Byron was my best friend.
He won’t speak to me or answer my calls or texts.
He told me to stay the fuck away.
There’s a huge hole in my heart, and I’m grieving. I can’t shake myself out of this darkness, and the only choice I have is to leave. If I stay, I’ll be reminded every day of what I have lost, and I don’t have the strength to survive it.
“Byron will get over this,” Jobe says gently. “You just need to give it time.”
“And if he doesn’t?” I croak.
Franklin and Jobe stare at each other. Franklin coughs, and I look at his poker face. “I assure you he will. He’s stubborn, I’ll grant you that, but hewillcome around. He’s angry and afraid since this is the first time he’s been injured and unable to play. While he blames you for now, in time, he’ll see it was an accident, and no one was to blame.”
“But I was to blame.” I shrug. “Your entire family knows I did this.”
“BJ, we know accidents happen,” Jobe offers. “You were not the one playing defense on him.”
“So no one blames me? The truth?” I ask incredulously. The two seconds of silence tell me all I need to know. “Is Chicago offering a good deal?”
Franklin straightens his shoulders. “They are.” This family is all about the business, and as their father is the team’s governor, I can’t see how they can pass it up.
“When do I leave?” The words sound foul coming out of my mouth.
“Four days,” Franklin clarifies.
“Lottie will be heartbroken. What are you going to tell her?”
“I don’t know. She’ll try to convince me to stay.” I shake my head, lost for words because the conversation will kill me.
“I don’t think she will.” Jobe gives me a pointed look. “She’ll want to go with you.”
Fuck.
I’ve just realized how it could make the situation worse.
Franklin raises a brow. “Think about your words carefully. Convince her that long-distance love lasts, so plan time together before you leave.”
I nod, agreeing with his charade because it didn’t work for Franklin. He glances at his watch—these men are time-poor.
I stand and hold out a hand, knowing it’s possibly the last time I will see them both. “Thank you for helping and for the confidentiality.”
Franklin holds my hand tight. “We’re here for you, Brandon. If you need any help, please reach out.”
“Thank you.” I turn to Jobe.
“I hope we get to do business again one day. This doesn’t have to be the end of the road with the LA Sharks.” He eyes me seriously.
“I hope not. Your family has always been good to me, and this team…” I shake my head as I choke on the words.
“I mean it.” Jobe lets go of my hand. “We’ll be here for Charlotte and Byron. But we need your help as well, especially when you break it to her. Be gentle. If she wants to attend your first game, then she can take the jet to watch you play. We’ll support her any way we can.”
“Thanks,” I rasp out quickly before I turn into a blubbering imbecile.
I leave the office, and the moment I slam my car door closed, I burst into tears.
The only choice I have is to quietly leave before I ruin everything.This isn’t about me.I have to protect Charlotte—from me.I need to do what is best for her, Byron, and this family. I was kidding myself, believing Charlotte and I had a future. I’m not who Charlotte needs. I’m the furthest model of the right man for her.
It will kill her…almost.
