Page 109 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

Tears prickle my eyes. I can’t believe it has come to this. I have to pick between the men I love and my family. I knew it was a very real possibility, but I hoped that they would eventually understand. Maybe if they hadn’t found out because of that video, they could have gotten used to the idea. Now, they’re reeling from the scandal.

“If that’s how you want it to be,” I reply through the lump in my throat. “Then consider me dead.”

Both my mother and my father wince, but Mom recovers from the shock first. Her eyes turn glacial, and her lips are nothing but a thin, flat line.

Lachy, Jake, and Ryan squeeze my shoulder and hands, showing their support. I’m quivering and trying my hardest to not cry in front of my parents.

“We’re staying at the Blue Moon Hotel by the airport. Think about it, honey,” Dad says.

He takes my mother’s hand and steers her out the front door. It’s only when the door closes behind them that I let out a loud sob and allow the tears to fall.

CHAPTER 45

JAKE

Last night, it took everything I had to hold my tongue and not tell June’s parents to go to hell. I knew that if we said anything, it would only make matters worse for her. But it gutted me to witness them crush their daughter like that.

I didn’t know what to do when June broke down as soon as they left. I never felt more useless. We let her cry, and then we all got drunk. Katrina eventually left in an Uber, and we came back to our apartment.

I didn’t sleep well. I kept thinking about that fucking video and how to minimize the damage. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to play with Malcolm after what his wife did to us. If I had any pull with the organization, I’d demand he be traded. But I have no bargaining chips left.

Blowing off Coach Haagen cost us. Because of our insubordination, he benched us, and thus, we aren’t playing in tonight’s game. I’m not sure if things would have worked out differently if we had met with him after the fight in the locker room. The scandal is too fresh, and it’s probably in the team’s best interest to have us not show up tonight.

Melissa gave proof of life and texted us last night. She’s suffering from a nasty cold and slept through most of yesterday.I wouldn’t have thought much about it if she hadn’t said Doug would handle the situation. She’s a workaholic, and I’ve never seen her delegate something major to a member of her team, no matter how talented they are.

We agreed to check on her later, but now we’re waiting for Doug to show up. He’s coming to our apartment to talk about damage control strategy.

Ryan cooked breakfast that no one has touched yet. I’m staring at my cup of coffee when June joins us in the dining room, sporting messy hair and wearing a Titans sweatshirt she borrowed from me. Ryan intercepts her before she can get to the table.

“Good morning, sunshine.” He wraps his arm around her waist and kisses her cheek.

“Morning.”

“How are you feeling today, lass?”

“Like I cried myself to sleep.” She rubs her eyes.

“June...” I start.

“No, we’re not going to dwell on what happened. Thinking about it will only keep my mood in the sewers.”

“How about some breakfast then? I made your favorites.” Ryan smiles.

“Pancakes and bacon?”

“You know it.” He taps her nose. “Sit down. I’ll make your plate.”

“Can I get some coffee first?” She pulls up the chair at the head of the table and sits down.

“Of course, Peaches. What do you want?”

“Cappuccino, please.”

Lachy and I study her. She seems in much better spirits, but I do wonder if she’s putting on a show for our benefit. I can’t believe she recovered that fast from the scandal and her parents’ surprise visit.

My phone pings with an incoming text, earning my attention.

“Is that Doug?” June asks. “Maybe I should change before he gets here.”

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