FATED (8 page)

Ten

‘Well, Nathan, th
ese look really good.’ I was holding up the X-rays to the portable light box and could see the fracture that Nathan had suffered was repairing well.

‘So with a bit more work on your leg muscles, the strength will come back, maybe not to 100% but pretty close,’ I licked my lips and nodded at him.

And there it was. I was treated to a full blown Nathan bad boy grin, dimples in full Technicolor. I could see why women fell at his feet.

‘Yes,’ he shouted and pumped his left fist into the air. ‘So I can lose the crutches?’

‘Well that needs to be checked by the orthopaedic surgeon, but probably really soon, you know, when you’re in the apartment,’ I started to shake my head, ‘but probably not for longer periods of time on your feet.’ I added in the last piece of information, but I could see he hadn’t heard it. Nathan was the sort of guy that only heard what he wanted to. But his pleasure and relief at the good news was communicable. He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my forehead.

‘So how much time have I got to get ready for our outing?’

He released me and started to explain, ‘It normally takes about an hour to get out to the ground, but as I still can’t drive yet, we will take one of the family copters from the top of the building.’

‘Copters, as in helicopter?’ I questioned, raising my eyebrows up to him.

‘Mm Hmm... have you ever been in one before?’ He smiled at me.

‘No.’

‘You will love it, chocolate drop, flying takes no time at all to get there, it was all arranged to take Alex. But as he will be driving from my mother’s house, I told him I would use it to come and watch anyway.’

‘OK then, helicopter it is.’ I made sure I sounded more confident than I felt. ‘What time shall Bella and I be back here?’

‘Say noon, and wrap up warm.’

‘Yes Mum,’ I said saluting him, although I wouldn’t bestow that title on him, he was too nice. ‘I have watched rugby before you know, in the cold and everything.’

‘Sarcasm doesn’t become you; you know, go and get ready. You need to give Bella plenty of notice, in case she is otherwise engaged.’

‘Huh, right,’ I made for his door. I really needed to ask what the hell was going on between them, there were definite vibes, of that I was sure.

‘See ya,’ came from behind me as I made my way back to the more feminine apartment that was Bella’s and mine.

I found Bella sitting on the floor in the lounge area, staring at her laptop and chewing on a piece of toast. Totally immersed in whatever work she was doing.

‘We have to be back at Nathan’s by noon, how much longer are you working for?’

‘I am just looking at some info... that’s very interesting, I must say,’ she quickly covered over her laptop by ¾ closing the lid, just as I made my way over to sneak a peek. ‘Now, now,’ she shook her head and smiled, ‘confidential stuff on here.’

‘Sorry, anyway Nathan is flying us to the ground in a helicopter.’ I waited for the news to filter through.

‘REALLY....! You do know how much I love your job and connections here, don’t you?’ She closed the laptop and jumped to her feet, grabbing hold of my forearms.

I did, and I was enjoying the perks, too.

At exactly 11:55am we knocked on Nathan’s door. Bella was dressed to the nines; looking beautiful and somehow making it look like she hadn’t even really bothered. I, on the other hand, although wearing good jeans and boots, had on one of JJ’s old rugby shirts from Cambridge Uni and although I had tucked it in the top of my jeans it hung off me. I was comfortable, but extremely pleased I had taken extra time with my hair and make-up today, so at least I didn’t feel too much like the ugly stepsister.

Nathan’s door swung open quickly, to reveal a dressed down version of Edwards, complete with leather jacket. ‘Ladies are we all ready?’ he held the door open for Nathan who appeared wearing his panty dropping grin, directed straight at Bella, who openly swooned.

WTF?

I decided when we got home later, or as soon as we were not within earshot of anyone else, it was time to ask her some very pointed questions.

Nathan had his crutch positioned in its usual place, but I noted he was barely using it to support his weight. He was positively exuding happiness and excitement.

Obviously good news from the surgeon then?
The four of us made our way to the lift that led up to the roof.

‘OK ladies, we should be there in only about 10 minutes or so, do you have everything you need?’ questioned Edwards.

After we nodded in response, he opened the roof door. God it was cold being so high up and outside. A bit scary too, as the wind had a quality and strength up here that could have almost blown you over. It reminded me of my favourite place near home. Edwards placed his arms around Bella and me and guided us towards the waiting helicopter. Opening the door he pointed towards the back seats, he then helped up a cross looking Nathan. We placed our headphones on and watched Edwards climb into the pilot seat, a man of many talents, so it seemed.

The nervousness in my stomach dissipated with the start of the helicopter blades. We moved away from the helipad and into a serene looking, clear blue sky. The view was simply breath-taking. Edwards was right with his estimation of time and only minutes later we touched down in a large green open field. After climbing out we watched Edwards take off again.

‘Wow,’ came from Bella.

‘Come on let’s go get a drink from the bar, before kick-off.’ Nathan turned towards the car park and what looked like a very posh clubhouse.

Deliberately I slowed down, creating a little distance between myself, Bella and sex on legs in front of us. I placed my arm through hers, ‘So care to tell me what’s going on with you and just fucked hair?’

Bella’s head spun around to meet my stare, ‘Just a bit of fun, Frankie, that’s all. Honest flirting, nothing more. Anyway we need to get you ready to meet the elusive Alex, don’t we? Are you excited?’

I wasn’t convinced by her answer, but Nathan had slowed up to wait for us and I could only nod my answer to her.

‘What position does Alex play, Nathan?’ I asked, drawing Nathan once more into our group.

‘You do know your stuff then girls, unfortunately although I enjoy it I am not overly conversed in positions and such like on the rugby pitch... I do however know lots of other interesting positions,’ he said grinning from ear to ear and lifting his left eyebrow, staring straight at Bella. She pushed him on the chest for good measure and placed her arm through the crutch less one, laughing.

Harmless flirting? My arse.

‘I think he plays second row?’ came from Nathan, his face was showing a frown, with a thoughtful expression. He was looking over his shoulder at me, as we carried on walking. ‘He’s a couple of inches taller than me, and a hell of a lot broader.

We had entered a very modern looking building, but I was completely blown away by what we found inside. The rugby club resembled a club you would find in England. It was as if it had been designed to be just that, heavy wooden floors, exposed brickwork with plaques and trophies displayed on them. The bar looked like it had been made of one continuous solid piece of wood and polished to a deep shine. But it was the smell that floored me, a smell that deeply resonated within me, ‘Hops?’ I said out loud to no one in particular. The whole place felt like home, warm and extremely comfortable.

‘Girls, go and take a seat, what are you both drinking?’ Nathan made his way to the bar and a small group of blokes having a beer. They welcomed Nathan with smiles, obviously asking how he was, as they kept glancing towards his leg. Bella and I made our way towards one of the semicircle booths that ran down two sides of the clubhouse, and sat on the dark green and very comfortable velvet seats.

‘Well you must have had the heads up?’ mumbled Bella, rubbing her hand over the velvet upholstery.

‘Sorry?’ I responded.

She touched JJ’s old rugby shirt I was wearing, running her fingers lightly over the green and white jersey.

‘Look around, this rugby team obviously plays in the same colours.’

I caught her drift just then, and grinning slightly I smiled at her, ‘Oh yeah, what a coincidence.’

One of the guys from the bar was helping Nathan over to us, carrying our drinks on a tray.

‘OK, so this is Brent,’ he said as he nodded towards the smiling bloke who was now placing the tray on our table. ‘Brent meet Bella and Frankie, Frankie is my physio and Bella is her very articulate friend,’ he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

‘Hi, pleased to meet you both,’ his right hand had stuck out towards us and we shook it politely. Brent took a seat next to me and lifted his pint glass to his lips and proceeded to take a mouthful. After swallowing he looked at me quizzically and then again back at Nathan.

‘The Frankie,’ he questioned Nathan, raising both eyebrows in disbelief.

‘Yep,’ replied Nathan, ‘The Frankie... the best physio in the world,’ he said lifting his glass probably filled with JD, his drink of choice, and taking a large slug. A reverberating sigh leaving his lips as he gently placed the crystal glass down on our table with a clink. Nathan’s eyes slowly lifted up from watching his fingers turn the glass in a slow methodical circle and met Brent’s.

‘OK, well I have to go get ready for the match now, it was great to meet you both, ladies,’ Brent stood and climbed down from the raised booth, ‘hopefully I’ll get to see you after the match as well.’

I watched Brent make his way across the floor and felt like I had missed a whole unspoken conversation between the two men.  Bella glanced at me and we shared a questioning look.

‘Right, girls, we have approx. 45 minutes until kick-off,’ Nathan stood slowly clapping his hands together with certainty. ‘I need to eat. Can I get you both anything? They do a mean steak and kidney pie here.’ He looked from face to face, tipping his head from side to side, ‘Starving, hurry up.’

Bella and I both declined and Nathan slowly made his way towards the bar, again.

‘So?’ I heard from Bella, putting so much weight into that one questioning word. ‘Don’t you think that that was a little bloody strange?’

I shrugged my shoulders at her, not verbally replying because all I could concentrate on now was the doorway that Brent had just disappeared into. I sat sipping my root beer, wondering if the elusive Alex was already here and changing into his kit. I felt my interest notch up a level at the thought of the man naked.

Eleven

The whole rug
by ground had obviously been well designed. The stands were well sheltered, with comfortable, covered over seating in three out of the four. Someone had clearly spent a lot of money on it that was for certain.

It was just as well, the weather was the sort of cold that penetrated every layer you wore. I had to admit I was so looking forward to watching the match. I hadn’t really been to many games since JJ had died and I acknowledged that maybe it was about time to move on and embrace the game we had always loved together.

The game got off to a slow start. Bella was screaming her head off next to me, much to the amusement of Nathan, who didn’t seem to be watching the game much. Instead all his interest was on us, well mostly Bella. It always amazed me how men found it so amusing that we actually knew what we were talking about, in the mostly male dominated sport.

My eyes were on the game though, constantly trying to search out which of the second row Alex could possibly be. It was starting to be a very full on game and the play switched quickly from end to end. One of the forwards stood out to me though and my eyes were constantly pulled back towards the number five. He had to be the broadest one out there and was quite obviously the captain. I kept hearing his extremely deep voice shouting orders and encouragement. He always seemed to get himself into just the right place at the right time.

I was enjoying myself, but all too soon the game was drawing to a close. In the last few minutes of the second half, number five was hanging on the wing, just waiting for a pass. Once it came he took off, hogging the touch line, it was amazing to watch as this physically huge bloke barrelled his way through the opposition and sprinted towards the try line. He then turned to place the ball directly under the posts with one hand.

I was up and out of my seat, jumping and clapping. It wasn’t the winning try as Alex’s team lost the game. But in my mind I would replay it time and time again. My core tightened with the unexpected lust I felt for the number five. I watched his team clap him on the back and smiled.

Nathan had two fingers in his mouth, whistling an ear piercing shrill of a whistle. He punched his left arm into the air and shouted, ‘Yes, way to go Bro.’

My stomach flipped itself over. Oh God, my hand moved involuntarily up to my open mouth.

So number five was Alex?
I could feel Bella just staring at me; I sure as hell wasn’t going to reward her by looking at her. I knew she would have on a shit eating grin, which quite simply I was refusing to look at.

The teams made their way to the edge of the pitch. Alex’s team clapped the winners off. I still couldn’t see him properly, because although he was one of the taller guys out there he was wearing a head guard. Oh well, I resigned myself to waiting until they had cleaned themselves up and found their way into the bar area.

It was so very welcome, walking back into the clubhouse. My face was bright red from the cold wind and had stung slightly as the warm air hit it. I unwound my scarf and removed my coat. I found myself making my way back to our original semi-circular seat and flopped down with a sigh. I glanced around, Bella was up at the bar ordering some drinks and a couple of the famed steak and kidney pies as the fresh air had made us ravenous.

A smile spread over my lips, she was openly flirting with the barman whilst ordering. Nathan on the other hand had his back to her, as he chatted with some other blokes who had also watched the game. He lifted the bottle up and down from his lips and every now and again shot a quick look at her, pursing his lips tighter together. If he kept on like this there wouldn’t be any room in between them to actually drink the beer.

Jeez I needed a wee, quickly I shot a look around the bar area, just searching for the door I badly needed. I was fairly sure that I was a windblown mess. Old rugby shirt was one thing, a knotted mess of straw for hair was quite another. I saw the sign on the wall to the right hand side of the bar and made my way towards it, clasping my handbag as though it contained the crown jewels.

After a quick wee, I took a look at my reflection. Small amount of makeup was intact, check. My cheeks were flushed by the wind, but it gave me a healthy glow I surmised. A couple of brushes though my hair had it looking relatively good and not screaming “wild thing” anymore. I was good to go.

The bar area had certainly filled up with people by the time I made my way out of the ladies. I couldn’t see our seating area. As I started to make my way towards the general vicinity, saying a very repetitive, ‘excuse me please,’ there was a strong smell in the air, of nicely cleaned men and the wonderful smell of quite expensive deodorants, shower gels etc.

I could just see the top of Bella’s head now, her blonde hair moving to and fro. She was laughing, I recognised the head movement. I was a few steps away from finally reaching the table. Standing in front of it was a very tall, large, dark haired man. It had to be Alex. I felt excited and a little apprehensive all at the same time. I felt my pulse quicken, and a further rush of blood flowed to not only my face, but other parts of me as well.

His back was broad and very muscular, and although it was contained in a very tightly stretched, dark green, button-down shirt, you could see almost every line and contour of the muscles in his back, as his hands were obviously crossed in front of his chest. I had unwittingly slowed down to take in the sight. All I wanted to do was run my hands up his shoulder blades and press my nose to his spine.

‘Here she is,’ I heard Nathan speak.

I lifted my gaze up to meet Alex, in order to be introduced properly.

The very nice back slowly started to disappear from view as Alex almost hesitantly turned around to face me. I couldn’t keep my head up for too long and started to take in the glorious site that was Alex. Old worn black jeans, that fitted him in all the right places, and the tucked in shirt, which stretched equally well across the very well defined abs. I slowly started to look up towards his face almost jumping up one shirt button at a time, in time with the beat of my heart. He must have uncrossed his arms now as they moved away from his chest and fell to his sides, his huge fists clenched. On his little finger I could see the large titanium ring, which I had spotted before. His well defined Adams apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed, was he nervous as well?

My tongue flicked out to wet my lips. Seriously what was wrong with me? It was like I wanted to eat him. I stifled the nervous giggle that wanted to leave my mouth.

I was pleased to note he had a couple of days of scruff on his face and a glorious cleft in his chin; finally I made it to his eyes, desperately hoping I hadn’t taken as long with my appraisal as I felt I must have.

I stared straight into the most gorgeous emerald green eyes and there stood in front of me, staring right back at me was... Jabby.

The hairs on my neck stood to attention, almost painfully.