Page 174 of On the Breakaway

“Will you come to my game in a couple of days?”

Avery turns her head. "What?"

Not the fucking time, idiot.

“Nothing. Actually, forget I asked. That was stupid.”

Immediately, her eyebrows pull together. “Grayson.”

“I’m serious.” I shift farther into the couch.

“You really want me there?”

"Yes,” I try to sound indifferent. “But you fly out tonight to Philadelphia for your game tomorrow. You’ll just be getting back to town. My sister will be there. It was a bad idea.”

Even without me saying it, I know she can tell I’m trying to give her an out. After seeing some of the toxicity she’s been surrounded with her whole life, I don’t want to push her into this.

She nods. “Your sister will be there?”

“Yeah. Katie.”

“It’s not like you told her about us, right?”

It’s a grey area. While I didn’t explicitly tell her, I didn’t exactly hide it either. Knowing the way my family gossips, I’m sure Katie’s already looked up Avery’s full digital footprint by now.

“No, I didn’t tell Katie, but um, Wyatt hinted at it pretty heavily.”

As in he explicitly said it.

“Then no worries. I’ll go.”

I pause, searching her face for any uncertainty. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’ll tag along with Wesley, Harper, and Sloane.”

I can’t help but wish everyone knew she was supporting me, her boyfriend. But I guess I’m not really her boyfriend.

Yet.

“So, you’re sure you want to come?”

“Yes, I want to watch you play.”

Relief hits in an instant, overtaking the disappointment, because while I wish we were out in the open, I’m really fucking happy she’s coming to the game.

Then her face darkens. “Um, has Damon said anything to you about me in your first couple of games?”

“Not a thing. Hasn’t really looked twice at me, honestly."

The words hang between us, and instead of seeing relief, her brows furrow.

She’d be more concerned if she knew how hard it’s been for me not to ram him into the boards every time he crosses my path for the damage he caused, but I’ve controlled myself. Winning this series will be enough of a hit to his ego.

“That doesn’t mean he won’t.” She finally says, brushing her hands against her thighs.

“Nothing he can say will change how I feel about you.”

Her eyes catch mine. “Just if he does say something–”