She texts Ivory and Taylor in their group chat telling them she needs them. Little does she know, I’ve already spilled thebeans and asked them to meet us at her house. When we pull into her driveway, they’re already set up on the porch with wine and snacks.
“Wow you got here fast,” Bree says, climbing the steps.
“Chase texted us a few hours ago.”
“You did?”
“I didn’t tell them anything,” I whisper into her ear. “But I knew you’d want them here and I didn’t feel right leaving you alone.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Princess. Ladies, thank you for coming over. I need to get going but really appreciate it.”
“Always.” Taylor squeezes my forearm, and Ivory gives me a hug, quietly thanking me for letting them know she needed them.
“Have a good game,” Bree says as I drag her into a gentle hug, not ready to let her go yet..
“I’m not in the lineup tonight but I’ll let the others know.”
She pulls back in surprise and looks up at me. “You’re not playing tonight?”
“This was more important.” I brush her hair behind her ear and give her a quick kiss.
“I love you,” she says, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
With one final squeeze, I release her. “I love you too. Tell them everything. I’ll be home later.”
“I like the way that sounds.”
“Me too. One day you’ll let me move in.” She did finally give me a key so I can come and go as I please. Baby steps.
“You basically live here already,” Taylor teases
“He’s here alllll the time,” Ivory agrees.
The girls laugh as I walk away and head to the stadium. When I make it to the locker room, Miller’s waiting for me at my locker.
“How is she?”
“She’s fine. She’s at home with the girls.”
“Is she going to tell them?”
“I hope so. She said she wanted to tell them, but I’d already asked them to come over so they were waiting when we got there.”
“Smart. How was it?”
“Brutal, man.”
Sitting down, I finally let my emotions break free. My shoulders heave as I let all the fear, worry, and anger at the situation leave my body. Tears drip off my chin as I silently cry for what Bree endured today. What she’s been enduring this whole time without us knowing. The whole time Miller and Fields stand guard over me. They don’t speak, merely standing with their backs to me and their hands on either of my shoulders. Miller sniffles from his place on my left. I know he feels it too. This can’t be easy for him after what his family’s already been through with breast cancer, but he’s here all the same, supporting me like a brother.
“You good?” Fields asks from my other side.
I clear my throat and wipe my face. “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks.”
“Anytime. You did good today, Chase. Thanks for being there for Gabs when we couldn’t. She’s our sister and it’s nice to see she found someone who’s willing to do whatever it takes to be there. You put her first and that means everything.”
“He’s right.” Coach joins our huddle. “Sorry you had to come back here instead of staying with her but it’s the best I could do.”
