The Return Home

[cbelle02]

Leah looked up when she saw Dan walking toward her. She smiled softly and waved him over. It was another flashback moment. How often had they done this, meeting each other at this very spot every morning? The only difference was she wasn't happily running to greet him with a hug and a kiss as she usually did in high school.

She did stand when he came over though and hugged him briefly. "No problem. Shit happens. I guess some things never change." She joked, referencing his frequent lateness to classes and dates back in high school.

"So...you wanna grab some coffee? I'll hold our place til you get back." She offered and sat back down on the couch.

 

[Nyghtcaller]

Dan hugged her back and said, "Sure I would be glad to get us a coffee don't tell me I think I know exactly what you want be right back." He gave her a little wink that was only meant to be playful and hoped she would take it as such.

Returning with the coffee's he sat down on the couch that had a bend in it. He wasn't exactly across from her but not right beside her either. Taking a sip he smiled, "Umm this is better than I remember I have so missed this."

He looked up at her when he said he missed it and he meant more than the coffee.

"So tell me what you have been up to Leah catch me up with your life. Also I hope Eric is cool with all of this I would hate for him to show up wanting to kick my ass."

 

[cbelle02]

Leah thanked him for the coffee and couldn't help but notice their fingers touching when he handed hers to her. She inhaled the aroma and took a sip. She had to agree that she missed this too, but the look in her eyes made her wonder if he was referring to more than the coffee.

She shook the thought aside as he sat down. Her eyes briefly gazed over him. He really did look good and that shirt really showed off how much he'd filled out since high school. She met his eyes again when he spoke.

"Don't worry about Eric. He's out of state this weekend. Plus, he's not the jealous type and we're not exactly exclusive yet. He was all for us making nice. Or at least making civil." She shrugged.

"Well...I went to college on the west coast. I wanted to get out of the south for a while, you know? But after I graduated, I realized there was no place I'd rather be. So I came back here, opened my own cheer studio, mostly for younger kids. We teach, run camps, sponsor tournaments, stuff like that. I'm mostly behind the scenes now, but I still coach on occasion. So...that's where I am now."

 

[Nyghtcaller]

He listened as she explained about college and Eric surprised she had attended a school on the west coast. "That must have been some culture shock out there on the west coast."

He hadn't expected Eric to be out of town though it didn't matter either way. He sipped on her coffee for a moment staying silent.

"Well it sounds like you are doing well and I'm very glad for you really I am. So anything else new in town? It appears pretty much the same outside of the shopping and real estate developments. I sure wish you could have come to one of my games in college or the pro's it was never the same not looking to the sideline and seeing you cheering. You remember Fridays after the game Pizza Hut and then out to the lake for a bon fire?"

 

[cbelle02]

"It was culture shock, but I grew to love it. I could have stayed there, but I felt the south pulling me back. I got in touch with my former head cheer coach and she told me about an opportunity to start a studio for younger kids and I jumped on it with her. So that's how I ended up back here in town."

She took a sip of her coffee, reveling in the taste and aroma as Dan spoke. She nodded, smiling as he reminded her of old times. It was at one of those post-game bonfires that Dan first asked her out.

"Yeah. Those were good times. Not much has changed around here, you're right. Except that Pizza Hut closed. They opened a new one across town and replaced the old one with some shitty burger place. They renovated the high school gym, finally. And opened a few new shops downtown. But other than that, seems to be the same." She crossed her legs and took another sip.

"So...It sucks about your injury knocking you into retirement so early. You ever think of coaching or anything like that? I remember you were pretty good with the kids when they came for football camp."

 

[Nyghtcaller]

"Coaching might be fun but it is a hard road and not very financially stable at least to start. Working your way through high school, assistant coaching in college and becoming a hot name is difficult. I might coach as a volunteer and have had offers to do some summer camps for kids around the state but so far I have focused on getting my primary real estate business going. That has been time consuming but it has finally slowed down which allowed me to move her. In fact I have been thinking of opening some sort of real estate development in this area but for now I'm happy with the way things are going."

They got quiet for a few minutes but not to the awkward stage part of it was he didn't want to talk about old times to much just out of fear of where it might lead. He also didn't want to ask to many questions about the now and appear as if he was prying either.

"So you have the rest of the weekend to yourself?" He was gonna take a chance all he could do was make a suggestion and she could just politely refuse and that would be fine he hadn't expected to be having coffee with her.

 

[cbelle02]

"Um, yeah. I try to get my work done during the week so I can have weekends to myself. Usually, if Eric's not in town, I just have some me time. Or sometimes grill out with a few friends down by the lake. You know, just chill." She shrugged.

So far, it had felt like she was keeping him at arm's length. Chatting about their lives but nothing too personal. She missed the days when she could talk to him about anything for hours. Maybe one day it'd be that easy again, if they truly became friends.

"So...it's your second weekend back, what do you have planned?" She looked at him over the top of her coffee.

 

[Nyghtcaller]

Her answer wasn't overly specific but he hadn't expected her to give a minute by minute explanation of her plans.

"I'm honestly not sure or let me rephrase that at the moment I have no plans. Taylor is gone to the beach and she had asked me to go but I needed to say and unpack my things in my apartment. Which I actually haven't done yet so I might just hang out there trying to put up pictures and the like. I need to go shopping for a few things to add to the house."

Dan took another drink of his coffee draining the mug, "umm that hit the spot."

"I really didn't accumulate that much stuff during college as I didn't have room or it would have been broken, puked on or gone missing during one of the many parties. My room mates would throw a party because the sun set that day so there was constantly people hanging out drinking or whatever almost every night and a lot were still there come morning. In the NFL I just didn't take the time to buy many things so it was pretty easy to move here."

He searched her face for any hint that she might want to maybe come help him at his apartment or go for a walk or anything but she didn't let on if she did.

"I heard there was some new fancy dance club on the far edge of town. Have you ever been? Roger asked me to go but I told him that I probably was going to skip it. Roger wants me to go so I will by all the drinks I'm sure. You know how he was always a mooch in high school good guy but hated to spend a dime unless it was your dime."

 

[cbelle02]

Leah listened as Dan talked on about moving and his lack of accumulation of things. She wondered for a moment if she should offer to help him unpack or set up his apartment, but she decided against it, thinking that might be a little too far. That kind of thing could be personal and she didn't want to interfere if he didn't want her to.

"Oh yeah, I've heard of it. It just opened up a couple months ago, but I haven't been. I've heard it's much better than the ones we used to go to in high school. From what I've heard it's mostly frequented by a little bit of an older crowd, like around our age, so there are no teenyboppers begging drinks and acting stupid. But I guess there are still people like Roger though." She laughed and took a final sip of her own coffee.

"Are you thinking of checking it out?"

 

[Nyghtcaller]

"I'm not sure though I'm sure it would be fun but,,," his voice trailed off.

"Look I also have a lot more respect for all of you ladies than I once did. I don't see how you guys go out and are able to put up with the regular barrage of being hit on."

He understood this was sort of random and she was probably wondering where in the hell it came from.

"I want to explain something to you and I promise that I'm not trying to make myself sound, hmmm,," he stopped trying to find the correct words.

"I don't want to sound like I think or thought I was a bag of chips and all that just an honest experience here."

When Dan felt that she understood what he was talking about he continued though was a bit uneasy.

"When I got to college I had gone from being Mr. All State, toast of the town, top of the food chain to pretty much a nobody. I was a backup quarterback that had promise but only those super fans that follow the recruiting even knew who I was. That was a bit of a shock and in it allowed me to concentrate on studying and football without distraction. But by the middle of my sophomore year I had taken over as starting quarter back after Blake had gone down with a injury. I took over at half time only up by a touchdown and threw three long touchdown passes. After that things changed drastically."

Dan toyed with his empty coffee cup as he relived the moment but his eyes didn't look distant he watched her face closely.

"After the game I went to a party and as soon as I walked in I was assailed with congratulations, free drinks and by offers from the ladies. That next Monday in class it was even worse and by the end of the year I couldn't go anywhere without someone wanting something. I liked it at first as it was like high school but magnified a 100 times over. For the summer I went to Colorado and spent it with my roommate at his parents house and actually enjoyed the peace and quiet as they lived in a small town. When I was named the starter for the next year it got even worse and it began to wear on you. I didn't mind the autographs or even the picture seekers that much but people would interrupt you at dinner or while you were studying in the library. But you know the worst part was the constant offers of dates and being hit on by women."

He laughed, "I'm sure that comes as a shock to you that I wouldn't want to be hit on by women. But when they just throw themselves at you and you don't even know their names it becomes old. The main reason was they didn't even know me they were after me because they could say oh I went out with or slept with Dan Carson. We were warned that a lot of girls would try and sleep with you and get pregnant simply because they knew you who you were. Once in the NFL some women wanted you just because of the money issue. Most went after the big name guys but there were still a lot that tried to get to you as you were a up and comer thinking you were an easier target."

"It was then that I realized how annoying it must be at times for women to be hit on by guys for no other reason than to get lucky. They know nothing about the girls and only want them because they find them attractive. After my injury and while I was rehabilitating it things were quiet and I was able to relax and let my guard down quickly being forgotten as the hangers on moved on to the next big thing. "

"Coming back here it has started again though to a smaller degree. Taylor of course latched onto me immediately and honestly I needed a friend and she was the first one to step up. Say what you like about her but she is loyal. She also isn't after me for money though I would never expect her to go out with a guy that was dirt poor but her parents have plenty of money. But Taylor was my safety blanket so to speak when I first got here if other girls thought we were an item than they were more likely to leave me alone. Now don't get the wrong idea that I'm using her cause I'm not I do enjoy time with Taylor despite all her short comings but we are not serious by any means nor can I imagine it going in that direction."

Dan stopped allowing Leah to process everything he had just said giving her a full minute or so.

"I told you all that to say I'm hesitant about the club cause I just don't want to be in that situation right now. I'm a different guy Leah and I don't just go to bed with whatever girl offers but I'am free to do so. The issue is I don't want to and if with the guys sometimes the pressure to do so is there. Sometimes my guy hormones kick and in and you have this attractive girl throwing herself at you and you think with the head between your legs only to wake up the next day pissed off at yourself. But I also don't want to live a life of seclusion so till my little renewal with fame settles down I'm cautious. I need to find a girl friend," he said followed with a laugh, "or at least a female body guard."

 

[cbelle02]

Leah listened to Dan explain himself. It sounded odd coming out of his mouth, that he would tire of constant female attention, but she supposed it made sense. Maybe it was a sign of maturity that he didn't want to put himself in that position again.

She laughed a little when he'd finished. "You know, a lot of guys would kill to be in your shoes. They'd think you were crazy for complaining about your ability to have any girl you want. But...I guess I get it." She shrugged and pulled her a knee up to her chest, resting her chin on it. A position she'd sit in often when they were hanging out together or with their friends.

"So...Taylor was like your welcome party, huh? I guess she is loyal if anything...she stayed with her husband for a year after he cheated on her. Numerous times. Did she tell you about that? I kind of felt sorry for her. I guess that explains why she tries to rub you guys in my face, to make sure I know you're with her. But it's really obnoxious, so if you're planning to continue dating her, please get her to cut that shit out. It's not necessary. She doesn't have to worry about me."

 

[Nyghtcaller]

Sitting there just talking and watching Leah brought back so many memories especially when she rested her chin on her knee.

Hearing that Taylor had been cheated on multiple times and even attempted to stay with him gave David pause. Just like Leah he felt sorry for her and though he knew she was loyal that did surprise him.

"No she didn't tell me that part actually she didn't tell me much other than she was divorced and I didn't ask any questions. As to us I wouldn't even say that we are dating we have only been out twice and only once might have been a true date. I did make sure she knew that she could do whatever she wanted at the beach though I'm not so sure she was happy about me saying that. But I do understand what you are saying and if we go out anymore I will talk to her about you. I'm not sure this would work at least to begin but perhaps me and Taylor and you and Eric could double date?"

 

[cbelle02]

"Taylor and I aren't close friends anymore, and for all her faults, I don't think she's a bad person or deserves to be hurt. So, I guess what I'm saying is, make sure she knows where you two stand so that she doesn't get hurt if you don't go any further."

Leah was surprised that Dan offered to double date with herself and Eric. She knew Eric would be pleased to know that she'd made nice with Dan. But a double date? "I dunno, I guess maybe. I'd have to talk to Eric and you'd probably need to make sure Taylor is down with it and won't bring out her bitch mode. It will depend with Eric, he's not the most social type, but if he's in the mood, he might be ok with it."

Leah lowered her knee and sat up. She suddenly had a memory of her first kiss with Dan, on the same couch. She blushed a little and looked down at her shoes. There were a lot of memories in this coffee shop, why had she thought it would be a good idea to come here?

"Alright." She said, looking up at him again. "I'm glad to say that I knew a professional NFL player back in the day." She laughed a little. "And it was good to catch up with you, but I guess I should get going..." She hesitated. "We should definitely do this again sometime. Or something."

 

[Nyghtcaller]

"I understand totally and I will make sure that Taylor understands mine and hers relationship fully. As to Eric well if he isn't into it I don't want anyone to be comfortable and perhaps you and Taylor might be a bad mix for now. But we can just play it by ear and see how it goes."

When she looked down at her shoes he wasn't sure what the problem was but she seemed suddenly a little different like something had occurred to her. He started to ask but let it pass not wanting to pry.

"Well thank you but I was only a back up and not a starter so I suppose you get to say you knew a second rate NFL player but an awesome guy."

The last part he said with a big grin and was meant as a joke. "Yeah lets do try and get together maybe later this weekend I will probably be only able to do so much at the apartment."

Deciding to take one last stab he made the suggestion, "I tell you what later tonight or tomorrow if you get bored and want to do anything I don't care if it is curtain shopping then you text me or call. If you don't get bored then text anyway just to say hi maybe. If you don't feel comfortable with that then I understand and I won't bother you or anything."

Dan stood to allow her to leave hoping she would hug him once more.

 

[cbelle02]

Leah stood as well. "Yeah, that sounds great. I'll definitely do that." She hesitated for a moment. It had felt nice to reconnect and though part of her was still wary of him, she felt like he was being genuine and honest during their conversation.

She stepped forward and lifted her arms to hug him again. This time, she held on a little longer than the last. He still smelled the same as she remembered and his arms were strong around her.

Finally, she pulled back with a smile. "Thanks for the coffee, I'll get you next time." She offered. "I'll see you around." With a small wave, she turned and walked out the door.

That wasn't as bad as she'd feared. She'd thought it could be awkward, but though they weren't as familiar as in the past, it hadn't been weird. And honestly, she thought that she wouldn't mind hanging out with him again soon.

Later that night, she found herself thinking of Dan again. Curled up on her couch, watching TV, she debated sending him a text. It was kinda late but unless he'd changed a lot, she knew he'd probably still be up. She finally sent the text.

Hey, what're you up to?

 

[Nyghtcaller]

Dan left the coffee shop very pleased with how everything had gone. He felt like they had taken some real steps towards becoming friends once more. The big question in his mind did he truly hope that they might become more than friends?

One part of him really did want that but there was a part that was unsure if he could go without sex for how long? Would she wait until she was married? It wasn't that he would go out and cheat but he did have a strong sexual libido that demanded to be fed every once and awhile. Plus he had been used to having sex on a very regular basis so could he just turn that part of his desire off or tone it down? It didn't matter at the moment as they were barely at the start of a renewed friendship.

Dan tried to unpack his apartment and put things away but either texts from Taylor, calls from Taylor or thoughts of Leah slowed down his progress. He finally gave up for the moment and was having a beer out on the balcony just staring at the stars when his phone dinged. "Taylor again", he thought and he looked at his phone.

It was Leah and he began to reply immediately, "Not much tried to unpack and finally gave up. Sitting out on balcony drinking a beer and watching the stars atm. What about yourself?"

 

[cbelle02]

Leah glanced down as her phone seemed to light up immediately with a reply from Dan. She smiled a little to herself as she read his response.

That sounds nice. I'm just curled up on the couch w/ Netflix and my dog. Exciting life, huh?

It was interesting how her life had changed over they years. In high school and even through college, most every night had her out at a party or a club. Now, though she saw her friends a few times a week, she rarely went out more than a few times a month. Even then, it wasn't like it used to be.

 

[Nyghtcaller]

Reading her reply he laughed and then typed a reply.

"Really exciting we are acting like a couple of old people. Maybe I should get dressed and got check out that new club? What do you think should I go or stay home?"

He wasn't really serious about going but she had made a point and he was a bit bored honestly.

Before she could answer he sent a second message.

"Or we could go down to the bingo hall and try out luck with the silver foxes."

 

[cbelle02]

Leah laughed aloud at his second text. That was more like the old Dan. She quickly typed out her reply.

Well, I'm not gonna tell you what to do. But I bet these days we'd have more luck with Bingo.

She thought a moment before typing up another text. She hesitated before sending it, erasing it, then typing it again.

Do you want to come over?

She sent the message but quickly added, Maybe bring some beer and we can chill on the porch or watch some terrible movies like back in the day.

 

[Nyghtcaller]

He laughed at her reply then saw the second one his face seriously lighting up.

"I would love to come over and hang out,, I will be glad to bring us a few adult beverages! Let me get a quick shower. Oh and where is here? I have no idea where you live."

Dan began getting ready really fast while waiting on a address to Leah's place. He put on a little of the cologne he knew she used to love and dressed casually but wore a muscle shirt that caught most girls eyes.

 

[cbelle02]

Leah texted Dan her address and then jumped in the shower herself. She had been wearing a tank top and sweats, and though she knew she shouldn't care, she wanted to look a bit nicer.

After her shower, she changed into a pair of shorts and tshirt. The shirt was one he'd given her years ago with their favorite band at the time. It was casual but fit rather snugly and the vneck dipped a little low on her chest.

Satisfied that she looked decent but not like she was trying, she sat on her porch to wait for Dan.

 

[Nyghtcaller]

Dan's phone dinged and he saw the address. It wasn't one that he remembered so he sent it to his GPS to navigate.

He stopped off and grabbed a 12 pack of Coors Light and a bottle of tequila. Deciding that she might want a fruity type drink he grabbed a 6 pack of coolers that came in various flavors. He had considered wine but that was a bit to formal for this meeting.

He found her place with ease and grabbed the alcohol which he had placed in a cooler. Dan headed up the walk and step and he saw Leah sitting on the porch.

"Hi there beautiful", that was meant as a light greeting and was the truth but he thought it sounded a bit strong.

"Sorry I didn't mean that the way it sounded." He held up his hand stopping her from speaking, "Hello there and you do look quite lovely this fine evening." He gave her a little bow as he finished his greeting.

 

[cbelle02]

Leah laughed at Dan's reiteration of his original greeting and stood to take the cooler from him. She gave him a quick hug and took the cooler from him. She flipped it open to peruse the contents. At seeing all the beer and liquor, she laughed again.

"You do realize it's just us, right?" She teased and closed the lid. "But thanks for remembering I like tequila."

She nodded toward her door. "Come on inside." She opened the door, leading him into a small foyer that opened into a large living room. Fully furnished with leather couches and a big flat screen tv on the wall. Past the living room was the kitchen and dining room.

Leah sat the cooler down on the counter and gave Dan a quick tour of her house. It was 2 stories, with the living room, and kitchen on the bottom floor. As well as her office and a bathroom down the hallway. Upstairs was her bedroom, another bathroom, and a spare bedroom. Her bedroom led out onto a balcony overlooking the lake behind her house.

After she'd finished showing him around, they went back down stairs to the kitchen. She grabbed two beers to start, handing one to Dan and putting the rest in the fridge.

"Wanna go find something to watch, or do you just wanna chill on the porch for a while?" She asked him as she cracked open her beer.

 

[Nyghtcaller]

"True but you never know how much alcohol is enough and how much isn't so I was making sure."

He followed Leah around as she gave him the grand tour, "Wow pretty damn nice Leah you haven't done bad for yourself at all."

After they finished and she handed him a beer, "I think outside its really a nice night so lets enjoy it", came his reply to her question.

As they were heading out he stopped and really looked her over once more, "Leah you do look amazing", his eyes stuck on her tee shirt. "Is that shirt the one I think it is?"

 

[cbelle02]

Leah blushed at Dan's compliment as they walked out onto the back porch. She looked down at her shirt when he mentioned it.

"Oh, yeah." She said as she took a seat in one of the chairs on the porch. "It's still one of my favorites." She took a long swig of beer and threw her legs up on the railing. Her eyes followed him as he passed by her, taking in the way his muscles flexed and moved under the shirt he wore.

"You know, you're not the only one to give compliments around here. You're looking pretty good tonight yourself." She said, letting her eyes lift from his strong arms to his face with a smile.

"You know if anyone had asked me a few years ago, hell a few days ago, if I thought I'd be sitting here with you like this, I'd tell em they were out of their damn mind." She laughed. "But, you know, it's not so bad."