I clench my jaw against the wave of sadness that washes over me.
Once, when I was a kid, my foster mom drove past a house that had been devastated by a tornado. A great oak draped across the lawn like a crime victim, its roots mangled and jutting out from an enormous hole that gaped from one edge of the yard to the other.
Right now, this awful twist in my chest feels like that hole.
In my case, that tornado has a name and a face, one I hope I don’t have to see anytime soon.
Ben doesn’t appear excited about the news of my move, but I’m tired, and I still have to go home and pack and clean and put a few finishing touches on one of my assignments.
“I’ll catch up with you in the new year. Good luck at your game.” I force myself to smile and continue down the aisle.
I put one foot in front of the other. Because that’s all I can manage at the moment.
68
RIDER
Sienna’s voice is cautious.“But what if she won’t come?”
Holding the phone to my ear, I cross the room to stare out my front window where I look down on Gabby’s house. “I’m begging you. She won’t call me back. She doesn’t read my texts. I’ve gone over there three times and can’t seem to track her down.”
“She’s been coming in late.”
“I feel like a stalker from how often I stare at your house. I swear I’m going insane.”
Gabby told her brother she was fucking moving. Because of the dumb shit that came out of my mouth.
That seems kinda extreme, so she’s either really pissed or terribly hurt. Neither of which bode well for me. And fuck, I never meant to hurt her. I adore that girl.
The clock is running out—I can feel it—and if I don’t make a play soon, something big, Gabby’s gonna walk out of my life forever.
I’m never the guy who gets crushed by a woman. I’ve never let myself get that close to anyone.
Until now.
Sienna laughs. “I hate to say this because you sound suitably tortured, but you sorta deserve it.”
“Thanks, dude. Appreciate the vote of confidence.”
“I’m just worried that if Ben couldn’t talk her into coming to the game, why do you think I’ll have better luck?”
“Because you’re craftier than Ben.” Although I’m grateful, I’m shocked the guy offered to help, but he and his sister don’t have the best relationship. “I know you’ll think of something.”
“Short of doing something crazy, I’m not sure anything I say will persuade her.” The humor in her voice fades. “She’s been pretty upset this week. I’ve heard her crying at night, and she’s not one to be emotional like that. I’m usually the crier.”
God, that kills me. “I swear on football and my beautiful daughter that I’m trying to make this right.”
She’s quiet on the other end. “Do you promise not to hurt her again if I can somehow pull off this miracle?”
“I promise I will never again give her another reason to doubt me or my intentions toward her. I love that girl, and I just need a chance to tell her.”
I can’t believe I’m telling her roommate before Gabby, but there it is. I love Gabriela. To the fucking moon and back. And if I don’t get a chance to tell her before she writes me off, I know I’ll always regret it.
Sienna sighs. “Okay. That was kinda swoony. Count me in for Operation Win Back Gabby. But if you fuck this up again, mister, I will not be assisting you in any more covert ops.”
“It’s a deal.”
Later that night, I get a text from Sienna.All systems go. I’ve got a plan. Bring your A-game tomorrow! And while you’re at it, beat UT!
