Big D Chapter 2: Richardson

Somewhere between properly rinsing my hair and some close time with my new friend, the events of the previous evening started to come back to me. I had met her at the W. She had come in to our usual red rope area of the Ghost Bar with Heather, the head of the dance squad. She had said she was in school in Chicago but visiting family in Dallas for the summer. From there, we danced a little and drank a lot. She requested for me to take her back to her rented summer apartment.
"No way, Dan. I don't trust you alone with her." Heather said.
"Wow, thanks friend! I feel so loved."
"No, it's just--Dan, just take her back to her place and GO home. Neither one of you need the trouble."
"What trouble? So we have a good time together, what's the big deal, Heather?"
"Just TRUST me, Dan. I just don't want this the blow up in your face."
"Alright, alright, I will take her home. Relax."
Of course, I lied. Heather tended to be a little protective of me. We had known each other from high school and she was still friends with my ex, Mandy. She is a good friend and since she is also single and works for the organization, we run around together. But, she is not shy about telling me to stop being such a "man-slut" and realize I should be back with Mandy.

"So, did you have a good time last night, Cheslea?" I said.
"Oh yes, a very nice time, Thank you. And you?" she said.
"It was okay," I said teasing her. She smacked me arm playfully.
"So, what are your big plans for today? I asked.
" Umm, well, I need to do the whole family thing for lunch but no plans after that." She said.
"Cool. Well, I have this thing at my brother's house but maybe I will give you a shout after that"
"Sounds good. Just text me after your thing." Chelsea said.
I dropped Chelsea off at her place that was only five or so minutes away from my place and I check the time on my phone. 2:30p.m. If I fly, I can be at my brother's by 2:45p.m. I have three texts from last night.
"I hope you took my advice."-Heather.
"We expect Joey to be out for the Colorado road trip but return by the next home game."Dr. Cook.
"High five on the bosses' daughter, bro. A little golf later?" -Darius.

"Heather, WHY DIDN"T YOU TELL ME SHE WAS JOE'S DAUGHTER!" I screamed into my phone about a minute after reading that last text.
"Danny, I TOLD you to take her home! We can't you ever freakin' listen?! She begged me not to tell you but I ASSUMED that at some point you would a break from being a TOOL and ask her more than which side of the bed she's prefers!"
"Jeez, Heather. You know I can't be trusted to take a break from being a tool." I say easing up on her.
"Guess where I'm headed. To Caleb's to hang with Mandy and Travis." I say.
"Yeah, she told me." Heather said.
"Don't tell her about Chelsea, okay?"
"I won't. Are you going to see Chelsea again? You know what, don't answer that. I don't want to know."
"Yeah, that's probably best. Ok, well, I will talk to ya later."

I pulled up to my brother's house in Richardson at 2:47 p.m.
"Dan's finally here! Let's eat!" Caleb said with annoyed gusto.
"Hi,mom. I'm sorry I'm late. Happy Birthday. I love you" I say.
"It's okay, baby. I know you had a game last night and it's hard for you to get going the next day." Mom said as my brother rolls his eyes.
"Hey, bro. How's it going?" I say.
"It's good, man. I'm glad you made it." My brother is more relaxed now with a mouthful of potato salad.
And there she is. The most beautiful woman I've ever known, standing with her arm around my ediot cousin's waist. I'm wondering how long it will take him to start recalling the glory days of high school and particularly the night we won the state championship. I estimate twelve minutes.
She makes eye contact with me and my heart breaks for the 1000th time.
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Well folks, you are about to decide why Dan and Mandy broke up since we now know that Dan still have feelings for her.

Is it. . . .
A) The more success Dan experienced working for the NBA in his dream job, the more he seemed to pull away from their young marriage and their faith. Finally, Mandy decided to give him the life he seemed to want and divorced him.

B) One night after a christmas party at his brother's, Dan acccidently ran a red light and Mandy miscarried their baby as a result. Dan's guilt ruined their marriage.

C) Mandy is an actress and finally got a small role in a film that took her away from Texas for 6 months. In that time, she got a little too close to her one of her co-stars. Though it was only an emotional affair, by the time is was over, the damage was already done. Dan still loves her but can't forgive her.