He always dates girls who are trying to be someone. They use him for attention, and he enjoys whatever they have to offer. Blake doesn’t care if he ends up in a magazine or on some gossip channel.
“Can’t wait to see it on the news tomorrow,” I joke. “Think C-News will report on it?”
“Maybe. If they do, I’ll make sure they get the right angle.”
“Goodnight, Blake.”
“Later, Zane.”
I leave the locker room through the back hallways, slipping into the arena’s quieter corridors where staff and security move like shadows.
My phone buzzes with notifications I don’t want to look at. Someone tagging me. Someone asking me to show up somewhere. Someone wanting a piece of me.
I ignore it. I’m not in the mood to deal with people, business, or sponsorships tonight.
When I step out into the players’ exit, the cold air hits my face like a reset. I breathe it in and scan the parking lot for my car.
Then I see Leo.
He’s leaning against a pillar like he owns the place, hands in his pockets, watching the crowd disperse with the satisfied look of someone who got exactly what he wanted.
He spots me and straightens.
“Zane!” he calls, like he’s been waiting.
I walk toward him. “What are you doing here? You didn’t come in for the game?”
“I was in the area. How are you?” Leo asks, and something about it feels… off. Like he has an ulterior motive.
“I’m good. Just another day at the office. You?”
“Oh, I’m great. My girl’s good, my company is good, my job at the bakery is good, can’t complain.”
I can’t help but smile at that. I never thought Tess would forgive him after everything that went down, but here we are.
“I’m happy for you, man. You want to hang out? Grab a beer or something?”
“I can’t. Tess is waiting for me at the bakery so I can pick her up. But maybe you can stop by tomorrow after practice? We can grab coffee.”
The offer feels casual, but there’s something intentional underneath it.
Going to the bakery means I might see Gwen again.
That thought lands heavier than it should.
“Sure,” I say. “How’s three?”
Leo agrees immediately and starts toward his car.
“Hey, have you heard from Julian lately?” he asks before getting in.
“Can’t say I have. Last time was at your place,” I tell him.
“He must be busy,” Leo shrugs.
We say goodbye, and he shuts the car door.
I get into my car and shut the door, the quiet interior sealing me off from the world. For a moment, I just sit there, hands resting on the steering wheel, breathing.
