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I sigh and lean back in my chair. “I get it. I do. But you also have to think about yourself. The Tide is gone, Ewan. They’re the Predators now. You don’t owe them anything.”
He looks at me, conflicted. He knows I’m right, but he can’t let go. He’s holding on to a ghost.
“I know,” he says. “But I have to do this. I have to say goodbye. To the club and to the fans. I need to do it for myself. I have to close this chapter of my life. And then maybe, I can move on.”
I nod. I know what he means. I’ve been there. I had to let go of the Scarlet Tide, and it wasn’t easy.
But I also know that he’s making a mistake. He’s letting Apex use him, even if it’s just one last time.
But I don’t say that. I don’t want to hurt him or to judge him for his choices. I just hope he won’t regret them.
“Okay,” I say. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is,” he says. “I just wanted to let you know. I didn’t want it to come as a surprise to you. I’ve already hurt you enough with surprises for a lifetime.”
I smile, despite the bitterness in my throat. I’ve been hurt by the situation, by the wasted years. But I’ve healed. I’ve moved on and built something of my own, found my own happiness and my own success. My own family.
“You haven’t hurt me, Ewan. Not for a while now. I’m fine. Really.”
He smiles. “I know you are.”
We share a look, a moment of understanding. We’re just two people who used to be married, who used to share a life. And maybe, someday, we can be friends again.
“I should go,” he says, standing up. “I have to make a statement to the media about Heritage Night. I don’t want to, but I have to.”
“Good luck,” I tell him, standing up too. “I’ll see you there, I guess.”
“You will,” he says. “And Izzy?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. For everything. And for being you.”
I smile. “You’re welcome. And thank you. For being the father of my children.”
He laughs, and it’s warm and genuine. I haven’t heard it in a long time. It makes me feel nostalgic and a little sad. But also a little happy. It’s nice to remember the good times and to let go of the bad.
He turns around, and gives me one last look before he leaves.
“Goodbye, Isabella,” he says.
“Goodbye, Ewan,” I reply.
I try to focus on work. But I can’t. My mind is on Ewan, Heritage Night, and what’s going to happen.
I have a feeling that it’s going to be a day that will change everything.
Again.
CHAPTER 29 – Lexa
Sunday, November 23
The atmosphere in the locker room is addictive. The stadium is sold out, the fans are chanting, and the cameras are rolling. The only thing that has me down is that it’s the second time this season I’m playing against my old team and it doesn’t get easier. Four seasons with those women, and I never really knew them.
The only two who said goodbye when I left are in the locker room with me. Tonight what’s left of my old team is wearing black and silver, and I’m wearing amber and navy.
It feels weird, but I can’t let it affect me.
