The screen holds me captive, my eyes fixed on the warmup, scanning for the inevitable pan across the crowd. The camera always finds the governors of the team, and I know exactly where the Hendricks family sits. Whereshesits.
Every game, every replay, I’ve studied Charlotte’s face like a map, searching for cracks in her expressions, a hint of what she’s feeling. Tonight, it’s no different—the tight press of her lips, the faint furrow in her brow, and the frustration etched across her features. She’s not with anyone—I’d know if she were. She’s never worn that look when she was with me.
A pang twists in my chest, sharp but fleeting, as satisfaction creeps in where it doesn’t belong. It shouldn’t feel this good, knowing she’s not happy, but I can’t stop it.
Because I want her happiness to come from me.
And I can’t help but wonder if she still feels the absence the way I do. I am incapable of loving another. I tried, and one even lasted a month. I even took her to a game in LA, knowing Charlotte would see her. Inevitably, it didn’t last because no one can take Charlotte’s place in my heart. No one.
I would rather be alone.
The television flickers, and the camera zooms in on her face—serious, focused—as she claps for the team, for her brother. Byron’s arm flashes across the screen, a fresh tattoo wrapping around his skin. Married now, with a kid, the ink seems to mirror his contentment, a permanent mark of a life well-lived.
New ink.
The thought lingers, twisting into an idea. A grin tugs at my lips as Charlotte’s expression comes to mind—her shock, her wide eyes when she sees it. Laughter bubbles up.
“Merry fucking Christmas,” I say, the words dripping with amusement.
9
CHARLOTTE
New Years Eve
I haven’t laughedlike this in years.
Franklin owns Dricks, one of the best nightclubs in LA, and when the DJ playedour songfrom high school, we girls owned the dance floor. We brought the moves and, with it, a lot of stares from the younger crowd. With strapless, sparkly gold dresses, no one can dull our vibe.
“We haven’t lost it,” Violet says, out of breath, as we slide our asses back into the VIP lounges. She fans her face, trying to cool down. “I’m not as fit as I used to be.”
Bella laughs. “You should be the fittest chasing after your kids.”
The server arrives, and I order more champagne.
“I could get used to this,” Cassie says. “Staff fussing over you.”
“It’s not as fun as it appears.” I tip my head toward Dwayne, who is standing in the corner. “I’ve had a shadow for years.”
“Well, I’m just going to burst your pity bubble. How can you work with a hot security guy following you everywhere? I mean, I would jumpthatevery opportunity I had.” Bella licks her lips.
I feign shock. “I’m a professional.”
“He has huge balls.” Violet stares at his crotch.
I cough, no longer feigning surprise.
“From a medical perspective, of course.”
Bella laughs. “Of course. Observation makes the nurse.”
“Right. The last time I had a handful that large, I accidentally groped a patient as I was assisting his position in bed. I reached for the other nurse’s hand and squeezed, only it wasn’t her hand.”
“The hell?” Cassie shakes her head. “Did he scream?”
“He wasn’t happy, considering he was around ninety. The scrotum hangs low at that age, but Dwayne here…” She smiles, acting innocent when he looks our way.
“Stop. I don’t want to picture anything sexual about my security guy, thanks.”
