

“We’re talking about you,” she says with a hint of amusement in her voice.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“What are your plans for your date?” she asks.

“Nice subject change,” I say, and she snickers. “It’s not a date. I helped her out and she’s coming over to pacify me.”

“Oh. That doesn’t sound promising.”

“I’m gonna try like hell to win her over. I’m doing a homemade sundae bar.”

“That sounds fun. What else do you have planned?”

“That’s all. She’s coming for dessert. What else should I be doing?”

She laughs. “You must really like her if you’re asking me for advice.”

“I think I do.”

“Bring your sundaes out to your screened-in back porch and eat them there. Maybe light a scented candle or two so it smells less like a football locker room.”

“Hey, I’m insulted. My house doesn’t smell.”

“Shut up and light the candles now so they can get to work before she gets there.”

Being the youngest means no one listens to me .

I grab a lighter from the junk drawer and head to the rear of the house. The screened-in porch is one of my favorite rooms, especially in the less humid months. But tonight is unusually mild, so this space is a great option. I light the vanilla scented candle on the coffee table.

“Do you still have those lights strung around the room?”

I nod as if she can see me and then reply, “Yep.”

“Turn those on too.”

Bending down, I plug them into the outlet, and the bulbs light up. “All set. Should I make them a color or leave them clear?”

“Not unless you never want her to come over again,” she says.

“Why do you say that? Are colored light bulbs that offensive?”

“No, but you’re trying to win her over, so subtle is better. Colored lights are too aggressive.”

Lights can be aggressive?

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Maybe this is a mistake. I’m out of my element here. Casual sex I do well—no, make that phenomenally. But this seems more complicated than I realized. Or maybe Maeve is making it harder than it needs to be.

“I’ve got to finish up some stuff before she arrives.”

“Good luck, little brother. Keep your pants zipped no matter what.”

“What if she unzips them?”

“She won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“If she were the type to unzip them, you wouldn’t be having her over.”

“So you think I just like the challenge?”

“Not necessarily.”

“Then what the hell do you mean?”

“I think she’s different from the women you’ve dealt with in the past, and that’s a good thing.”

“I guess I’ll find out tonight. This might be the last time we’re alone together.” But I hope that’s not the case. In fact, I have to make sure it’s not.

“Take it slow and focus on her first. Basically, do the opposite of what you usually do.”

“Hey, I always focus on her first,” I say, laughing.

“Eww. I meant when you’re conversing.”

“I will. I’m genuinely interested in learning more about her, so it should happen naturally.”

“Good luck. Drop me a text and let me know how it goes.”

“I might be otherwise occupied,” I say.

“You won’t be,” she states with so much confidence, I want to prove her wrong. But I’m not going to sabotage my future with Autumn just to prove a point to my sister.

Damn. I really am growing up.

“Bye, sis.”

“Text me,” she yells as I end the call. I’m still smiling as I place my phone down on the counter. I glance at the clock and notice the time. Oh shit. Now I’m running behind and she’ll be here soon. I better get cracking.