Jake sighed as he stared across the bar. This wasn't supposed to happen.
He knew when he came to Madison to teach the summer quarterback camp that this could happen. Well, in theory anyway. But seriously, what were the chances? Of all the bars in this town, why would she be here...tonight. Then again, of all the camps in the south east, why would his boss choose the one in Madison?
He cursed under his breath and finished his drink. This wasn't supposed to happen. Yet, here he was. In the one place where the impossible could suddenly be possible.
He had gotten through the entire week with no problems. At least that's what he told himself. In truth, he thought of calling her every day. But, he had managed to stay busy with his boys on the field all day. And at night, though that was when he was most tempted, he had managed to stay just busy enough with the other coaches to avoid calling her. Late night poker and early morning drills were taking their toll. But, the week was over. He could go home now and relax until summer practice started in two weeks. Tonight was just a few beers out with the guys, a chance to bullshit and tie one on before heading back to their ordinary lives.
Of course, the other coaches had all left an hour or so ago. He sat watching her and drowned himself in memories of them. She was his best friend, his number one fan, his biggest supporter. She knew what he was thinking and feeling before he did most of the time. Of course, things hadn't been perfect. They had fought. They had hurt each other. But, looking at her now, all he could remember were the good times.
He heard her laugh and looked back across the bar. She was out with four or five other girls. It was her monthly "girls night out" fling. He had talked her through many such nights. "Be careful, baby....Call me when you head home....Missin me already, darlin?....I love it when you call me, baby, you're never a bother...Mmmmm, I wish I could dance with you, too....Talk to me on your way home, I wanna be sure you get in OK....I love you, baby."
He had fought every day he had been here to not call her. Just as well. There was no reason for her to know he was in town. They had agreed not to talk anymore. No chatting on line, no phone calls, no emails. Nothing. It was really over this time. At least that's what Jake told himself as he watched her from across the bar. But, on the other hand, they had left so much unsaid. What would she want him to do? How would she feel knowing how close they had come to meeting? What would she think if she knew he was here, watching her, aching for her?
Jake sat on the bar stool nursing another drink. He wished at that moment that he had sent her a picture of him. That way she would recognize him. She would know it was him sitting there. Then he wouldn't be here trying to decide if he should talk to her or not. He didn't like feeling like fate was placing such a monumental decision on his shoulders.
As it got late and the bar started to wind down, Jake watched as Andie excused herself from her friends and headed towards the back where the restrooms were. In a split second, his decision was made, and he got up to follow her.
He walked inside the men's restroom and waited by the door. He heard the door across the hall open and saw her emerge. He stepped out and for the first time ever, their eyes locked. He was speechless as he stood there looking at her. As she moved to walk away in the small hallway, their arms brushed. He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice wouldn't work.
"Andie?" His mouth was dry. The word came out as a whisper.
He watched as she continued to walk, never looking back. Suddenly, he came to his senses and moved quickly up the hall to catch her. As he entered the main room, he watched as she met up with her friends by the door and walked out.
He released the breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. He turned and sat back at the bar, his chest feeling heavy as he realized she was gone. Just like that, she had slipped away...again.
