I huff out a laugh. “She’s not a trained assassin.” Well, maybe she is, but not in the way he thinks.
“That didn’t answer my question. She’s still not responding?”
I grip my hair and sit up. “No. I keep trying, but she’s not budging.”
“Is she worth sticking around a place you hate rather than being closer to your family or me or somewhere you might actually be able to play real football?”
I lean forward, resting my arms on my knees. “Yes.” There’s no question or doubt about it. “I promised her I’m not going anywhere.”
“But you can’t piss away opportunities, hoping she’ll eventually come around.” He says the thing I already know. “What are you doing after the last game? You sticking around there for a while?”
“I’m thinking about selling this place. Maybe head to London to see Hank and watch some matches. Then, I might spend some time at the cabin and see if I can’t figure out what in the hell I should do.”
“You won’t have a lot of time. Organizations are already looking at budgets and making plans for next season.”
I run a hand over my face. “I know. You should come to hang out with me when you’re done with playoffs.”
“Yeah, maybe. I have to take care of some things.”
I don’t like his dark tone. “Do thesethingshave anything to do with going back home?”
He doesn’t respond, and I have my answer.
“Are you sure that’s a—”
“I have some questions I need answered.” His fierce tone remains.
“You need to be smart, man.” I don’t know much about Nick’s life before college. He grew up in one of the most dangerous areas of downtown Detroit and has only said he wouldn’t be welcomed back.
“I don’t have a choice but to be smart,” he admits.
“Does this have anything to do with Lyla?”
He doesn’t respond again.
“Maybe you should let this go.”
“You don’t understand.” It’s almost a growl, and it’s clear I don’t.
I think about Ryder. I have no idea if Lyla’s story is even remotely similar, but Tracker and Hope took her in. That’s all I need to know.
“Hey, just be careful. Her social persona may look resilient and composed, but. . .things aren’t always what they seem.”
“No, shit. Listen, good luck this weekend. Let me know what you decide. I won’t lie. I really hope I have a challenge chasing your ass next season.”
I laugh. “Yeah, me, too.”
“Don’t wait too long, man. Take care of yourself.”
Just one more game. Then, I have some serious decisions to make. All I know is I won’t stop loving Ryder. I just have to decide if I’ll love her here or from somewhere far away.
Chapter 47
RYDER
“Ooohhh, look.” Jos turns her phone screen toward Lyla.
Lyla’s mouth curves downward in a sappy, sad face.
