Ugh. Being vulnerable sucks.
Garrett meets her eyes, steady in the way he always is when it matters.
“You won’t,” he says simply. “I can’t block out the people in my life. Staying focused is on me. Not you.”
Her heartbeat slows. The swirl of anxiety recedes. Because he means it. It’s not a line, or a guilt-trip, or a romantic leap off a cliff. It’s honesty.
“In that case…” she says, sliding her hand into his, “I’d love to come watch you sit that delicious ass on a bench.”
Garrett smirks, eyes crinkling. “It’s a very athletic kind of sitting.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it. You’ll be the most intimidating benchwarmer in the league.”
She’s going to need something cute to wear.
CHAPTER 29
NAOMI
The seat ain’t bad.
Actually, it’s kind of great.
Naomi sinks into it, glancing around the massive arena with an impressed nod, like she’s judging it on Yelp. Elevated view, close to center ice, comfy seat—ten out of ten, would sit again.
The e-ticket Garrett sent her earlier had arrived with zero fanfare.
Ticket for you.
The man couldn’t even be bothered with an emoji. Peak caveman efficiency.
This was in hilarious contrast to the messages she received from Jesse, who had somehow caught wind she was in Brooklyn with Garrett and blew up her phone.
LET’S GOOOOOOO
ur therewith our boi
bout time shorty
man’s been unbearable
u fix that? good
Jesse, my English degree is crying right now.
nah we don't do that here
this is a vibes only friendship
Deal. I could use more vibes, less grammar in my life anyway.
anyway tall update???? is he being normal?
He seems good. I haven’t seen him since he dropped me off at the hotel.
ull see him later
I'm choosing to interpret that emoji as optimism about dinner plans.
