Page 109 of Off Pitch

“So, I gotta know,” Rory says with some pep, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “Did you walk off in a blaze of glory? Did you tell him to kiss your ass and that he can find another fake girlfriend because you deserve more than that?”

For the first time since Knox got back after practice today, I laugh. “It would’ve been so much cooler if I had, wouldn’t it? Alas, I did no such thing. I told him I’d keep playing my part until the season ends.”

“Is that really a good idea?” Lucia asks. “You could get hurt all over again.”

“Call me a masochist then,” I say with a shrug. “We made an agreement, and I’m not one to break my word. I told him he’d have me through the season, so through the season he shall have me. We won’t be close like we were, but we can make it believable in public.”

“You’re tough, Pierce,” Rory says, playfully punching my shoulder. “I’ll give you that. I don’t think I could do that if I were in your shoes.”

It’s not like Iwantto do it, but I feel like Ihaveto.

Knox and I set up this fake dating arrangement well before we really got to know each other. I’m going to keep the promise Imade then because nothing that happened after should impact an agreement already made.

I might hate this, and it might really fucking hurt to see him again, but I’ve got to do this.

For my pride, if nothing else.

Once Lucia and Rory leave, I slip into one of my favorite oversized T-shirts and settle on the couch, hoping to just fall asleep while watching some TV so I can forget everything about this horrible fucking day.

But as soon as my back hits the cushions, my phone rings. I sigh and grab it, finding Cole’s name on the screen.

“Hey, Cole,” I say softly when I answer, bringing the phone up to my ear.

“Lo, you okay?” he asks, concerned. “You seem upset.”

“I, uh… I’m fine.”

Cole sighs. “Don’t lie to me, Harlow. I’m your brother; I know when you’re upset.”

“Goddamn you,” I breathe, trying to prevent myself from becoming emotional again. “It’s Knox,” I admit. “We talked after practice today, and, uh…”

“Lo, did he hurt you?”

“Physically? No. Emotionally? Yeah… I told him this didn’t feel fake to me anymore, and he lied to my face, telling me that none of this was real.”

“What the fuck?” Cole yells. “I’ll kick his ass.”

“You will do no such thing, Cole,” I say in exasperation. “I don’t want you to do that.”

“You’re hurting, Lo.”

“I am,” I say, sighing. “But I’ll be okay. It stings right now, but I’m resilient. I’m still going to fake the relationship for our agreement, though.”

Cole takes a deep breath, and I can all but hear him pinching his brow, trying to control himself. “I’m pissed at him right now.”

“Please stop,” I reply, hand to my head. “Nothing that happened between Knox and me should impact your friendship. I don’t want it to.”

I hear him sigh. “I know. But you’re my sister.”

“I’m also a grown woman,” I chide. “I made this decision myself, knowing that our arrangement wasn’t real. I want what happened tonight to stay between Knox and me, no one else. I don’t want this to fracture our friend group. We’re both going to be okay once we process this.”

“Fair enough,” Cole breathes. “To change the topic, do you have anything planned for the blog right now?”

“I’m still looking for my next interview. I haven’t found one yet, though.”

“Don’t make me regret this,” Cole replies while I imagine he’s shaking his head. “I’ll do it. Interview me before the game tomorrow.”

“I’d ask if you’re sure, but at the risk of you changing your mind, I’m running with it and saying I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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