Page 87 of Golden Goal

“They’re over by the food,” she says, putting a hand on my arm. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I shake my head, taking a ragged shallow breath.

“It’s going to be alright, whatever’s going on,” she says. “Breathe with me.” She inhales deeply, and I do the same, exhaling when she does.

“Again,” she says.

We repeat the process I don’t know how many times, but eventually my heart rate returns to normal. She gives me a small smile, patting me on the arm.

“I get panic attacks all the time.”

I nod, unsure of what to say but grateful she didn’t ask me a million questions.

“Here.” Wes appears at my side, handing me a bottle of water before taking a seat.

Elias walks over, carrying two bottles of water and a couple of bananas. He hands the extra water to Ansley before setting the fruit down.

My hands shake as I open the bottle of water and chug it.

“Security was alerted, but she seems to have left.” Hunter says, taking a seat at the table.

“Thanks.”

I grab a banana, peeling the skin back and taking a bite. I’m not really hungry, but I need something to do with my hands. I pull out my phone and send a text to my sister. I know it’s late, but maybe she’s still awake.

Me: Hey. Checking in to make sure everything is okay.

Hadley: All good here. We had dinner with Rebecca tonight. You guys have tomorrow off, right?

Me: Yes.

Hadley: Maybe we can face time. Hazel misses you.

I send a thumbs up and set my phone down, then take another shaky breath.

We sit in silence for a while before it’s time to head to the bus and the airport. The guys stick to me like glue until we make it to our hotel in our next city.

Normally, I’d be annoyed, but tonight, I’m grateful.

Grateful to have them on my side.

I just wish we were headed home now instead of in three days.

Chapter thirty-two

Rebecca

I’m sipping my coffee on the couch, enjoying a relaxing morning since I don’t have to go to the office today, when there’s a knock on my door. I set my coffee cup down and jump to my feet.

Who the hell is knocking at nine in the morning?

Is there something wrong with Hazel?

Holt?

My heart skips a beat. The team had a game last night, and then, if I remember correctly, they were going to fly home right afterward since they have a home game tomorrow.

Reaching my door, I peek through the peephole, furrowing my eyebrows when I see a very disheveled Holt standing on the other side.