Page 65 of Last Boy

It’s Briar.

He walks into the kitchen, muttering some things into the phone before returning moments later. “I should call Walker.” He nods toward the TV. “Once the game’s done. He’ll want to know about that phone call.”

I sigh, looking up at the screen. There’s only a few more minutes left in this game, and now, Brooks is up by one goal. This team is one of their toughest competitors. If they win this, it’ll be huge for them. And they’re doing it all while Cade is away at rehab.

“Can we just wait and tell him when he gets back tomorrow morning?” I give him my most pitiful look. “Please?”

“Ma’am…James is a wild card when it comes to you. Keeping something like this from him?” He breathes in through his teeth, making a slight hissing noise. “He’ll fucking kill me.”

I look back at the TV, and my heart hurts as I watch the clock run down. “That boy right there has put everyone ahead of himself for his entire life. He never asks for anything in return, never expects it.” My gaze finds Hudson’s, and I tilt my head. “To keep me safe, he signed his life over to his uncle. Something I’ll never forgive myself for allowing to happen. Please, Hudson, if he finds out that I got that phone call, he’ll try to find a way to rush home tonight. And that won’t fly with his coach. So, I’m begging you, don’t tell him tonight. Let him enjoy this win with his teammates.” I swallow. “For kids like us? It’s a miracle to even make it to the point he’s at. We didn’t have support or love. Or anyone to cheer us on. Besides each other. Give him this night.”

He stares at me for a long time. Finally, he drags his hand over his head. “Fine, but if he’s pissed at me, I’m throwing you under the bus.”

“I’m more than okay with that. Thank you.” I smile before chewing my lip nervously. I know what I want to ask, but I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. “The girl on your screen? Is that Briar?”

His shoulders tense, and he looks down at his phone before tucking it into his pocket. “Uh…no.”

I chuckle. “It is. And I promise, your secret is safe with me.” I exhale slowly, sadness spreading through my chest. “Aside from her brother, she was my best friend, growing up. I sure miss her.”

His face pales, and there’s no mistaking the sadness that covers not only his face, but also his entire body as he slumps slowly, seeming pained. “Yeah. Me too. She’s, uh, about to be married to someone else, apparently.” His nostrils flare with anger. “Her sleazeball uncle has an odd way of controlling every person close to him. Even her.”

My heart hurts for not only him, but also myself. And for Walker.

“Yeah, I’m beginning to see that,” I whisper. “Maybe we can stop it, you know?” I try to smile, but it’s hard. “Not just for Briar, but Walker too.” I swallow. “Because he’s in the same boat.”

Hudson cringes, leaning against the couch. “Fuck. I knew James had made some sort of deal with Beckett, but I didn’t know it was that.”

“Yep,” I say, emphasizing the P. “I guess when it comes to Dr. Boobs, nothing is free.”

He bursts out laughing, shaking his head. “No. No, it sure isn’t.” He hands me my phone, jerking his thumb toward the door. “I’ll be just outside in the hallway if you need anything. If your phone rings again, get me.” He stops. “But remember, check the—”

“Peephole first,” I say quickly. “Yes, yes. I will.” I frown. “You aren’t going back to your room?”

“Not tonight. Not after—” He stops himself like he doesn’t want to say anything that might upset me.

“Not after the phone call?” I guess, raising my eyebrows.

Slowly, he nods. “If James were here, he wouldn’t close his eyes tonight because he’d want to make sure you’re safe. Least I can do is sit outside the door until he gets back tomorrow.” He chuckles, cringing a little. “After all, I’m keeping this secret from him.”

“Annnnd your wallpaper is his sister,” I point out. “There’s also that.”

“Yeah, there’s also that.” He laughs before nodding toward the TV screen. “Looks like the Wolves are taking home the W. Night, Poppy. If you need me, I’ll be right out here.”

“Night,” I mutter as he goes into the hallway.

When I look at the television, the camera zooms in on the Wolves as they all leap together, hitting the top of each other’s helmet with excitement.

For once, I wish I could have been there in the stands, cheering him on.

Maybe someday. Even if it’s from afar.

18

Walker

I sit in the chair, glaring forward, staring at absolutely nothing. I keep my mouth shut because anything that comes out of my mouth won’t be nice. That’s for fucking sure.

I got back an hour ago, only to learn from Hudson that Poppy received a threatening phone call last night and that even though the attackers think she’s meeting them later, they’ll be caught before then.

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