"No, not exactly." Max stifles a chuckle. "I mean, it would be, but only because I understand hockey and the schedule that comes with it."
"Yeah, about that. What are you doing now that it’s over?"
Max slides his thumb and forefinger onto my chin, pulling my face toward him. "Nope, we will get into my bullshit in a second. I have to tell you how to fix this first."
"Wow… you’re so cocky sometimes it’s astounding," I say, smiling at him. The truth is that’s all I want to do when I look at Max. Not only because he’s easy on the eyes, but because he’s beautiful on the inside, caring and kind. He might be the first genuine friend I’ve made in years.
"At least I own it." He winks, because of course he does. "Sadie, please don’t take this the wrong way… but you need to stop trying to control the uncontrollable. What I hear you saying is that you’re afraid if you give away a tiny piece of yourself, there won’t be enough left to give to your career. But I think the real problem is that you've decided the outcome without ever starting the race." He brushes my cheek tenderly. "Have you ever played pickup basketball?"
"Do I look like I play pickup basketball?" A whoosh of air leaves me. He can't be serious.
"That’s exactly my point. Maybe you don’t because basketball isn’t your sport. Or maybe you’ve never considered it because you can’t plan it. You’d have to show up, not knowing who your partner’s going to be, if there’ll even be a game going on, and if someone will pick you. You’re opting out of having other things in your life because it’s safe, and the alternative is scary."
My throat gets dry, and tears prick my eyes. I’ve never felt more seen, understood. Refusing to get emotional, I take a deep, steadying breath. "Okay, but the answer can’t be as simple as just letting go. You can’t expect a leopard to change its spots overnight."
"You’re right. It’s never easy to face your fears. But you have the perfect opportunity here, and Levi has practically handed it to you. For the rest of the time you’re in town, try focusing on two things—solving the puzzle book like it’s your job, and having fun—with me."
eighteen
Max
Public Indecency
"That’s not really a novel idea, Max. I already agreed to do those things." Sadie fiddles with the strap on her black tank top, twisting it between two fingers.
"Did you? Because I seem to recall you hiding from me in Black Kettle twenty minutes ago, all because you had a little too much fun last night." I wiggle my eyebrows, and Sadie scoffs. "Are you afraid you’re going to fall in love with me?" I try not to grin, but fighting it only makes it worse.
The reality is I like her. I want to enjoy the remaining time I have in Mage Hollow, and hanging out with Sadie will be a welcome distraction from my own fear of change. Kissing her again wouldn’t hurt either. I’ve only replayed what happened last night on repeat since the moment I dropped her at her mom's house.
Sadie scoffs. "No. But you know I’m leaving. Probably sooner rather than later."
"So am I."
"What? Where are you going?" Sadie looks confused, and maybe a tad shocked.
Pushing to stand, I pace in front of the bench. "Well, to answer your earlier question, I still love the sport, and I’ve been trying to find a way to stay connected to it now that I’m done playing."
Sadie nods. "What team are you going to?" she asks, somehow already knowing where this is headed.
"Washington."
"The Badgers or the Titans?" Washington, D.C. differs vastly from Seattle, but it’s still impressive that she knows the teams. It shouldn’t be. She works in the industry, but most people don’t.
"The Titans."
Sadie blows a raspberry, a whoosh of air releasing from her. "Holy shit, Max. That’s amazing. Coach Nash is a legend. Assisting or EM?"
A sense of calm washes over me. I’d be lying if I said it’ll be easy to walk away from her after a few weeks—she’s constantly on my mind after only a week—but this is one of the reasons I can’t allow myself to miss out on the opportunity even if it’s quick. This woman knows my sport, understands the industry,andshe’s stunning. Spending time around her is like spotting a unicorn in real life—it just doesn’t come along every day—or ever.
"Equipment Manager. I hope eventually I’ll move up, but it’s a good gig, and you’re right… he’s a legend." I slide back onto the bench beside her, and Sadie huffs a laugh.
"He is tough, Max. I’ve seen him in action and the program he runs… a tight ship isn’t a strong enough description. It’s also very far away. Have you talked to your family about it?" Her tone isn’t one of judgment, simply curiosity.
Running a hand through my hair, I scoot a smidge closer to her. "I know, but I think that’s what I need. Someone to push me, someone to learn from. And no, but I plan to. Mabel is going to lose her mind."
"She won’t." Sadie reaches for my hand, drumming her fingers on my palm. "She will be sad, but she’s so proud of you. Mabel O’Reilly is a legend for how fiercely she loves you all, so there’s no chance she wouldn’t want this for you."
"Maybe." I smile at her. "But enough about my mother. I asked you the other day if you wanted to make a deal, and you only sort of agreed. So, I'll ask you again. Are we doing this? Are we solving some clues and having the best summer of our lives?"
