I lift my chin. “Unbeatable.”
“You understand now we had to get him.”
It wasn’t a question, so I simply nod.
I hope they’re ready for what happens next because my heart can’t fight it any longer. I don’t have the strength to keep being the bitch I need to be as it’s what it will take tokeep him away. To keep the peace for my family and the team.
For the first time in years, I am looking forward to the season ending.
The clock is countingdown the final seconds of the game. Brandon takes a steal and passes it to Byron. Three quick dribbles, and they beat the other players to the other end of the court. While Byron has a better shooting percentage, Brandon is known for his speed. He runs in front of Byron, who sends the ball high in the air. Brandon grabs it and slams it through the hoop, and the buzzer sounds. Brandon lifts a finger in the air, indicating number one.
Yeah, baby.
Brandon and Byron bump chests, which is a display of testosterone for winning the game. I jump out of my seat and clap hard, pride exploding in my chest. I remind myself where I am and that he is not mine.
Byron runs to his teammates as Brandon turns to the crowd, beaming his beautiful smile. He points at me then taps his chest twice.
Over. His. Heart.
I stare at him, horrified.
Beside me, Franklin wisely remains silent.
The cameras, the fucking cameras…
What the hell was he thinking?
Jobe turns around. “Well, that escalated quickly.”
On Friday night,I invited my friends over at the last minute, enticing them with a night of facials, fun food, and wine. Dressed in bathrobes, we’re now sitting around the fire enjoying hors d’oeuvres and fine wine.
Bella raises her glass. “Please thank Giana for me. My new artwork looks fabulous on the wall.”
I clink my glass with hers. “She’s all talent.”
“I remember her from high school,” Cassie adds. “I always knew Byron and her would end up together.”
“Yeah? For a while, I wasn’t so sure. There are chapters in their story they need to forget.”
“I’ll tell you what I won’t forget,” Violet says after pouring herself a glass of champagne filled to the rim. She focuses on not spilling any as she raises it to her lips. “The highlights of the game, and when he who-we-don’t-mention pointed his finger at someone sitting here tonight.” She’s an idiot, and her eyebrows arch as though it’s a cryptic clue.
Cassie screws up her face. “Like an accusation pointing their finger?”
She looks at me, and I roll my eyes. “No. It was nothing, and I don’t know why Vi had to bring it up.”
“Why else did we have an emergency girls’ night? You…” she points her finger at me, “… can no longer trust yourself.” She taps her fingers over her heart, mimicking what Brandon did.
I narrow my eyes at her, wishing her to shut the hell up. “My eyes were clinging to the screen like a turd to a diaper. The cameras flashed to you, but you acted as though it was nothing.”
“Itwasnothing,” I snap.
My friends stare at me as if I have grown two heads. I arranged a night at my house because I needed to be distracted. I’d rather poke my eyes with a rusty fork than have this conversation with them.
“I’m so confused,” Cassie complains.
“Okay.” Violet spreads her hands wide. “Picture this. Your worst nightmare has come to life, and you’re hating on him. Oh, you hate the goddamn world. Because you never wanted to see that motherfucker again, and now, he’s back in town, and you have to live with it. You accept it’s a business decision, and you desperately want a championship, so you suck it up because all your life, you have been groomed to be professional and do what is right for the family business.”
I grab the bottle of champagne and drink straight from the bottle. The cold bubbles offer a momentary relief because myex-best friend keeps talking. “You know nothing,” I snap.
