“Good plan,” Jos says, and Ly winks.
“No more running, Ry!” Jamie’s sweet voice hollers after me. “It’s time to explore what happiness is all about.”
Explore.
That fucking word.
I step into my room and close the door. My stomach swirls with nerves and a whole lot of anticipation.
All I see is Cole smiling with that little boy who’s no different than me. He gave him a gift he knew would matter simply because he could. He’s helping him just like he always helped me when I asked. Even when I told him to go away and that I didn’t want him. He did so because he loves me.
My eyes burn with tears again. These girls are right. I’ve been a complete idiot, and I’ve hurt him. Now, it’s time to be honest and hope that maybe he’ll still want me. . .just like this.
Chapter 48
COLE
I hold out my fist, and Matt bumps it with his. “Thank you for coming today. I think you brought us good luck.”
He smiles, and it’s a bit wobbly, as if he’s testing it out for the first time.
“Thanks for getting us passes.” Hope leans to hug me. “This is something we’ll never forget. Will we?” she smiles at him.
“Thanks,” Tracker says, offering his hand. “It was a hell of a game.”
I extend mine in return. “If only we played like that earlier in the season.” We finally got our shit together. Even T-Bone was in the zone.
“You hanging in there?” Tracker asks.
I nod. “I’m ready for a break. I have some decisions to sort through, so we’ll see what next season brings.”
“Will you come see me?” Matt’s soft, tentative voice comes from below.
I squat in front of him. “I’ll be gone for a little while, but I’ll stop by before I go, and I promise I’ll come see you when I get back. Make sure you’re getting your fingers on the laces, ok?”
He nods, tucking back into Hope as I stand.
Tracker runs a hand over his scruffy jaw. “She’s never made things easy.” He grips my shoulder. “Just. . .take good care of yourself.”
We exit the friends and family area, and I wind through the stadium to the private parking lot. My body is sore, and my mindis tired. I want to go home and finish packing so I can get out of here and start figuring out what’s next.
I’m not giving up on Ryder, but I can’t sit around watching my phone, hoping she’ll respond or call.
I push out into the cool evening air, and the sun is just beginning to set. I slip my phone from my pocket.
I tap the Messages app, then her name. I start typing, then stop, wanting to be sure I get it right.
I look up, and my steps falter, seeing her leaning against my car. She’s in jeans and her leather jacket. Sunglasses cover her eyes, but I know she sees me when she pushes off my car and stands tall.
As much as I want to run to her, I keep my stride steady, taking my time. I’ve waited weeks to talk to her, and now that she’s here, I’m unsure what to say.
I watch her shoulders rise with a deep inhale and then fall. I stop in front of her, my nerves flinging themselves to the surface. I’m tempted to lift her Aviators to see her eyes and whatever they hold.
“Hi.” I’ve got nothing else as I take her in, so freaking happy to see her, but keeping a tight grip on that joy until I know why she’s here.
“Hi.” Her voice is soft, and she pulls the corner of her bottom lip between her teeth.
“It’s. . .really good to see you.” I ease into whatever this is. “How’s your shoulder?”
