“That’s not fair.”
“What’s not?”
“Teasing me like that. I want to be rewarded.”
“Jesus. H. Christ. I said that out loud? That’s not very golden boy of me.”
Hayley’s infectious laughter lights up the sound waves before a muffled announcement permeates the air and her laughter abruptly cuts off. “Shit. That’s me. I have to go.”
“Talk soon?”
“Definitely.”
“Bye, Baby.”
“Bye, Boyfriend.”
She hangs up and my head spins.Maybe I am drunk?I’m definitely tired.
Lying back, I close my eyes and dream of my bed instead of getting off my ass to walk to my bedroom. I imagine my head sinking into the soft pillows, the warm comforter tucked under my arm, Hayley curled into my side. It’s peaceful and—
What the fuck?
Nope. No feelings. Not right now. I need to sleep.
Aweek later, spirits are high in the locker room ahead of our conference final. We made it this far, and I have no doubt we’re going all the way. Up next, the Super Bowl. There’s an energy in the air that I haven’t felt before. We’re not just confident, we’re determined, and in this moment, I’m happy to be the cocky asshole Luke is, and say…wedeserveit.
When I’m changed, I shake out my shoulders and stretch my arms, bouncing on my toes. With a few minutes left before we’re due on the field, I run through my pregame ritual, clearing my mind, taking a few deep breaths as I live in the moment. I’m about to make my way out when one of my teammates grabs my arm.
“Is that yours?” He points to my phone on the floor and I frown.What the fuck?
“Yes, thank you.” That’s new. I’m usually so organized. Shrugging to myself, I bend to grab it and find a text from my mom, making my brows furrow.
While I wouldn’t normally check my phone this close to game time, something doesn’t feel right. She called to wish me luck earlier, and shenevertexts.
Bringing the screen to life, I click on her message and my stomach sinks.
Mom: Dad and I appreciate your offer for a paid vacation, but we’ve decided it’s not the right time for us. We’re going to spend the $200 voucher on a night in a city hotel and return the rest to you. We are looking forward to getting away for the weekend. Thank you
Thank you?They appreciate my offer?It wasn’t anoffer. It was agoddamnChristmas present. It’s paid for. Nonrefundable. And they were over the moon about it.
At least, theywere.
My stomach churns as my muscles tense. This has nothing to do with my parents. My brother figured it out and he’s making them feel guilty. Just like he always does. Something I’ve been fighting my entire life.
As my teammates exit the locker room, a few of them slap me on the back, completely unaware of my building anger, and I force a smile.
Glancing down at the phone again, my hand itches to call Hayley, and it’s not lost on me that I’d usually talk to Bria about this stuff. Especially since she knows the back story.
Shaking off my thoughts, I toss my phone into my locker and take another deep breath, drawing it in through my nose, out through my mouth. It calms me for a beat until I remember if I don’t leave now, Coach is going to fine my ass. It’s time to get my head in the game. I’ll have time to tackle this issue when I’m home.Afterwe’ve celebrated.
When we’re on our way to the Super Bowl.
For now…we’ve got a game to win.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Hayley
