Maeve's Symphony by Marianne Evans Read Free Book Online Page A

that’s how my life would play out, but the reality of it, especially during my freshman and sophomore years, was tough. Character building, is how the coaching staff described it. I describe it as lonely. Nothing but.” He braved a long, drenching look into her eyes. “I never for one second forgot how special you are. I never stopped thinking about us.”
    Instantly, her body stiffened and her features went stoic. Mask-like. Josh took the hint. Us was most definitely a closed topic.
    That was OK—for now. He had said enough, and they had time. If the Sisters team accepted his performance offer, there would be an opportunity for the two of them to start all over again. So, he surrendered the need to know more, forcing himself to take baby steps when it came to reestablishing solid ground.
    A couple entered the field wearing long sleeved shirts, running pants, and baseball caps. They began to jog along a section of the track just ahead of them. Josh let their motion lull him.
    “I’m so sorry for what happened to your arm.” Maeve watched after the pair as well, her quiet voice carrying to him. “I can’t stand watching replays of what happened, and for a while your tackle was all I kept seeing during football games. It made me sick inside. I know how important football is to you, and you’ve worked so hard. I really love watching you play. You’re getting to live out your dream.”
    “That means more to me than you know. I like the idea of you watching, and cheering for me.”
    As they walked, her shoulder bumped lightly against his. Curving winds tumbled a few fast food wrappers across the grass. Small sticks skittered across the barren expanse of the football field. She tugged him toward a set of metal stairs that lead to the stands. Josh released her hand and draped an arm loosely against her shoulders when they claimed space on the first row of seats. The seats were cold, so they huddled automatically.
    Maeve shifted to face him. “So you’ll be in New York for a while?”
    “That’s the plan, probably until I report for training camp in a few months. Rehab resumes in earnest on Monday. I’ve had three days off as it is, and I can already tell that’s been three days too many. Stiffness and a touch of soreness set in.”
    “Wow. So, you work at it every day?”
    “I have to. I want to, actually. At least coming here will make recovery a little easier to handle. I wanted to be away from the local spotlight. Plus, spending time in Westerville and New York City gives me a chance to visit a few of the community centers that are supported by my charity.”
    “Where will you stay while you’re in the city?”
    “A friend of mine from UCLA plays for the Giants. Since it’s the off-season, he’s letting me use his condo because he’s back in LA.”
    Maeve blinked. “That’s impressive.”
    Josh shook his head and crouched against a breeze that kissed his skin then faded away. Yep. It was good to be surrounded by the woodsy scent and textures of home. “Nah. That’s just the brotherhood of the NFL.” The wind kicked again, rippling a thick curl of hair across Maeve’s cheek and mouth. His throat went dry when she used a fingertip to slide it away. “Meanwhile, look at you. Liam told me everything you’re experiencing now is the result of what was supposed to be a simple, one-time-only performance. Talk about living your dream. I’m really happy for you.”
    She tilted her head, squinting against the sun when she looked his way. “It’s what God intended. For both of us.”
    He sensed the melancholy that covered her words because he felt it himself.
    But I always wanted more, Maeve. The urge to speak those words aloud nearly burned through his skin. Once upon a time, so did you. Once upon a time, we wanted the fairytale—with each other. What about now? Who are you now?
    Only time spent together would answer those questions, so Josh kept quiet, listening to tree branches creak and chatter,