No, not exactly.
“It’s not the same thing. I didn’t throw the broadcast for Devin. I did it because I realized I was on the wrong career path. Working in sports broadcasting wouldn’t have made me happy long term.”
“Then you should have withdrawn your name from the candidate list,” Brooke says.
It’s surprisingly practical advice from our resident influencer.
So why didn’t I just withdraw my name?
Because you’re too stubborn to do things any way but your own.
Wow. The truth really does hurt sometimes.
I’ve been toying with the idea of a major change ever since United G screwed Brooke over, but it wasn’t until I stepped onto the Sports Stream set that I knew for sure I wanted to go through with it. It all happened so fast, I didn’t stop to think how my actions would look from the outside. And, yes, maybe there was a small part of me that thought it might help Devin, but it was a tiny part. The same tiny part that wishes he would’ve spoken with Mac about accommodations.
That wasn’t your call to make.
“Mierda.” I cover my face with my hands, shame heating my blood. “I think I screwed up.”
Devin’s not the pendejo, I am.
Brooke smirks. “Admitting it is the first step.”
Yeah, but the first step to what? Devin was furious, and now that I’ve stopped to consider things from his perspective, I can understand why. Although I never meant to hurt or undermine him, that’s exactly what I did.
I hurt the man I love.
Because now that it’s over, I can see it for what it was. We didn’t have a label or a commitment, but Devin had my heart.
Still does, broken as it is.
So put it back together.
They say time heals all wounds, but screw that. I’m not going to sit around waiting for fate or karma or some other mystical force. I made this mess and I’m going to fix it.
Assuming that’s even possible.
It has to be. I refuse to believe otherwise. The prospect is too painful. I don’t know how, but I’m going to make this up to Devin, and maybe—just maybe—he’ll find it in his heart to forgive me.
“Wait.” Maddie’s voice shatters my concentration and when I turn to her, her face is screwed up. “If you no longer want to major in communications, what do you want to do?”
I inhale, drawing a slow, steady breath. “I’d like to become a sports agent. I want to help ensure that what happened to Brooke doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
“For what it’s worth, you’ll be an amazing agent,” Brooke says, tears shimmering in her eyes as she leans over to hug me. Her embrace is warm and familiar, and I hold on until she lets go. “Any athlete would be lucky to have you in their corner.”
“Thanks.” I force a smile, the warmth of her hug fading fast, and grab my phone. “Let’s just hope my parents agree.”
Soraya winces. “You’re calling them now?”
“Might as well get it over with.” I climb to my feet and my gaze slides to the tv. Waverly is up by seven, but it’s early in the fourth quarter, so it could go either way. For Devin’s sake, I hope the Wildcats can pull off a win. He’s already lost one dream this week. I’d hate to see him lose another. “Wish me luck.”
I dial my mom and as I head upstairs, Maddie hollers, “There’s more ice cream in the freezer if you need it!”
Mamá answers on the second ring. “Sutton? Why are you calling so late? Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” I assure her as I flop down on my bed and prop myself up on my elbows. “Is Papá around? There’s something I need to talk about with both of you.”
“He’s right here. I’ll put you on speaker.”
