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Why won’t my feet move?
I think of how it felt to be loved by Cooper and know that I can’t give that up. No matter how scared I am that things—mainly my emotions—aren’t in my control.
“Shit, I think I’m going to. Oh my god! I’m going.”
“Way to go!” The Jennings all silently cheer since the mom is sleeping.
I rush out of the room and call my dad to take over for me.
Please. Please answer.
Chapter 30
Cooper
The clock runs out, and the team on the sidelines rushes the field.
The Chicago Grizzlies are the division champs once more and on our way to the big game, crossing our fingers for the big game.
I head over and shake hands with Trent Yoders, the quarterback for New York, as well as a few other team members I know. We’re shuffled out quickly, and I’m pulled aside to give an interview immediately.
“Congratulations,” the interviewer, Samson, I think, says.
“Thanks.” Someone tosses me a T-shirt and puts a hat on my head that says we’re the champs in our division this year.
“You played one helluva game. How does it feel getting this much closer?”
I nod, knowing where he’s going, even if he doesn’t say it. “Good.”
“That’s it?”
“I’m not gonna celebrate until we’re there. And then there will be the pressure to win. So, you’ll see me excited when we’re holding the trophy in our hands.”
I don’t tell him that the big reason why is that I recently did that in my personal life. I thought Elle and I were golden and that we were endgame, only to figure out I was alone in that belief. She wasn’t ready to get into a relationship with me. At least the same kind of one I wanted.
“And here comes the big guy himself, Coach Stone.”
I hug Coach, and he pats me on the back. I slide out of the interview and head into the locker room.
The champagne sprays everywhere, thanks to Damon. I sip from the bottle but put it down, just wanting to get in the fucking shower and on the plane home.
It’s been hard being so close to Ellery for the past twenty-four hours and denying myself seeing her. I almost caved last night after everyone went to bed. It would’ve been easy to sneak out of the hotel. But my willpower has won—I just don’t know how much longer it will hold out.
All my teammates celebrate, and I stand by the locker, stripping off my jersey and pads.
“Way to go, Rice!” a woman’s voice rings out, stopping all the chaos in here like the screech of a record.
I turn to find Bryce and Adeline in the locker room.
“Hey, babe, as happy as I am to see you, there are things here you shouldn’t see.” Damon approaches Adeline, covering her eyes.
“Damon, I’m a grown woman,” she argues, but he doesn’t remove his hand.
My vision shoots to Bryce, who only has her eyes on one thing: me. She shoves me, and I rock back in surprise.
“What the hell?” I glare at her.
“Stop being a baby. Go over to that hospital and grovel and get our girl back.”
