She’s looking at me oddly.“Where’s Clay?”
I shrug.“I don’t know.”
Jay leans in.“Something came up after practice.”
He doesn’t say more, and I try not to worry about what that might mean.
I'm already a few glasses in when the text comes through.
Grumpy Baller: I’m not going to make it tonight.
Nova: What happened?Everything okay?
Grumpy Baller: Yeah.Just basketball stuff.
I’m waiting for the rest of the explanation, but it never comes.
He’s just going to let it go like I don’t deserve an explanation?
Or he’s working on that trade.
I excuse myself to run to the bathroom.On my way, I set my empty champagne flute on the bar.
I know Clay isn't Harlan’s biggest fan, but I’m the one who feels let down.As if he’s not here because he doesn’t care enough about me.
I’m pulling open the bathroom door when I hear my name.
I turn to see Jay.
“Sorry about Clay.”
My stomach sinks, and I can’t help but feel disappointed.
“Yeah.Me, too,” I say.
Jay shifts on his feet.“He’s been through some shit.”
“Such as?”I ask.
“I don’t know if it’s my place to say anything,” he finally replies.
Maybe I can’t trust Clay.He hasn’t told Jayden about his mission to get traded, and he obviously hasn’t told me everything about his past.
I give myself a few minutes to be sad before I leave the bathroom and continue to the private party room.
When I return, I can hear my family laughing and talking.
Atlas, Miles, and Chloe have joined them, and it feels like a happy party.
I don’t belong in the celebration, and I don’t belong with them.
Brooke teases me, and Miles sneaks looks at her.Harlan beams at Mari with pride.I ignore the spot that’s conspicuously empty.
When dessert is served, it’s a rich chocolate mousse.
I force myself to stop looking toward the door.
He’s always going to let me down, and it’s better to know now.
