“When you tell me what I have to apologize for, then I’ll answer your question.”
“Bryce, you know damn well that man doesn’t want to be just friends with you in this fucking lifetime or the next.”
I walk away with a huff because she’s not wrong, but she’s also not right.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me, Bryce. He’s not debating whether he wants to be with you or not. He fears how much he loves you. And then with you hiding shit from him, it’s all making him do things out of character. That’s it. Shit, do I have to spell everything out for you two?”
“Thanks, Cali.”
“You’re welcome. Now get the fuck out of my house and go talk to him.”
“He’s not home. Hasn’t been in days.”
“Then text him, dumbass. Geez, you two are going to drive me to drink.” She points her finger at the door, and I know I’ve worn out my welcome. I kiss her on the cheek and say goodnight.
Driving home knowing he won’t be there seems lonelier than usual. The past few nights, I’ve rushed home hoping to see him there—tonight, I don’t feel the need to.
As I expected, the apartment is dark when I get home. After grabbing water, I head down the hall and stop by Bodie’s door when I hear the TV on inside. Before my knuckles even touch thedoor, it opens, and I’m face-to-face with him, my best friend I’ve missed so much it hurts.
Chapter Nineteen
Bodie
“Hi.”
“Where have you been?” My question comes out as a whisper.
“I was with Cali.”
I want to reach for him, but I wait.
“I went to her house after work to talk. She finally got tired of me and told me to leave.”
I can’t help but fidget as we stand there.
“She, uh, told me we need to get our heads out of our asses.” He half-chuckles. “Umm, how was the game?”
“We lost. It was the first game of this round, so we still have a chance to get to the cup.” Just saying the words feels like a knife to my gut. I’ve been playing well since the playoffs started, but tonight was by far my worst night. So bad that Davidson said if I don’t get out of his apartment and apologize to Bryce, he’ll make sure I’m benched for the next game. Deep down, I know he wouldn’t do it and only wants me to get out of this funk that came over me today, but he’s right. Maybe he wants a little privacy too.
“I’m sorry you lost, but I’m sure you’ll win enough to get to the cup.”
“Mhmm.” It shouldn’t be, but that’s the least of my worries right now. I need to fix things with us.
He yawns, and I’m suddenly aware of the dark circles under his eyes. “When was the last time you slept?”
“I’m okay. Don’t worry.”
“That doesn’t answer my question, Oz.” He notices his nickname before I even realize I said it. “C’mon.” I lead him into his room and lie down while he’s getting ready for bed. That’s when I register how slowly he’s moving. How the hell did he drive home this tired?
Bryce sits on the edge of the bed with his head down, and we both stumble over our words.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have walked away.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you.” I speak over his apology. “And I’m sorry I didn’t come home.”
“I understand why you didn’t. I was a jerk.”
“You were exhausted, and we were in no shape to be talking about any of this.”
