Page 106 of Penalty Shots

And as I stand with my palms on the bathroom counter, looking into the tarnished mirror, I start to sober. I know in my heart what this badass bitch wants. I fight it time and time again. I find excuses time and time again.

But no amount of mimosas can rid me of the truth.

I want Keelan Landry.

I always will.

Chapter 29

Keelan

"Idon't think I've ever seen this place this packed during the holidays," Ryker says as we take our places to warm up.

"You guys notice the number of fans that are women has nearly doubled," Zane says.

"Maybe even tripled," Fergie says.

I look around, and from all areas of the arena, our names and numbers are being screamed out.

"I don't know what it feels like to be a rockstar," I say. "But this might be pretty damn close."

Too bad it doesn't make up for the giant hole I left New York with just a few days ago.

Rina and I haven't talked. We've barely even seen each other. And for all I know, it's over.

I've given up on believing in more for us. At the end of the day, love wasn't enough. It never could be.

Maybe fate had something to do with it, too. That's why we kept just barely missing each other. Why all the odds have always been stacked against us.

Maybe this whole time, I've been hung up on someone who could only be mine in my dreams. It wasn't meant to be real.

"Hey," Ryker shoves my shoulder. "You okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine. Did you and Izzy decide what you're going to do for Christmas?"

"Yeah, we're gonna fly out to see your Aunt Ginny in Cali. She's planning this whole elaborate feast. And according to your sister, she has a mans," Ryker says, sounding just like Izzy.

"What? My Aunt Ginny? My perpetually single aunt?"

"The very one," Ryker says.

"Look at you. Coming in hot with the latest gossip," I smile.

"I thought that'd cheer you up."

"Speaking of hot gossip. Y'all wanna hear some good stuff?" Fergie says.

We're all stretching and doing our usual warm-ups but we move in closer to hear Fergie.

"I heard that Coach Murray was seen leaving Mack's office today just before the game."

"Ah, man. He's always in Mack's office," Zane says.

"Oh yeah? With his pants unzipped when he leaves?"

I look at Fergie. "Whaaaat?"

"Mmhmm, but you didn't hear it from me," he says, backing away.

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