Tomorrow, I’m supposed to stand in net wearing new colors, in a new city, with a new crest on my chest, while the crowd decides what to make of me.
Tomorrow, Cally is supposed to score points while I maintain the last line of defense like we didn’t spend our entire careers doing those things on opposite sides.We’ll also pretend that we haven’t spent years trying to get under each other’s skin.
Now, we’re supposed to be a unit.
I walk back to her and crouch beside the couch.
She opens her eyes , like she felt me coming.“If you’re about to give me a pep talk, don’t.I’m fragile and mean today.”
“I’m not giving you a pep talk, just a goodbye kiss.”
Her eyes narrow, studying me because she doesn’t believe me.Not one bit.
“Harvey’s people will be here soon.”I point at the blanket.“Just in case you want to change your attire from comfy chic to I have to be out of the house.”
Ves turns to look at Cally.“Make sure he stops fidgeting, or he might not be allowed to play.”
“I’m totally cool,” Cally says.
“You’re like a golden retriever with anxiety,” she mutters.
“I’m a golden retriever with purpose.”
She huffs a laugh that turns into a light wince, like her body reminded her it has its own opinions.She presses her palm to her stomach for a second and then drops it, as if acknowledging it makes it worse.
“I’m totally fine.Go be professional athletes.”She waves us away with her hand.“Do your press.Smile for the cameras.Pretend you don’t want to murder each other.”
Cally makes a noise that could be a laugh in a different universe.“I don’t want to murder him.”
I glance at him.“Liar.”
Vesper’s mouth twitches.“See?Team chemistry.”
I reach for her hand, slow, giving her the choice.She lets me take it.Her skin is cooler than I want it to be.
“Just don’t leave by yourself,” I say quietly.
Her brows lift.“Excuse me?”
I hold her gaze.“I respect your independence, but if you could just use our resources, you should.”I press my lips together.“At least until you have a plan.”
She pouts.“I ...fine.It’s temporary.Don’t think I’ll stick around to babysit your asses so you don’t kill each other.”
“We appreciate you looking after us.”Cally winks at her.
Then she exhales, and her voice goes small in a way that makes my gut turn.“I wasn’t planning to leave, by the way.”
“Promise,” I press.
Cally’s eyes snap to me like I said too much.
I don’t care.
Vesper stares at our joined hands.She swallows once, hard.“Fine.Promise.Happy?”
I kiss her temple, then her hand.I stand and back away before I do something stupid—before I pull her into me and make her feel like she has no space to breathe.Before I touch her and remember too much.Before I look at Cally and see the same need in his face and hate him for it.
Cally grabs the keys from the counter.“We need to go, Montoya.”
