The mound was still slightly raised, now covered in grass where the last time there was fresh dirt atop it. Flowers sat in vases, brilliant colors and various kinds, perched on the base of the headstone.
Seeing Hunter’s name carved into the stone sent daggers through Brett’s belly; it halted him in his tracks. He’d lost count of the number of times he’d come by here and hadn’t stopped; it was on the way to the complex, but he hadn’t had the balls to face the reality.
Birds called overhead, butterflies flew, and the clouds rolled all while Brett felt like his life had stopped. It was a strange feeling.
Finally, Brett squatted and touched the headstone, a cold shiver running down his spine.
“Hi, I’m Hunter Thomas.” The young, spry receiver stated, shaking Brett’s hand. He was a transfer from the University of South Carolina, and rumor had it he was really good.
“Brett McFadden, good to meet ya.”
“Oh, a fellow southern boy, huh? Where you from?”
“Tate, Georgia. You?”
“Charleston, South Carolina.”
“Welcome to UGA, buddy.”
“Thanks man, I appreciate it. Good to be here.”
“You’ll love it. It’s a great school, great team.”
“I’ve heard.” The smile that graced the young man’s face looked playful. He was almost as tall as Brett but leaner, less broad. His eyes were a light brown, hair a dark brown, and he had a deeper tan than Brett’s. “Say—you got one hell of a cannon, Cap.”
“Thanks.” Brett was proud of his arm; it was gonna make him a starter this year. The scouts would be coming around soon, and he aimed to get seen.
“You must work out,” Hunter smirked and shoved at him, getting a laugh out of Brett.
“Oh, you a jokester, huh?”
Hunter nodded. “Hell, life’s too short to be too serious. Don’t you agree?”
Brett shrugged. Sure, but a man had to be serious in their sport, if he wanted the pros.
“Damn, who the hell is that?” Hunter’s head motioned over to where Madi stood, talking to her fellow cheerleaders.
She was gorgeous today, as always, clad in her daisy dukes and a tight tank top that accentuated those perfect breasts of hers. He should know, he’d felt them for himself days ago. The wind caught her golden-blonde hair, and she pulled it back into a ponytail, waving over at him as she caught his eye. He could feel his body floating on a cloud as he waved back, he was swooning.
“Dude,” Hunter nudged him, awakening him from his reverie. “Who is that? She’s fine as hell.”
Brett immediately scowled.
“What? That your girlfriend? Sorry, man, but she is.” Hunter blushed.
“Her name’s Madison Taylor.”
“Mmm, maybe I’ll have you introduce me to her later, huh?”
“Easy, Romeo. Go set up. I’m gonna make you a target first. Let’s see what you got, alright?”
“Alrighty there, gunslinger,” Hunter gave him a hick accent and moved to set up at the line. “The name’s Hunt by the way, Cap, and I’m about to blow your mind with my moves.” Hunt gave a wink and puckered his lips.
Brett rolled his eyes even as he called for the snap.
The memory of that day burned hot into Brett’s mind, and tears ran down his face as he recalled how well-matched they’d been from day one—the QB and his receiver. They’d had a connection, friends from the get-go—that was until Hunt had met Madi and Brett’s hopes and dreams were dashed in an instant. The young man whom Brett considered a friend suddenly became his enemy and he didn’t even know it, not for years to come.
Brett wished he had his time to do over again. He would’ve introduced Madi as his girlfriend, and that would have been that; but he’d hid his true feelings. Instead of discussing what happened after the party, he’d avoided the conversation all together, too scared to find out the truth.
The fact of the matter was: he’d been fearful Madi’s bold actions had been a drunken reaction—not a representation that she loved him—and he couldn’t have tolerated it if that had been true. He should’ve known their magnetism went far beyond that.
Either way, he’d rather have gotten a pissed Madi, who would’ve gotten upset with him for claiming her as his girlfriend, than to allow Hunter to swoop in and take her away from him as he’d done.
Now, Brett was left with the pang of regret that flooded his entire soul.
“Dammit, Hunt, I’m sorry. I’m fucking sorry it happened. I’m sorry I was driving your damn car, and you were the one to die because of it. I’m sorry I took your life. I’m sorry that I can’t move on because I feel horrible about it all. You would still be here if it wasn’t for me!” He was bawling like a baby now. He stood and began to pace. “I’m sorry that I’m in love with your wife, and I always have been, God help me, but I can’t apologize for how she makes me feel. How amazing it feels actually being with her, touching her, kissing her. I need some sign that you’re ok with all this. I know what you said on your death bed. I know you told me to take care of her, to give her babies, to love her like you couldn’t but…
“I—I keep hesitating because I haven’t told her that I actually spoke to you on your death bed. And it’s eating me alive. As if I don’t have enough shit to feel guilty about. I’m sorry we fought so much in the end, but I still loved you even though you fucking cheated on her. Damn you, you had to know she would find out!” Brett crossed his arms and yelled down at the grave. “God, do you know how fucking hard that was—how upset she got? She fucking propositioned me. And I was able to not have intercourse with her. Shows you how much restraint I have! Right? I know, I was just as shocked as you are.”
He laughed, knowing Hunter would
