Page 84 of Power Play

I just roll my eyes. There’s no way that man is actually in love with me. Yeah, he cared about me and wanted to date. But love... there’s no way he feels the same.

“I’m serious,” Max says.

Looking down at the envelope, I see my name written in Rex’s blocky handwriting. What could he possibly have to say to me that he couldn’t send in a message or phone call? I mean, I guess that would require me to actually answer them. I’ve done a good job avoiding him completely these last few weeks.

Unable to wait any longer, I rip the envelope open and slide everything out. Inside is a letter and some paperwork. Opening the letter, I immediately drop to the ground after reading the first line, my legs shaking too badly. Tears immediately start flowing until I’m practically sobbing on the ground, the letter laid out in front of me.

“What is it, Sawyer? Are you okay?” Max asks, keeping some distance as Cassie comes barreling out of her room, probably expecting to have to kick his ass.

“What the hell is happening? Is she okay?” Cassie asks before glancing down at the letter. She doesn’t hesitate in grabbing it to see what it is, unlike Max. “Holy shit,” Cassie says as she sits next to me.

“He found you a studio. It says, “It’s an old studio and will need some work. But it’s going to be yours. Mom’s charity found a way they can donate it to you, as long as you align it with their goals,” she says as she looks through all the paperwork for me. “His mom wants to meet you in the next couple of weeks to get everything started.”

“Sawyer, the date on all of this paperwork was just this week... he did all of this after you ended things,” Cassie says it like that should mean something to me. “Max is right. That man is in love with you.”

Everyone keeps saying this, but I can’t bring myself to believe it. But the more they tell me about Rex, the more I realize just how in love I am with him.

He was so against even dating me, there’s no way he could be in love with me. But then what does all this mean? And if he is in love with me, have I fucked everything up? Fuck, these are questions I’ll never know the answer to, and there’s no point in even wasting my time thinking about it.

But, I mean, he did make all this effort and pull a bunch of strings to find a way to get me a studio. That has to mean something, right? Plus, he’s been trying to reach out, and before everything with Max happened, we were doing great.

“God damnit! I think I ruined everything,” I practically whimper.

“No, I did,” Max protests. “But I don’t think everything’s ruined, Sawyer. At least I hope not, because honestly, this is on me. I talked to him, though. I told him I’d stay out of the way. It’s not my place, and I had no right to tell you who you could date. I shouldn’t have gotten in the middle of you two. I just fucking hated it and acted like a child. I’m not saying I love the idea of you two together, but I can see that you both truly care about each other.”

“Well, I hope you’re right, because I think I love him too,” I reveal.

“I have an idea, but you’ll have to trust me, okay?” Max flinches at his own words. “I know that’s a terrifying thought, trusting me and all, but on this one, please just give me a shot. Come to our game tomorrow, we’ll go out after. Plus, I’d also really like to have you there. Uh, the scouts from the Cyclones are coming, and I’m nervous as hell about playing.”

I look at him, about to tell him an immediate no, when I stop myself. I would like to be there for Max, especially because playing for the Cyclones has been his dream since he was a kid. Besides, maybe I can talk to Rex, send him a text, or something.

Or I could go to the game and see what this plan is that Max has.

“Maybe,” I tell him, too nervous to fully commit. “It’s not a no, but I’m still not 100% sure.”

“I’ll take what I can get. I’ll make sure that there are tickets for you at the front,” Max says before turning to look at Cassie in annoyance. “For both of you.”

“Thank you. And, Max, this means a lot. You coming here and talking to me. I’ve missed my brother. I’ve needed you,” I tell him sincerely.

Max pulls me into a hug, squishing me against his solid frame. “I need you too, sis.” Pulling away, he just smiles as he turns towards the door. “See you both tomorrow. And Sawyer? Think about what I said.”

“I will. But not until tomorrow. Right now, I’m going back to bed. I need a good night’s sleep. I’m wrecked,” I tell them as I smile and walk to my room, leaving Cassie to walk Max out. For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace. Hearing everything Max said, I finally feel like we’re going to be okay. And if Max is right, there might also be a chance for me and Rex too.

I’ll always miss my mom, but this has been her choice, not mine. You can’t force someone to love you or be in your life.

Even your own mom.

* * *

Waking up this morning, I realized for the first time in weeks that I slept past sunrise. I’ve been struggling to sleep since everything happened and usually get up before the sunrise. But not last night. Last night, I slept the best I have in weeks, probably the best I have in months.

Pulling myself out of bed, I finally take a shower and get ready for the first time in what feels like weeks. When I finally make it out to the kitchen, Cassie is already sitting up at the bar eating breakfast.

“You’re alive!” she jokes, but there’s a tiny bit of concern still in her eyes. “I thought I was going to have to go in there to check your pulse or something. And you’re dressed! Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, honestly, everything is better than okay. I feel the best I have in a while. Figured I’d get up and get ready for the day,” I tell her.

Cassie sits in place, still staring at me like she’s seen a ghost. “You sure you’re feeling okay? I expected you to be a little bit of a mess after everything with Max.”

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