Page 54 of Property of Player

Player huffs a laugh. “Yeah, I guess you could call him that.”

“I suppose she feels safe with him, then. Maybe that’s all it is.”

“I hope so.”

We walk along the surf, stepping around a horseshoe crab

Gulls swoop overhead, calling loudly.

“How is your father settling in out here?” I ask.

Player shoves his hands into his pockets. “I don’t know. From what Drae’s told me, he doesn’t think the man has set foot on the sand. Mostly just sits on the deck and stares at the water.”

“Maybe he’s still grieving your mother. Wasn’t it her dream to move to the beach?”

“Yeah, it was. Guess he’s coming to terms with the fact he has to make a life here without her now. But he’s the one who wanted this, so I hope he doesn’t regret it.”

“Did I tell you there’s a new family in your old house? Two little boys. They remind me of you and Beck back in the day.”

“Really? That’s good to know, I guess.”

“I thought so.”

Player stops and tugs my hand, turning me to face him. The sun is sinking low on the horizon. I search his eyes, trying to decipher his mood.

“We’re all hoping your mom is back on her feet soon. But I can’t help wondering when that time comes, will you return to Norfolk or will you stay?”

I study the surf. “I haven’t decided. Are you asking me to stay, Player?”

He cups my face, bringing my eyes back to his, and he presses his forehead to mine. “Yeah, guess that’s what I’m saying. I don’t want you to leave again, Tay. Things have been so good between us. I need you here with me.”

“I always thought you didn’t need anyone.”

“If I ever made you think that, I’m sorry. It isn’t true.”

I don’t know how to answer him. I’ve kept so much from him, and now things have progressed so far I’m not sure how to tell him, so I change the subject. “You’re leaving for California soon, right?”

“Yeah, the national meet. We pull out Monday.” He brings my hand to his mouth and presses his lips to the palm. “You gonna miss me?”

I step closer, pressing my body against his. “You know I will.” I kiss him, and he wraps his arms around me.

We walk a bit more, Player with his arm around my shoulders and me with mine around his waist. It feels good. It feels right, and I don’t want anything to rear its head and change this comfortable way we’ve fallen together again.

The wind picks up, and the temperature drops. Dusk is fast slipping away, and the sky is turning from orange to purple to deep blue.

We turn and head back.

By the time we arrive at Gage’s beach house, they’ve got a bonfire going.

Player leads me on the deck where most of the MC have taken up chairs and are sitting around drinking and shooting the shit.

There was a time I felt a part of this tight-knit group, like one of the family, but except for Player and Gage, I haven’t felt that way in a long time. Mostly I get a lot of looks from his brothers, club and blood included. It’s like they’re either pissed at me for a reason I cannot fathom, or they pity me. I can’t figure out which.

Player goes to the cooler and gets us each a beer.

We stand by the railing.

I watch the bonfire while he turns and talks with the crew.