Romeo On and Off the Court

Chapter 25: Sportsmanship

The fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest.

Bella

For some unknown reason, I woke early. Edward's and the rest of the Huskies' flight landed around half past ten, and they would be back at their home arena by eleven or so. When Edward and I talked last night, he told me Emmett would give him a ride home and he couldn't wait to see me. I had tossed and turned in his bed until the early hours of the morning.

Sucking it up, I snatched up Edward's car keys. This would be the second time I've driven it. His vehicle was definitely nicer than my beat up, old Chevy truck, not there was anything wrong with it. It was just old and didn't have any bells and whistles.

I drove to campus, to the arena and parked where I hoped Edward wouldn't see. My nerves were getting the best of me. None of other girlfriends were around to welcome the team back, and it felt a bit strange to be waiting. Like he said last night, I couldn't wait to see him step off the bus.

Getting out, I walked over to a bench and sat cross-legged on it. The bus would arrive in forty-five minutes, and I had brought my laptop. With it balanced on my knees, I pulled up Leah's history paper. Being a "big" sister was hard work, but I loved having a stepsister. We had even talked for a half hour last night, before Edward called, about a guy she liked and who she felt didn't notice her. My advice was to approach him. She wasn't keen on the idea and wanted me to ask Edward what she should do. At first, I was like what the hell but as I thought about it, getting a guy's perspective was a good idea.

The bus rolled to a stop right as I was slipping my laptop in my bag. Leah's paper didn't have many grammar errors and I made a suggestion on adding a little more about the Great Depression. Sitting patiently, it was a couple more minutes before the team disembarked. Some of the guys glance my way and waved before heading to their vehicles or walking toward campus.

Taking a deep breath, I waited. Emmett and Jasper got off followed by Edward. He grabbed his duffle bag out from under the bus, walking toward were Emmett and Jasper stood talking. None of them looked my way, and I wasn't about to call out.

Mike glanced my way, at Edward's back, and then back at me. I lifted a finger to my lips. He shook his head with a chuckle and walked over to Edward.

Edward

It was great to be home, even if it was for a short time. All I wished to do was hope in my car and book it home to see Bella. The only problem was she had it. Gathering up my bookbag, I got off the bus and grabbed my other bag out from under the bus.

Mike tapped me on the shoulder. "Do you know Bella is waiting for you?" he whispered.

I shook my head. "She's at my place and would have told me if she were picking me up."

"She's sitting on a bench behind the bus."

Glancing over my shoulder, I couldn't believe it. A grin found its way to my face as I dropped my bags and jogged over to where Bella sat. She lowered her legs to the ground and stood. I didn't waste anytime and drew her into my arms, caressing her back. Lowering my lips to hers, I caressed her mouth in a lingering kiss.

"I missed you, too," I whispered.

Her face lit up as she gazed up at me, love shining in her eyes. I felt very lucky and blessed to have Bella in my life. Kissing her again, I released her but caught her left hand.

"Drop his hand, bitch." Tanya voice came from somewhere in front of us. "Eddie's mine."

When Bella started to free hand, I tightened my hold. "Don't, sweetheart," I said in a low voice and through clenched teeth.

"Didn't you hear me. Drop. His. Hand."

Tanya stepped closer and raised her right hand, drawing it back. It started to come forward. Before I could react, Bella managed to free her hand and seized Tanya's. In the next moment, Bella had Tanya facing Emmett and Jasper with Tanya's arm twisted in the center of her back. Bella pressed against Tanya.

"First, if you were his girlfriend, you would know he hates being called Eddie. Second, all the so-called pictures of the two of you were photoshopped." Bella paused. "There's a word for girls like you… desperate."

She wasn't done. "Look around, Tanya. Several of the team are recording this and have been for some time. I promise you this, you cross me and a video will get leaked."

At some point, campus security arrived. The security officer watched, ready to interfere if needed. He tried to hide his smirk but failed miserably.

"Now get out of here," Bella said, releasing Tanya and pushing her toward the security officer.

Slipping up behind Bella, I placed my hands on her hips. She was trembling.

"She's gone, sweetheart." I kissed her temple before looking around to ensure it was true. "Let's go."

~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~

I drove off campus with Bella's hand encased in mine. She had calmed on the short walk to where she had parked. I wanted to talk to her about what had gone down. Tell her how proud I was of her, but I knew now was not the time. Maybe in a couple of hours or tomorrow. I did learn Bella was more than capable of taking care of herself.

Instead of turning right on 45th and toward my apartment, I went left and pulled into BurgerMaster.

"Huh?" Bella commented.

"I'm hungry and hope you'll join me."

Bella turned to face me and then glanced at the burger joint. "This is not your typical fare."

How right she was. The few times we ventured off campus, Bella had chosen restaurants that catered more to my self-imposed diet – fish, chicken, and salads. It wasn't like I didn't eat a juicy burger or greasy slice of pizza from time to time. Like Bella knew my tastes, I knew hers. Given the appearance of Tanya, I wanted to take Bella somewhere she would enjoy.

"I'm in the mood for burger, fries, and a milkshake."

Leaning forward, I touched my lips to hers and cupped her cheek.

"Is this, okay? If not, there's a few other places we could go."

The corners of her mouth turned up as she nodded.

Bella

I knew the BurgerMaster menu was sparse on healthy options for Edward. Arguing with him after what happened with Tanya was not something I wanted to do. It pleased me he didn't asked me and chose somewhere. I had thought we'd go back to his place so he could crash for a couple of hours, like last weekend.

Walking in, we went up to the counter. I blew out a breath trying to decide.

"Ready?" he asked.

"If you are, go ahead."

"Double BurgerMaster, fries, and a chocolate shake."

Alright, he wasn't kidding. Seems he really did want a burger. "I'll have the same but make the shake strawberry."

Edward took the receipt with our order number, and we moved to one of the booths.

"I'm sorry about Tanya," I said after he took hold of my left hand in his left.

He shook his head like he couldn't believe I brought it up, opening and closing his mouth a few times.

"You handled her well this time. Emmett was passing his phone off to Mike, ready to come over and restrain her."

I had saw Emmett. Not wanting him to get injured or benched, I took charge doing what my dad taught me. Tanya had struggled against my hold, but she was only hurting herself. "It's not a big deal. Had my pepper spray been handy, it would have done the job too."

He chuckled. "Your were amazing. I doubt we'll see her again."

"Just asked the guys to hold on to their videos for a little bit. I don't want to sink to her level and post it to a blog."

Our number was called. While Edward went to the counter, my phone beeped – a message from Leah.

Hey big sis. Have you had an opportunity to ask your guy about my dilemma?

I replied I hadn't but would let her know.

As Edward and I ate, I brought up Leah. He listened and sat back, munching on a couple of fries.

"Your advice is sound, Bella. Had you been taken with me, and I wasn't aware, I would want you to tell me."

"And if you didn't get it?"

"Call her," he requested.

Picking up my phone, I selected her name and passed it over.

"Hello Leah," Edward greeted. "I hear you need a little guy advice." He paused. "The best thing you can do is tell him." He reached across and took hold of my hand. "No, I don't think a grand gesture is needed. Try talking to him first. Ask him out." With a little squeeze, he laughed. "Yes, your sister was a bit stubborn, and it was the only I could get her attention."

I smiled, knowing where the conversation had turned. I love you I mouthed when he glanced up and over at me.

"Hmmm… not sure about how I could help your brother over the phone. Bella and I are planning a trip once the tournament ends for the Huskies."

I raised an eyebrow. What was Seth struggling with?

"Let him know I am more than happy to help him learn the ends and out of his new basketball position." He paused again. "Alright. Bye."

He ended the call and passed my phone back to me. "Your stepmom was calling for her."

"We talked last night. What's Seth need help with?"

"His coach moved him to point guard at the end of the season and he struggled. Leah asked if I would mind giving him some pointers."

My mouth twitched. Edward was giving just like his parents.