Page 83 of Power Play

“No,” she whines.

Taking a deep breath, I stand up from the floor and look down at her, pursing my lips. When her teacher sent all the parents a text to let us know there’s a stomach bug going around school, I crossed all my fingers and even my toes, hoping it wouldn’t affect us. That Maya would stay healthy.

It’s like I jinxed her.

“I’ll bring you some water, okay?” She doesn’t bother with an answer. Pressing Skye tighter to her chest, Maya turns her head away from me.

I head out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. My phone starts buzzing in my pocket, and when I pull it out, the first thing my eyes land on is the time. The game against Vancouver will start in two hours. I need to let Clay know we won’t be there.

“Hey.” I answer the call, putting Angie on speaker.

“Hey. How’s Maya?” Her worried voice warms my skin. It’s always so nice to know that there are people who care about me and my little girl. Who love her just as much as I do.

“She’s okay.” It’s a white lie, but I don’t want her anxiety to spike. With her pregnancy, it’s the last thing she needs. “I’m gonna try to tuck her in soon. Sleep always helps.”

“I’m so sorry, Layla. I wish I could be there for you.”

“No, I told you, I’ve got it all under control. I don’t want you to get sick too.”

Angie chuckles. “Got it.” Then I hear someone else’s voice in the background. “Nev says hi. She’s wishing Maya a speedy recovery.”

“Tell her hi and thank you.” I lick my lips. “Have fun at the game. I hope I can watch once Maya’s in bed.”

“We’ll cheer the boys on for you. Especially Clay. I hear he’s starting tonight.”

I wish she hadn’t told me that. His first starting home game of the season, and Maya and I can’t be there to support him. Fucking awesome.

“Thanks, Angie.” I turn on the lights as I step into the kitchen. “And please, Clay and I are still…a secret. The more people know?—”

“The higher the chances you’ll be found out,” she finishes for me. “Don’t worry. Nev doesn’t know anything, and she didn’t hear me. She’s on the phone with her boss.”

I know I’ll need to talk to Drake about Clay soon. Things are getting good between us, and I’m tired of lying to my brother and everyone else. Clay doesn’t deserve it.

He’s the best thing that happened to me along with Maya.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I hope Maya feels better soon.”

“Me too. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Once I hang up, I quickly send a text to Clay. Hopefully, he’ll see it before the game starts. I don’t want him to be disappointed when he doesn’t see us sitting with the girls.

Me:

Hey. Maya got the stomach flu We’re skipping tonight’s game. Hope you win. I’ll try to watch

I put the phone down and walk to the cupboard to get a glass. When I start filling it with water, my phone dings. The butterflies in my stomach come to life, flying around excitedly even though they don’t know for sure that it’s Clay. They only hope it’s him. Just like I do.

Clay:

Sad you can’t be here, but Princess is 100% more important. Do you need anything?

You.

Me:

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