My knee screams.
I grunt, swallowing the sharp pain as one of the trainers motions me over.
“That looked rough,” he says.
“It’s fine.I’ll walk it off.”
The joint twinges as if silently arguing with me.
Coach crosses to us.“You came down on it hard.”
I take a deep breath.
If I’m hurt, LA won’t want me again.No one will.
I’ll be collecting a paycheck and riding the bench for some team, forced to watch the other guys fight night after night at the only thing I’ve ever been good at.
The trainer pulls up something on his phone.“We can get you in for treatment tonight.”
“Tonight’s the rehearsal dinner,” Jay reminds me.
I exhale hard.“I’ll come later.This matters more.”
28
NOVA
The rehearsal dinner is supposed to be casual, but it’s still two dozen of Harlan and Mari’s friends and extended family.
When we arrive at dinner, Jay, Miles, and Atlas are there, but there’s no sign of Clay.
“He’s coming,” I say under my breath.“He’s just running late.”
Chloe and I have already talked about positions, so I know I’m sitting in the middle of the table with Jay to my left.Atlas is next to him, along with Miles.
When I sit, Mari takes a seat next to Harlan.
I send off a text to ask Clay where he is.I’m doing my best not to let my worry show, but I can’t help it.
“I have a special present for my new wife,” Harlan announces from the head of the table before nodding to Robin.“Mari, in honor of our marriage, I’ve created a new scholarship named after your family and to be administered by the Kodiaks foundation.It will help fund education for young women.”
My sister’s eyes fill.“Oh, Harlan.I’m so touched.”
Everyone cheers and toasts, but I’m distracted until Harlan adds, “Special thank you to Nova for helping make this happen.”
Mari looks between us in disbelief.
I wish Clay were here to see this because I’m so proud and because I want him to see that Harlan is the kind of man who cares about people.No matter what went down in college, he’s not "basketball at all costs."
For a moment, I imagine him standing in Harlan's place, giving me a surprise gift that’s thoughtful and generous.
I imagine I’m so in love my insecurities run wild, only to be comforted the moment I look in his eyes.I picture him putting me first the way Harlan does with Mari.
The idea lingers as we eat prime rib and rich fluffy potatoes, drink champagne, and talk in excited voices about tomorrow.
“Earth to Nova.”Brooke’s voice breaks my reverie.
I blink, coming out of my head.“What?"
