That’s the part I can’t argue.
Coach softens slightly. “You’re one of the best pitchers in this league. You have options. She doesn’t. Not yet.”
Kamden’s voice lowers.
“She’s worked her ass off for this. Since high school. Since before you.”
I look at him.
“I would never hurt her.”
“I know,” he says quietly. “That’s why this is killing me.”
The room feels smaller.
“If you love her,” Susan says carefully, “prove it.”
My heart pounds.
“Walk away,” Coach finishes. “Even if it’s only until she’s safe.”
Safe.
That word twists in my chest.
They’re asking me to lose her.
To protect her.
And for the first time since this started, I don’t know which choice hurts more.
I don’t remember leavingSusan’s office.
I just remember the noise in my head.
Walk away.
If you love her.
You’re killing her career.
I hit the locker room and slam my bag into my locker harder than necessary. Metal echoes through the space.
Evan glances over. “You good, man?”
“Yeah,” I lie, again. But he asked, again.
I’m not good.
I’m furious. At them. At the league. At the situation.
At myself.
By the time someone suggests grabbing drinks, I don’t hesitate.
“Yeah,” I say. “Let’s go.”
The bar is loud. Dark. Safe in the way it used to be.
