Free Going Hard (Football Romance) by PJ Chase Page B

afternoon Maureen arrived at Tyler's spot to find it completely empty.  She didn't know what to make of it.  Tyler was the most reliable person she knew.  Plus, he hadn't texted her that he was leaving school in a hurry. 
    Maureen knew something must have happened.  But what?  Was it some kind of emergency?  When Tyler didn't pick up his phone or return Maureen's texts, she started to worry.  She didn't want to just stand around though.  Instead Maureen headed over to Tyler's house looking for answers.  Instead she just ended up with more questions. 
    "Sorry Maureen.  I haven't seen him," Tyler's Mom said, at her front door.  "I actually thought he was with you."
    "I wish," Maureen replied. 
    "Wow.  I have no idea where he could be," Tyler's Mom said.
    "That doesn't make me feel good," Maureen replied. 
    "I know what you mean," Tyler's Mom said. 
    "Anyway, I have to go to work but let me know if you hear from him," Maureen replied. 
    ***
    Maureen couldn't get any work done at the foundation that day.  She was too worried.  She still hadn't heard a peep back from Tyler.  Where could he possibly be? 
    Finally, when Maureen had worked herself into a frenzy, Tyler walked through the front door of the foundation. 
    "Oh thank God," Maureen said, giving Tyler a hug.  "I was worried about you."
    "Yeah.  I'm sorry about that.  I didn't mean to bolt without letting you know like that," Tyler said. 
    "What happened?" Maureen wondered. 
    "Well, I have some amazing news," Tyler admitted. 
    Maureen was totally confused.  "About what?"
    "I had this incredible meeting today that just came out of the blue," Tyler said.  "It changed everything."
    Maureen had not seen Tyler this excited in a long time.  She had to know what was up. 
    "Well, don't keep me in suspense.  What happened?" Maureen asked. 
    Just then Tyler noticed a couple of Maureen's co-workers peering over their cubicles, poking in on his conversation. 
    "You know what?  This is the kind of thing that needs to be said in private," Tyler insisted. 
    "Really?  You're seriously going to build me up this much then leave me hanging?" Maureen asked. 
    "Only until you get off of work," Tyler said. 
    "Well, I can take a break," Maureen insisted. 
    "This is bigger than something we can talk about on a break," Tyler said. 
    Maureen groaned.  "I can't believe you're teasing me like this."
    "Don't worry.  I'll meet you in the parking lot when you get off," Tyler said. 
    ***
    Maureen couldn't get any work done for the rest of her shift.  It was a complete waste.  Her mind was just on fire with the possibilities.  The time could not have ticked by any slower.  But finally Maureen's shift came to an end eventually and she met up with Tyler in the parking lot. 
    Tyler then took Maureen up to make out point to give her the news. 
    "So, tell me," Maureen insisted, completely worked into a tizzy. 
    Tyler then took a deep breath.  "I've told you how much I love you, right?"
    "Tyler, quit stalling.  You know I hate surprises," Maureen said. 
    "Here's the thing.  I need you to know how much I love you before I tell you the news," Tyler explained. 
    "Of course I love you.  Now tell me," Maureen insisted.
    Tyler then tense up.  His hands got sweaty as Tyler tried to find the right words. 
    "Tyler--"
    "I want you to come to LA with me," Tyler said. 
    Maureen had no advance warning of what was on Tyler's mind, but it definitely wasn't that.  Maureen looked like she had been run over by a truck.  Of all the cities in the world, Maureen had never considered going to Los Angeles even on vacation, no less to live.  Not to mention Tyler had never even brought up LA before.  But Tyler was all business.  There was no hint of joking in his voice.
    Maureen didn't know what to say.  But she didn't want to leave Tyler hanging.  Still, all she could muster was a furrow of her brows.
    "What?" Maureen said, as confused as ever.
    "LA.  You know, Los