“Walter, that’s not fair. You know he’s right,” I forced myself to say.
Owen let out a short, humorless laugh. “No, no, it’s okay. He’s finally saying what he’s been boiling to say for a long time. Right, Grandpa?”
I could see it—the way Owen braced himself, the cloud that descended on his face. He wasn’t going to let that slide.
“First of all, if I don’t show up for medical tests or whatever they want, they can hit me with a massive penalty and even take legal action for breach of contract. FIFA could sanction me, which means I’d be banned from signing with any team anywhere in the world.” He took a step forward. “But more importantly, I worked hard for every chance I ever got,” he said, his voice gruff but firm. “Nothing came easy to me, even when it looked like it. I thought that would make you proud. I’m sorry I don’t have all the answers. I’m sorry my dad’s a dickhead for leaving you here after I disappointed you by leaving, too. I’m sorry my profession requires me to be on another continent. But I asked you to come with me, more than once, and you turned me down. So I’m glad you had Rio. Still do.”
Walter’s lips pressed into a tight line. Then, slowly, he pushed his chair back and stood.
“Let me tell you one thing,” he said. “And I know this because my wife and friends died before me.” He met Owen’s gaze. “It’s easier to leave than to be left behind.”
Then, with a pointed movement, he reached up and turned off his hearing aid.
Discussion over.
I reached out, my fingers brushing Owen’s shoulder.
He moved away. “Can I talk to you upstairs?” he asked, already walking.
The knot in my chest tightened. “Be up in a moment.”
Walter waved a hand dismissively at me, tapping his hearing aid to remind me this was the end of the conversation.
Owen was on his balcony, leaning on the railing, staring into the distance.
Like years ago, I leaned my back against the closed door.
“I don’t think it’s going to amount to anything,” he said finally, stepping back inside. “I don’t know anything at this point but I can’t see them preferring me over someone younger.”
I nodded.
“I haven’t trained in a long while. They won’t risk the time it’d take to get me rolling again.”
I pressed my lips further.
He frowned. “Why aren’t you responding?”
“This is me, responding.” I pushed off the door but didn’t move much further.
“I need to know what you’re thinking, Rio.”
My gaze snagged on something I hadn’t truly registered before. Or maybe I had, but I hadn’t let it sink in.
“You only brought one suitcase.”
Somehow, even with just a few shirts, jeans, and shoes, he always looked effortlessly put-together. I’d never paid much attention to fashion, but now, it hit differently.
“When I came here, I didn’t know ...” He exhaled, stepping closer. “That I’d fall in love with you. That maybe I always have been.”
The air shifted, thickened.
My throat tightened. My pulse hammered.
“I love you, Rio.”
I reached for him, my fingers skimming his jaw. His stubble was rough beneath my touch. He closed his eyes, leaning into it for a brief second before his arms wrapped around me, pulling me flush against him.
“I love you, too, Owen.”
