Page 98 of The Wrong Move

I am pumped we won.One step closer, baby.

While my gut twists with anger at my friend, I can’t help the joy of him getting the win for us, but not in my fucking position. Not with the hurt from his lies still stuck in my chest. Not when the doctor tells me it’s more than a sprain, and I’m sitting here alone waiting for the results.

Hey, I wish you were here right now. I miss you x

It’s the middle of the night in Italy, but Giana will see the message when she wakes. I need to hear her voice. It’s the one thing that will soothe me right now. I swipe on the social media apps, hoping to see her face. The rock-hard lump in my chest slowly melts away. Her smile is all I need. I find an image of her with Isabella, smiling on a stage, and more images of her surrounded by people. I read the caption.

Cibo Creativo has announced a collaboration with artist, Giana Monroe. Their new designer kitchen range is coming soon! Be ready to transform your kitchens.

The collaboration is not news to me, yet seeing her happy and it all coming to life, I’m so freaking proud of her. I flick through more images, and my thumb freezes.What the actual fuck?

In a recent photo with Clarissa Carrington, the film star, and Austin Cisterna, the Italian filmmaker, Dante Leto has his arm around Giana. I check the date. Last fucking night. I toss my phone onto the table beside me.

“We have the results,” the doctor says as he enters the room.

Perfect fucking timing.

He stands beside my bed and waits for my focus. His expression is serious.Jesus, just say it.

“The results confirmed my thoughts. I’m sorry, Byron, but this is the end of the season for you.” He’s got to be joking. He knows I’ll never roll over and die. “You have a ruptured Achilles, along with an inversion ankle sprain. It’s a good thing you didn’t try to hobble off the court.”

A few seconds pass in silence. “But you can fix it, right?”

“You’ll need surgery and extensive rehabilitation to prepare you for next season.”

“Next season? There has to be a chance I can still play the finals. It’s four months away.”

He pauses before answering. “While I would like to offer you hope and say yes, I’m afraid if you return prematurely, you could injure it again and worse. If we were dealing with only the ankle sprain, then yes, but a ruptured Achilles is six months. This is not news to you. Your focus should be on rehab and strength training to cope with the workload of an elite athlete and be ready to go next season.”

“So there is a chance?”

Doc crosses his arms. “One percent, but?—”

“I’ll take it. It beats zero chance, and besides, doctors tend to exaggerate.”

“Byron, as a professional, I factor in your longevity in the game. If you rush back, it’s possible to develop other injuries or rupture it again. Of course, I’ll provide what you need to get you back on the court, but my advice is to be patient and do the hard yards so you can have a great season next year.”

I shake my head. While I appreciate the doctor’s professional advice, he doesn’t know my body like I do or how determined Iam. An injury is just a hiccup in my grand scheme of winning a championship.

Doc’s brow pulls tight as though he knows what I’m thinking. “While I’m here to advise you, I can’t stop you from playing.”

“Then the next question is, when is the surgery? The sooner it’s done, the quicker I can get back on the court.”

26

GIANA

The plane breaksthrough dark clouds. The mottled sky ranges from dreary gray to dirty white, reflecting my mood.

With my head tilted back, I watch the ground approach and close my eyes as the plane hits the runway, then bounces. The brakes screech. I stare at the terminal filled with thousands, yet none are here for me. Not a foot on land, and already the emptiness engulfs me.I should have stayed in Italy.

Byron hasn’t answered my calls, and Mom is angry I declined Isabella’s offer, though I know if I change my mind, Isabella will welcome me back with open arms. I open the text from Charlotte.

Byron is hurting. He is not himself. He is angry at everyone—the world, you, and me. Please understand the pain he is in. I know my brother is a pain in the ass, but he needs you now more than ever. I look forward to seeing you soon. Lottie x

I sent him multiple texts before he responded.

Please don’t be concerned. I am fine. BTW, Austin Cisterna should hire you as his film star. You looked more beautiful than Clarissa Carrington. I’m genuinely happy for you. We can chat more when you get home. For now, I need time to clear my head.

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