He’s my boss first, though we’re also friends, and right now, I’m confused if it’s more than that. On both our parts. Either way, I’d never act on it.
SAL: Where are you, Keels? You’re killing me here.
I inhale a deep breath, trying to shake off the image of Sal’s demanding presence before rushing to find him.
I open the door and gasp, almost bumping into Zane in the doorway, and an embarrassed warmth coats my cheeks. “Zane? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry.” He cringes as I glance back over my shoulder, hastily closing the door, as if I left behind evidence of the inappropriate thoughts running through my mind. When I look back at him, Zane’s pale face makes my chest tight. He’s been through so much and— “I just wanted to say thanks,” he rushes out, stilling me.
“Thanks? What for?”
He stares at me deadpan and I can’t help but laugh.He’s thanking me?“You’re such an idiot, Zane. After all this time, you still don’t get it. Weallcare. We’re a family. And nothing you do is going to change that.”
“I bet?—”
“Nothing,” I repeat sternly, my eyes locked on his, begging him to understand.
After a few beats, he nods. “Thank you. I promise, I’m starting to see it.”
“Good. The next few weeks are going to be trying for you and the team, but we’re going to get through it. Together. One day at a time. And by the end, everyone is going to love you. More than they already do. You know people crave a redemption story.”
“Thanks, Keeley. If you ever need anything, I’d love to return the favor.”
“Don’t like being in debt, huh?”
“Definitely not.”
I laugh lightly, but while I’m projecting happiness on the outside, the tightness inside my chest fails to dissipate.
We rejoin the others and say our goodbyes, while I remain a little on edge. I want to make this as painless as possible for him. But how?
I’m wound so tight on the flight home that when we land on the tarmac, Sal pulls me aside, his expression pained. “Let me help. Please. How many times have I called you into my office over the past year, needing you for one thing or another?”
“They’ve all been issues that weremyproblem too, Sal. My job. I was supposed to help you.”
“And you don’t think this ismyproblem as much as it is yours? A player onmyteam is being questioned over the death of another player, Keeley.That’smy problem. More than anyone else’s."
“You—”
“I’m helping. Do you want to go to the office or?—”
“The office,” I interrupt him, my feelings from earlier resurfacing at the thought of a more intimate setting. “I try not to work too much at home, if possible.”
“Of course.” Sal pauses as he visibly swallows, quickly replacing his unease with a smile. “We’ll go to the office. It’s time I took over some of your stress.”
Like always, calm washes over me the second I sit down on Sal’s couch, feeling the soft leather beneath my hands. This is familiar. Safe. Comforting.
In this room, I’m in control. The noise doesn’t feel as chaotic when the deep mahogany scent of Sal’s office permeates the air.
The view helps too. Football has my heart, so seeing the practice field while I work is like walking through a peaceful garden to me.
Everything about this space puts me at ease, including the man walking through the door.
Only try as I might to keep my thoughts at bay, the emotions from the day overwhelm me once more, and my stupid heart picks up speed.
This is going to be harder than I thought.
Chapter Six
