The Player's List

Chapter 9: A Second, I Mean Third Shot

            "Okay." He said as he turned around and walked outside. I walked out behind him and closed the door. I know I won't forgive him or give him a second chance, but I'd still like to hear what he has to say.

            "First off, I'm sorry. I should have never blown up at you. I was just mad that you didn't come to the game. I thought you just blew me off because I called you Ads." Des stated as soon as I closed the door.

            "You really shouldn't jump to conclusions." I said back to him.

            "I know and I'm sorry. I'm sure you had a good reason for not going. And I'm taking a wild guess here, but it has to do something with Kayden, right?" He said. I just lowered my eyes.

            "What happened to him?" He asked seeming concerned.

            "He got beat up downtown. After that he came here and we decided it was best if he didn't go out in public." I lied hoping he believed me.

            "You're sure that's what happened?" He asked as if he knew the truth. It was impossible though, he couldn't know.

            "I'm positive. I trust Kay. He told me the truth." I lied through my teeth, yet again.

            "Okay then." He said. I looked into his eyes hoping he would believe me. For a second I saw doubt in his blue eyes, before it changed. I sighed in my head.

            "I'm sorry I accused you of not coming because I called you Ads. And for basically calling you a bitch. I was wrong and I shouldn't have done it." Des apologized looking sincere. I still not gonna forgive him though.

            "I understand we made a deal, but I really hope you consider giving me a second chance." He pleaded looking into my eyes.

            "This was your second chance Des." I narrowed my eyes.

            "How about a third and final chance? Like three strikes and I'm out kinda deal?" He asked with a sad puppy dog face, but it wasn't going to work.

            "No Destery. You blew it." I responded.

            "Can I at least get one answer from you?" He asked me quietly.

            "What?" I crossed my arms.

            "Why does Ads bother you so much? It's just a nickname. I know you said it has to do something with someone named Ronnie. But what did they do to cause you to hate it so much?" He questioned me. The little box in my mind rattled again, threatening to open. From the corner of my eyes I saw the living room curtains move. I knew that Kay had been listening in.  

            "All I'm gonna say is Ronnie was my ex-boyfriend and it didn't end well. I was... broken in the end of it all." I said holding back the tears and memories that wanted to spill over.

            "I'm sorry Addie. I never knew you had a boyfriend." He replied. I saw something in his eyes but I couldn't tell what it was.

            "Yeah." I whispered.

            "Please Addie. Give me a third shot. I PROMISE I won't ruin it this time. I already lost your friendship one cause of a stupid decision. I don't want to lose it a second time because I was an ass. And that exactly what I was, an ass. Just one more shot. Please?" He said begging.

I stood there looking at the boy in front of me. All I could think of is the years I spent with him growing up. The play dates, birthday parties, and of course the secrets we had told each other. I was looking at him, but I only saw the little boy he used to be. And that's when I cracked. I'm not exactly proud of what I did next.

"I forgive you." I whispered just loud enough for him to hear me. A huge grin came across his face. And he looked exactly like he did when we were seven. I kinda took my breath away.

"One shot is all I'm giving you. You blow it, again, and I'll never talk to you EVER again. Just one shot." I said to him straining out the 'ever' part.

"And I'll make you a promise Addie. I'll help you to get over whatever making you hate the nickname Ads." He promised.

"It's fine Des." I replied with a small grin.

"I called you Ads first and I'm determined to call you it again. No one should call you that ever again, except me." He explained. There was a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"You don't have to do that Des." I smiled at him.

"But I want to. I can see you're still broken inside. I want to help." Was his answer. I just stayed smiling.

"So, friends?" He asked.

"Friends." I answered. All of a sudden he closed the distance between us and gave me a big bear hug.

"Thank you. This really means a lot to me Ads." He whispered into my neck. I shivered a little, but it wasn't from the cold...

"You're welcome." I whispered back into his chest. He pulled back a little and looked into my eyes.

"You really do have beautiful eyes." He barely whispered. I looked up into his blue eyes and noticed they were getting closer. As he brought his face close to mine, mine went up towards his. My eyes started to close as we were about 3 inches away. As the distance was getting less between us, I heard the door open.

"What's going on here?" Kay asked. I jump away and out of Des's hands. I cleared my throat and looked down.

"Nothing. I was just saying good-bye. So, bye Ads. Bye Kayden." Des said before walking over to his mustang and driving off.

"Just a good-bye eh?" Kay said as we walked in the house. I didn't answer him though. I only had one thought on my mind.

Was I really just about to kiss Destery West?