“I’m trying.”
I feel like she sees inside my mind or something. Presley is way too observant for my comfort level.
“I know you are.”
She softens. Just a little.
“She loves you,” she says quietly.
I close my eyes. “And I love her. I love them both.”
“Then act like it,” she says. “Not like a guy who’s about to self-destruct.”
I laugh once, humorless. “You’re brutal.”
“Not really. Just honest.”
I shake my head slightly.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” she says. “Just be the guy I think you are.”
I should ask what she means by that, but she scares me a little, and I’m not sure I can handle the answer right now.
She stands and starts to walk out.
“Oh, and Pitz? You should probably get out of the tub before your balls fall off.”
I bark out a laugh. “You got it. Doc.”
She whips back around and glares at me.
Which only makes me laugh again.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-THREE
Liam
The next morning, I show up early. I’m in the film room alone. And it’s quiet as I rewatch yesterday’s throws. I analyze my foot placement. My release timing. Study the defensive alignment. And force myself to focus. Because Presley’s right, and so is Aston. Aaron doesn’t get to take football from me too.
And today, I’m going to man up and apologize to my team for being an asshole the past few days and tell them about Sera and Alie. Not all the details, but I want everyone to know they’re mine.
I walk over to Coach, my helmet in hand.
“Coach, if it’s okay with you, I have something I want to say to the team, before we start.”
He nods approvingly, then blows his whistle. Then, when everyone looks our way, he gestures to me.
I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“First off,” I begin, scanning their faces, “I owe everyone here an apology.”
A few brows lift.
“My attitude the past few days has been piss poor. Uncalled for. Unprofessional.” I shake my head once. “That’s on me. You deserve better from someone wearing this jersey. You deserve a leader.”
