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“It must be conflicting. If you win today, Denver’s season is over.”
“That’s the way the league works.”
“But sometimes it sucks.”
I shake my head. Her plain statement reminds me she’s younger than me and doesn’t have to put on a face for the media. I appreciate and envy it.
The past couple of weeks have been an adjustment, but she’s been a rock. Getting our new place together, holding shit down when I’m here and not, feeling like my home when I’m not sure where that is.
I turn into the parking lot of the brunch restaurant and pull into a spot. I hit the brakes harder than necessary when I see four familiar figures head inside.
Jay, Miles, Rookie, Brooke…
My chest tightens.
“What did you do?” I ask under my breath.
“They’re your friends,” she insists. Her hand squeezes mine.
I turn to take in her expression, those wide blue eyes and full, pleading lips.
“They’re guys I played with,” I correct. “I have a new team, and that’s where I’ve got to focus.”
“That’s crap.” Her even reply makes me blink. “At the all-star game, you told me you have friends across the league. Don’t let bad blood keep you apart.”
Hurt and self-disgust rise up. I haven’t told her I reached out to Jay the week of the trade.
He didn’t answer.
Probably because he blames me for what went down. He believes the rumors that it was my plan all along.
And wasn’t it?
This was always my plan. I deserve whatever Jay thinks of me. I was the one keeping secrets, the one who put myself above everything.
But I can’t tell Nova any of that because saying it out loud will only make the shittiness more real, make me question the decisions I’ve made.
“They know I’m coming?” I ask.
“No. I had Brooke make the reservation for brunch. But I’m sure they’ll be happy once they find out.”
Through the window, I see them shift into a booth, smiling and laughing.
Part of me wants to go in there.
But I’m a few hours away from a game that will clinch our playoff standings. A couple of months away from what I always wanted: a shot at a championship.
I can’t be hanging out with the Kodiaks.
Nova’s hand lands on my shoulder, her touch light but insistent. “Come on, Clay. Just for an hour.”
“I have a game to win. You staying or going?”
Her face scrunches up, her expression filled with confusion and disappointment. “I’d like to eat brunch with my friends.”
She arches a brow, and I huff out a breath.
“I’ll catch up with you later.”
