Rachel blinked. Her entire expression shifted. Not judgment, but something stunned and tender. “Oli…”
“She is the most brilliant, fascinating woman. Spent all her life taking care of people, building them up, being their voice of reason. She’s so fucking kind and intentional and smart, and God, once you get her to laugh and see her watch the Cubs… She’s wild. Rachel, I fucking love her.” I exhaled hard, wiping my face. “And today, she rode in that ambulance with me. She could’ve been fired on the spot, and she still fucking climbed in without blinking.”
Rachel’s face softened, brows pinching. “You really love her.”
“Yeah. I do.” I looked down at the IV in my arm, the monitors, the hospital gown that replaced my jersey. “I’ve had everything ripped away from me before, Rachel. My shot at the draft. My relationship with you. Control of my own body.” I looked up. “I’m not letting them take her too.”
“But what if?—”
“I’ll walk,” I said, voice firm now. “If it comes to that, I’ll quit. I’ll take the hit and retire. I’ll go out on my terms. But I won’t let them destroy her. Not professionally or personally.”
Rachel looked at me like she didn’t know whether to hug me or shake me.
“I’ll take an analyst job. Be a coach. I don’t care.” I shook my head. “I want her in my life. That’s the nonnegotiable. The rest is noise.”
She leaned back and exhaled, visibly overwhelmed. “Jesus, Oli.”
“Yeah,” I said, closing my eyes. “I’m down bad.”
That earned me a watery laugh. “You’re a dumbass. But a noble dumbass.”
I nodded. “That’s fair.”
She leaned forward again, quieter this time. “Then fight for her. Whatever comes next, whatever blows up—you two betterbe on the same side. I love that you have these feelings, but you should talk to her about this before you do anything.”
“Sure, but do you have your phone? I want to call my agent, tell him what could happen.”
Rachel chewed her lip, shaking her head. “No, I’m not doing that. Ask for Sloane’s phone. I love you, but don’t be an idiot. You never make this large of a choice without talking to her. Honestly, there is no way that is an immediate firing. One of my roommates is studying for the bar, and she was rambling on about clauses and shit. I bet… you should look at your contracts and see what options are real. Promise me you’ll pause.”
“Okay, shit, maybe you have grown up. That was actually helpful.”
“Not loving the use of actually in that sentence. I can be helpful.” Rachel shook my forearm, a half-smile on her face. “Oh, hey, I forgot to ask. I didn’t book a place to stay when in the city so like… I need to crash at your place.”
“Rachel.” I closed my eyes, almost laughing. “Why are you this way?”
She didn’t get to answer before Sloane appeared at the door, arms crossed over her chest. Her eyes were red, but no active tears were on her face. She seemed better, which helped the mountain of emotion in my chest. It physically ached, and it wasn’t from collapsing on the field. I was sure of that. “Are you okay? Please, stay with me.” I didn’t care that I sounded pathetic. I couldn’t chase her, and I didn’t want her to leave.
Rachel stood and held out her hand, a blush covering her cheeks. “Hi, hi, I didn’t realize… it’s really nice meeting you. Had no idea my brother was a sad simp in love with you. Can’t wait to get to know you more, but you two should talk. He’s plotting to do something stupid.”
Sloane smiled and shook my sister’s hand. “I really can’t wait to get to know you too, Rachel. And yeah, I can already see his plotting face.”
“Stop him. It’s stupid.” Rachel grinned again, then patted my leg. “I’ll check in with you in a bit. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
“Yeah, because she didn’t get a hotel. She assumed she’d crash with me.”
Sloane blinked before reaching into her pocket and taking a key off a ring. “Here, if you want to use my place, I have extra clothes, a clean shower. I’ll text you the address.”
“Sloane, that’s really nice. Thank you.” Rachel shook her head. “I couldn’t… are you sure?”
“Your brother and I are neighbors, so we can get you once he’s released.”
“Got ya. Well, thank you.” Rachel took the key then stared at me. “I’m glad you’re okay, Oli. Once you get a moment, let Mom and Dad know, okay?”
I gave her a curt nod. Mom and Dad were so not on my mind right now. Not with Sloane standing a foot too far away from me. I couldn’t touch her, and that wouldn’t do. I tried grabbing her hand and groaned.
“What are you doing?” Sloane asked, putting hands on her hips. “What’s wrong?”
“Trying to touch you. Can’t reach.”
