If I bring her, they’ll know it’s not real.
If I don’t, I’ll have to explain why my “girlfriend” can’t meet my family.
Either way, the walls are closing in.
“You good?” Mason asks, towel around his neck.
“Yeah.” I shut off the phone. “Just family stuff.”
He nods, but his eyes are sharp. “That goal was clean. Helluva tip.”
“Thanks.”
“You dedicate it to her?”
I don’t answer.
Mason sits on the bench beside me, voice dropping. “Look, man. I know this started as—” He stops, choosing words carefully. “But she’s real. You get that, right?”
“I know.”
“Do you?” He leans forward, elbows on his knees. “Because from where I’m sitting, you’re in deeper than you think. And when this blows up?—”
“It won’t.”
“It will.” His voice is flat, certain. “Question is whether you’re ready for it.”
I don’t have an answer.
Riley sticks his head around the corner. “O’Connor! Press wants you.”
I grab a hoodie, heading for the media room, but Mason’s words follow me.
When this blows up.
Not if. When.
By the timeI finish with the press and take a shower, the arena’s mostly empty. Just security and a few stragglers. I check my phone.
WREN
Great game
I’m heading out. See you for tutoring Tuesday?
Also, Theo texted. He saw the jersey. He asked if we’re serious
My chest tightens.
KIERAN
What’d you tell him?
WREN
That we are. That was the plan, right?
KIERAN
