Page 147 of Renegade Rift
I let out a sigh and level with him, handing him my phone. “Something is up with Juliet. And then I just got these messages from Soph, asking what the hell happened which leads me to believe she’s considering moving.”
Carson scans the texts, and I swear the corner of his mouth twitches up before forming a straight line. “I see. When is she leaving?”
“I have no idea.” I toss my hands up, frustrated. “For all I know, she’ll be gone when I get home.”
He hands my phone back to me and crosses one leg over the other, resting his elbow on his knee like he’s my damn therapist. “What happened? Is it because of the article?”
That damn article. It’s made my life a living hell the last four days. Thank God, Juliet is in New York and safe at the Row. These reporters have been ruthless, asking questions, demanding answers like they deserve a front row seat to the most intimate details of my life.
“Fuck that article.” Venom laces every word I spit. “I really wish someone would get that publication some writers who give a shit about sports and not just whatever drama they can spin for clicks.”
Carson shrugs. “You’re right, but they can’t all be likeSports Now.”
At least there’s one sports broadcast company that actually gives a shit about what we do.
“It’s not just the article, though,” I continue with a sigh. “Juliet has taken that front like a champ. She’s even said not to worry because they’d get over it eventually.” Though I’m not convinced she meant it. Juliet has been one to downplay her concerns, especially where things pertaining to Tyler are concerned.
“So, tell me what's happened,” Carson says, stroking his chin like he’s absolutely loving this. “I don’t know if you know this, but I’m kind of a love connoisseur.”
My head tilts to the side, and I arch a brow. He can’t be fucking serious.
“No, really. Ask Bishop.” My teammate uncrosses his legs and elbows Bishop on the other side of him. “Tell him, Bish. Tell him how I’m basically the reason you and Willow ended up together.”
“You're right.” Bishop rolls his eyes and continues lacing up his cleats. “It definitely wasn’t because Luca helped us clear Willow’s dad’s name or anything like that.”
“Sure,” Carson argues. “But who told you to shit or get off the pot and go to her house after the big blow-up?”
Bishop’s shoulders fall, and I can tell it pains him to concede. “Fine. I’ll give you that one.”
“Nope.” Carson grins and crosses his arms over his jersey. “Say it.”
“Ugh.” Bishop presses his fingers to his temples and shakes his head before ultimately giving in. “Carson is the reason Willow and I ended up together.”
“See?” Carson smiles and slaps my arm with the back of his hand. “There you have it. Love connoisseur. Now tell me what’s going on with Etta.”
I grimace. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that name. Especially coming from my teammates.
Bishop leans forward so he can see past Carson. “You're having trouble with Etta?”
I glare daggers at Carson. Did we really have to announce it to the whole team?
“Wait, what about Etta?” Smitty chimes in from the other side of Bishop.
Fuck. What is this? Renegade gossip hour?
I press my hands to my knees and stand quickly, turning on the three of them. “Listen, I’m not having anything with anyone because none of it was even supposed to happen.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bishop asks.
Shit. I’ve said too much.
My mind spins as I try to backpedal. “This wasn’t—I was just supposed to—fuck. I can’t even tell you guys because I don’t want to betray Juliet’s trust.”
“That’s admirable.” Smitty nods, his brows furrowing as he commits my words to memory like he does any sort of advice given to him on the field.
“Okay, don’t tell us what’s going on,” Carson huffs, clearly annoyed by my answer while Bishop only nods. “But do answer us this: Is she the girl for you?”
“Without a doubt,” I say immediately, locking my eyes with Bishop’s. “Remember how you said when you know you know? Well, I know. Juliet is everything.”
