Page 54 of Scoring Lessons

Her brows furrowed in concern, but she had the decency to drop the topic and move to a much worse conversation. “Have you heard anything else from your agent?”

“I did, just not about the Strikers.” I moved the potato salad around with my fork as I scratched my neck. Even talking about it made my skin break out in hives.

Vancouver was eager to get me on their team, and the terms Michael sent were solid. I would get a slight raise and a decent signing bonus. Everything looked good on paper.

Except…they weren’t the team I wanted to be with.

I knew I had room for improvement—all athletes did—but why were the Strikers so hellbent on not extending my contract? What had I done? I knew I loved to joke and get on Coach’s nerves for fun, but everyone knew—him included—it was only out of love. Had I pushed him too far?

I tried my best to use such a silly excuse, because the real reason splintered my already beaten-up heart. A lump lodged in my throat, making every swallow I took harder than the last.

I was past my prime—and barely had one, if we were being honest. I wasn’t worth the investment anymore. It was as simple as that.

I’d never thought I would amount to anything, so the fact I had even gotten a chance to play for an incredible team was a blessing in itself. But it had run its course. That was who I was to everyone—something temporary. A useful tool until something shinier and better came along.

“If you’re worried about me, you know I’m happy to move. Vancouver sounds nice.”

I shot her a weak smile. “Yeah, it does.”

“Oh, honey.” Mom rose from her seat, wrapped her arms around me, and gave me a tight hug. “I know how bad you want to stay in Chicago. The season has barely started. I’m sure Michael will be able to work something out with the team eventually. Don’t lose hope.”

“You’re right,” I said, trying my best to mask my insecurities. Trying my best to push the monster that tried to wrap its hands around my neck and strangle my hopes and dreams. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

I loved my mom. She was my biggest supporter, and without her, I didn’t know where I would have ended up. I didn’t remember my father much. He was like a vague shadow that lingered in the back of my mind at random times. He would dip in and out constantly when I was very young, until he stopped showing up altogether. It had been just my mom and I ever since I could form memories. She never remarried, or dated, for that matter. She worked every day of her life to provide me with the best life possible.

It was why I couldn’t show her how much I was drowning. I had to be strong for her. She needed me to be fearless, like she taught me to be. I needed to get my shit together so I could continue providing her with the life she deserved.

At the end of the day, if the Strikers weren’t willing to extend my contract, I was going to have to move, even if it would obliterate my already broken heart in the process.

My phone pinged with a text, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts.

Livvie girl

Hey.

Me

Olivia Anderson texting me out of the blue? Wow.

Livvie

You are so dramatic.

Me

You must be missing me so much.

Livvie

In your dreams.

Me

Maybe.

Livvie

I was wondering, when are you thinking we should have our next practice date?