Jaylen notices how it slips from my face. He leans over so we’re shoulder to shoulder, lowering his voice. “You good?”
I nod once, “Yeah.”
“What’s going on?” he asks, not buying my answer.
I shake my head, glancing around the table. “It’s private.”
“Is it serious?”
Yeah.” I pause and add, “If I could tell anyone outside my family, it would be you.”
Jaylen tips his chair back, almost rocking. “Alright, but if ya need me man, I’m here,” he says, slapping my arm. “Try not to overthink it.”
Too late.
“I’m hitting the sack,” Cozen chimes in. “Old guys need their sleep.”
“Me too, need to keep the ladies buzzing about.” Jaylen jokes.
They head out leaving my family at the table. Greyson wipes his mouth glancing between me and Matt, “You two are weirdly quiet.”
“Enjoying the calm before the storm.” Matt shrugs.
Greyson looks at me again. “Seriously, are you good?”
I nod, unconvincing, but it’s enough, for now.
Matt shifts in his seat like something’s clicked. “Oh, speaking of weird,” he says casually like it’s nothing. “Apparently Anna called Witt.”
“What?” My head snaps up.
“Noelle mentioned it. Said she asked him to dig more into her father and see what else he can find.”
“Did she give a reason?”
Matt leans in, elbows on the table like he’s selling government secrets. “She didn’t give details. Just that… someone else came forward.”
The thought settles heavy on my shoulders. I drag a hand over my face wondering why Annika wants to know. I thought she wanted to be removed from it and not drag herself into it.
“She asked me for Nadia’s number,” I say, expelling a deep breath at the same time.
Greyson says, “Remind me of who Nadia is?”
“The one who told me everything during pre-game last week.” I stare at the table, playing with the spoon I didn’t use. “I hope they’ve talked.”
Matt watches me carefully, like Noelle’s put him on suicide watch. “Why?”
I let out a breath. “Because that asshole father of Annika’s got Nadia pregnant,” I mutter. “And now Annika has a sister.”
The air pushes down on us, weighted and heavy.
Greyson sits up straighter, “Jesus. If this wasn’t fucked up before…”
“I know.” There’s nothing more to add. Nothing changes the fact her dad is the worst kind of person.
Back in my room, I move on autopilot.
Gear check.
