Page 76 of Bad Boy Neighbor

“I can’t let you and Sebastian do that.”

“You don’t have a choice. We’re family, and this is what family does,” she reminds me with a smile.

I lean into her shoulder, smiling as we both sit quietly. “Family, huh? Does Bubbles agree to me being the new third wheel?”

As soon as I said it, Bubbles’ sixth sense must have kicked in. He hops into the room like he owns the place. Despite his red eyes making him look like the spawn of the devil, he does this weird thing with his mouth, making this cute bunny sound. Sure, he’s abnormally sized for a rabbit but none of us are perfect.

We both fall into a fit of laughter, our backs hitting the mattress as our laughs echo throughout the room. Lana is right. This is what family does, and for the first time in my life, I finally understand what it feels like to be surrounded by one.

Unconditional love.

The best kind of love.

The most important thing right now is to learn who I am. No more rules, no more restrictions. It’s just me in the world, and as terrifying as it seems, I’m in the best place I can possibly be.

I contemplate stalking Oliver on social media. Being in the room he stayed in is making me want to connect with him more.

But no good will come of this.

“Me first,” I say out loud.

And I know somewhere out there, Oliver would be proud of me for putting myself first.

Twenty-Three

Oliver

Istared through the large glass windows onto Sydney Harbour. There’s something to be said about being on home soil. This place will never leave my blood. It’ll forever be a part of who I am and where I belong.

The skies are crystal clear—blue with the sun shining strongly on this autumn day. From the view of my window is the renowned Circular Quay, home to my multimillion-dollar penthouse apartment and me.

The always bustling area and piers are filled with people, tourists, families, and the occasional jogger running along the paved walkways. Only early morning or late at night do the droves of people disappear, leaving only the city sweepers to clean the overpopulated spot.

Ferries are coming in and going out, moving people around the city. The occasional party boats also occupy the water with groups of drunken partygoers with champagne glasses in hand dancing on the top decks of the yachts. Bachelorette parties probably. If I had a dollar for every time I’d watched a drunk woman almost fall off a boat, I’d be rich. Well, richer than I am today.

The iconic landmark of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are in full view. Breathtaking as usual. I am fucking blessed to be here, and I know that much.

Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepare myself for tonight. Closing my eyes, I work on my mind exercises, my inner pep talks as such, creating a space of ‘zen’ in my usually preoccupied brain.

Today marks the eleventh-month post-surgery. It’s been a grueling eleven months. A mindfuck. The surgery itself went well, no complications or infections holding me back. I followed everything Dr. Fredricks recommended with countless hours of rehabilitation, following a strict diet, and educated myself in Chinese medicine to help with my sleep and nagging insomnia.

I hired a professional life coach, Trevor, a retired A-league player from England. We have worked heavily on my mindset. I’m determined to transition back into playing full-time, and nothing will stop me.

I am in my best possible shape ever.

Recovering was the only thing on my mind, and I committed myself one hundred and ten percent. Coach is pleased with my dedication. My parents are constantly by my side to support and help me push through the toughest of days when giving up seems easier than pushing on. Having them live across the other side of the bridge, only twenty minutes away, is reassuring.

I’ve done everything I set out to achieve.

Two Saturdays from now will mark the day I get back on the field and see if I’ve still got what it takes.

In front of a roaring crowd.

In front of the entire world.

All of this has been a hard lesson in learning to confine myself and creating an isolated environment with no outside influences deterring me from my goal.

I don’t think about anything else.

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