It’s a big fucking promise, but it’s the only plan I have.
I walk out to the court and shoot around before the rest of the team arrives. By the time the team and Coach Mathews walk in, I have worked up a sweat. Taking a seat to rest for a minute, I wipe my brow and take electrolytes with my water. I’m going to sweat like a motherfucker.
Byron strolls in, fresh-faced and smiling. A number of thoughts run through my mind when he takes the seat beside me. The one seat separating us is occupied by my phone and sweat towel. My phone dings, and a messagepops up on the screen. It gains both our attention, and he looks down at the same time as I do.
STOP MESSAGING ME!
Fuck.
I wipe my brow, the air between us turning cold. Keeping my focus straight ahead, I say, “I know what you’re thinking.”
“I highly fucking doubt it, or you wouldn’t be sitting here like you’re untouchable. By the time I finish, you’re going to wish you licked piss off a stinging nettle to convince the Stingers to let you stay rather than drag your sorry ass back to LA.”
Byron has always made me smile but fuck, he means it. “I’m going to get you a championship.” I turn and look him in the eye. “I’m going to make you look like the best fucking player in the league.”
He narrows his gaze at me. “Your promises are written on a toilet roll, and I’m going to wipe my ass with it.”
I stand. “I mean it. It’s what you’ve always wanted. And then you stay the fuck out of Lottie’s and my lives.”
He springs to his feet. “Not on your fucking life. You’re the last person I want her with.”
I shrug, and his face turns a shade of red.For God’s sake, don’t poke the bear.“So you want me to leave now, quit ball, and just go home?”
“Nothing would make me happier.”
I slowly nod while anger builds in my chest. “You’re the one who’s full of shit. You can’t do this without me. And if I do…” I point a finger at him. “Do you think she’ll be truly happy? Tell me, how many people has she been with since I’ve been gone? Did she care for any of them?”
“I don’t fucking know. Her life is?—”
“You should take time to know. From what I see, your sister has been fucking miserable.” His ignorance of Charlotte’s feelings has my blood boiling. River walks in, and we both turn. I grind my teeth until my jaw aches. “Do you think he’s right for her?”
He grunts.
“Tell me someone who loved her more than me.”
“You. Fucking. Left,” he snaps, his anger soaring.
“I leftfor you,” I snap back, then head out on the court.Think about that, motherfucker.
“On the court now,now!” Coach yells from the end line.
“Bull-fucking-shit,” he says low and deep, but I hear him. Then he’s beside me, bumping my shoulder as he runs past.
“I’m done running,” I say loud enough.
“BJ and Byron,” Coach bellows. “You two are running while the rest of your team trains.” He points to the edge of the court. “Start now.”
“The fuck?” Byron moans.
“The next time you two want to argue, it will be from the fucking bench.” We break into a jog. “And stick together.”
After the first lap, Byron waits until we are earshot away from Coach. “Nothing changes. You stay the hell away from her.”
I smile. He’s been thinking about it. “Not happening.”
Another five laps. “I’m going to fucking kill you.”
“I’ve had worst threats.”
