Page 82 of Unforgettable Player

“Scout is all I have,” he says. “She’s been there for me through the worst times in my life. When I didn’t know how I’d get out of bed, she was there, dragging me out, making me take a shower and get dressed, somehow making me laugh, through it all. I didn’t even miss any school, because of her.”

My chest is tight. I don’t know whether my love for my sister or the jealousy I’m feeling right now will win out. It’s like they’re warring for dominance inside me.

“She will get over it, Eli. And while she’s getting over it, I’ll be there.”

He looks at me before dropping his eyes to his hands. “Will you?” His voice is small, but his words cut deep. He thinks I’m going to quit on him, like I quit on everything. Why would he think any different?

I clench my jaw, trying to fight the sting building behind my eyes. I’ve never been heart-broken before. Never felt this way about anybody. Never been this scared to lose a person. I’ve always been so hyper focused on myself, on what I want, on my stupid dreams.

For the first time, I want to put someone else first, and it’s too fucking late. I’ve already shown him with my actions that I’m not the kind of partner he can put his faith in. I need to show him in actions that I can be trusted, that I can stick things out. Because right now, my words aren’t enough.

I stroke my thumb over his thigh before forcing myself to remove my hand.

“Okay,” I say.

His eyes flicker up to mine.

“I understand. You don’t want to lose Scout.” And you don’t trust me to stay the course. “We’ll stop this thing. Before it goes any further.”

His bottom lip wobbles. Fuck, if he cries…. He gets himself under control and nods. Stoic. “Okay,” he says.

19

ELLIOT

My eyes are still red when I look in the mirror. I stayed up all night crying after Connor dropped me of at home. I told myself I was being stupid. Even if Scout wasn’t the biggest obstacle ever, I was never going to live happily ever after with Connor Ryan. But nothing stopped how much it hurt.

I don’t know if I can face seeing him again just yet, but when Scout sends me a barrage of gifs and reels and silly messages, everything in me longs to be around her. She’s the person I seek out when I’m sad. She’s my comfort. And if I can’t have that, then what was the point of pushing Connor away?

Can we go to the movies?

She texts back right away.

Let me see what’s playing.

I don’t care what’s playing. I’ll watch anything. I just need to sit in the dark with my best friend, eating popcorn and disappearing into another world.

John Candy marathon?

I guess the universe does love me after all.

Perfect

I manage to make my eyes look less puffy by trying one of Scout’s tricks with cool, damp cotton pads and the tiniest dab of concealer.

I put my sunglasses on the second I leave the house, just in case.

“Everything okay?” Scout asks.

I know she’s asking about my dad, but I haven’t seen him since I checked on him yesterday. I didn’t trust myself not to go off on him if he ignored me again.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.”

“Okay, good.” She nods. She’s trying to refrain from asking more questions. “You ready for your John Candy Daddy?”

I snort. “Always.”

I usually laugh my ass off through Uncle Buck, but while I watch John Candy dance around the living room, there’s a weight sitting on my chest. Scout’s laughter only annoys me. The way she keeps grabbing my arm and stuffing popcorn into her mouth. Stop it, it isn’t her fault. You’re the bad friend. You’re the one who crossed the line. You finally did the right thing. Don’t take it out on her.