The JV girls wrap their arms around Jayden.
“I think I’d like to organize some kind of pride event in our community,” Jayden says, wiping at his eyes. “I want to promote something positive after all this.”
“That’s a great idea.” Ainsley gives his shoulder a squeeze. “Maybe start an afterschool club for kids to have a safe space to talk about things like this too.”
Jayden’s eyes widen. “That’s a great idea.”
Ainsley turns to her seniors. “I’m sorry about the playoffs. I really think we had a chance at winning again this year. That’s not how I wanted you to go out.”
“Pfft.” Natalie waves a dismissive hand. “It was totally badass getting to forfeit the game like that.”
Ainsley rolls her eyes as she laughs. “Of course, you would think that.” Then her eyes light up. “Why don’t we have a scrimmage? One last game, for old time’s sake. It doesn’t have to be JV versus varsity; you can pick your teams.”
The girls jump and squeal, immediately scrambling to divide themselves into two teams.
I arch a brow at my girlfriend. “You coach one, and I’ll coach the other?”
“Nah.” She tugs my hand and leads me to the bench. “Let them have fun.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from grinning. “Look at you, turning over a new leaf.”
She nudges me with her shoulder. “I think I’m done competing against you.”
My eyebrows hit my hairline. “Really?”
She nods. “I kinda like being on the same team now.”
I lean down and press my lips to hers. “It definitely has its perks.”
We head up to the top of the bleachers, and sit with our backs against the railing. I gaze out at the field, the place that holds some of my best and worst memories.
But I don’t feel sick about it anymore.
My mother is safe.
Ainsley is happy.
And I get to stay in the place that feels like home.
Coming back to Breakwater helped me close the door on the life I once had, and start building something new.
“Can I open my eyes yet?”
“Not yet,” Ainsley calls from the bathroom. “Have a little patience, would you?”
“You told me to sit on the bed because you have a surprise for me. I have zero chill when it comes to you in the bedroom.”
My heart races with anticipation, my skin warming as I wait.
The sound of the door creaking open has me sitting up at attention. My hands twitch, dying to drop so I can see her.
“Okay,” she says, her voice smooth and sultry. “Open your eyes.”
My jaw goes slack.
My gaze trails up her long bare legs until they’re cut off by a teal-and-navy Ospreys jersey.
But it’s not her old team jersey.
