I’m not sure what she’s referring to. We haven’t been through much. I’ve had my life upended in the last six months, but she couldn’t seem to care less.
“We’ve had some fun, but like I said, this isn’t working anymore.”
She huffs an irritated sound, drawing her hand over her ponytail, swinging it over her shoulder, pulling herself together. Drawing the shades down over her emotions. “You’re really going to choose her over me?”
I nod. Without a doubt. “It’s always been her.”
But she doesn’t believe me, so I make sure she understands. “I willalwayschoose her.”
Valerie points her finger at me. “Fuck you, Camden.” Then she turns, shouting it again. “Fuck you!”
All eyes are on her as she stalks away. “You’ll never have it as good with her as you did with me!”
She storms off, the furious click of her heels echoing down the hall, and I exhale, shoving my hand through my hair. Feels like exiting a haunted house at a carnival. Coming down after the jump scare.
Months ago, having one of the most well-known models in the world showing up at my games unannounced to basically stake her claim would have made me proud. Now, I’d rather stick my hand in a meat grinder than deal with her. Deal with the stares of everyone around me.
I avoid the questions thrown my way from teammates and random strangers as I head to the team bus, where I find my usual seat next to Erik. He looks up from his phone when I slouch down. He gets right down to it. “So, you broke up with Valerie, I’m assuming.”
“What gave it away?”
“The stomping and yelling.”
I press my hand to my temple, grunting.
Erik laughs quietly next to me. “Are you expecting a congratulations or commiseration?”
“Neither.”
He types out a quick message, probably to Molly, then pockets his phone. “You done for good?” When I nod, he leansover, lowering his voice. “Can’t say I’m mad over it.” When I hum an agreement, he goes on, “I heard her say something about you being with someone else.”
“I’m not with anyone else.”
“But is there someone else?”
I cross my arms, staring out to the front of the bus, waiting for the rest of the team to file in so I can get the hell out of here. Back to my hotel room and away from my best friend. Because I can’t be honest with him. I can’t tell him that I’ve fallen in love with his sister.
“Yeah,” I eventually concede. “There is someone else.”
“Really?” The surprise in his voice has me turning to meet his curious gaze.
I don’t know why I feel the need to defend myself or my feelings, but the words tumble out before I can stop them. “She’s special.”
“Damn. You’re serious about it.” His humor ceases immediately. “Youareserious about it.”
I nod even though it wasn’t a question.
He smiles then. “Good for you, man. I’m happy for you. Finally finding what I’ve been talking about. A good woman settles you down.”
That’s how I feel with Nadine around, settled.
She reminds me that there is so much good in the world. ThatIcan be good.
“I was worried there for a minute,” Erik goes on, fiddling with his earbuds. “Thought you might have something going on with my sister since she’s been at your place so much.”
I stare at him unblinking, but he doesn’t notice as he takes his phone back out to find some reality dating show. “Because I love you like a brother,” he says, elbowing me as he laughs to himself, putting in his earbuds. “But my sister is way too good for you.” Then he presses play, gesturing to his phone. “I gotta catch up so I can talk about it with Moll tomorrow.”
I force a laugh. They watch reality shows together, andmaybe if it didn’t feel like he punched me in the throat, I’d find the eccentricities of his marriage sweet.
