Page 65 of The Way We Score

“I wasn’t hiding her.” I finish with a growl then stand, going around to remove a hundred pounds from each side. “She’s an old friend.”

Charlie squints up at me like he doesn’t believe me.

“She’s wearing your jersey.” He lies back, positioning his hands on the push-up bar. “Don’t tell me she’s just a friend.”

He does eight reps, and I guide the bar back to the rack as he stands to face me. My shoulders are tense—and not from the workout.

“Liv and I were pretty serious in high school, but that’s all over now.”

“Doesn’t look over to me. It’s rekindling season, bro. Get after it.”

My jaw clenches. Charlie might be team captain, but he and Maddy love to gossip. Last thing I want is for him to say something to Liv before I know why she’s really here.

“It’s not like that. She’s in town for work, and I thought she might like to see where I play.”

“And she just happened to wear your jersey?” He cocks an eyebrow.

“It was the only Pirates merch I had.”

“Right.” He crosses muscled arms, and I know he’s not buying any of this.

“Hey, Bro-skis, you guys are hitting it early.” Ricky saunters in the room, and my brow lowers.

I’m not mad at Ricky, but he’s just not Logan. After that last game, Logan would’ve been in here before me drilling.

“You should be hitting it early. We’ve got some work to do before Monday.”

“Always bustin my balls, Grizz. Now I see why Murphy was setting records. He had you on his tail all the time.”

“I didn’t have to be on Logan’s tail. He was way more focused?—”

“Hey, I was thinking about this last night,” Charlie interrupts before I can go off. “The Warriors’ defensive line is killer. We’ve got enough guys here to do a scrimmage, put some pressure on your receiving game. You up for it, Rick?”

I couldn’t have said it better myself, except I might’ve slipped and called him The Dick.

“Let’s go,” is all I say.

We spend the next few hours drilling, and every time we take a break, I look up at the box to see Liv standing beside Maddy watching us.

It’s not a real game, and only staff and players mill around the stadium. Still, it gives me a feel for what it would be like tohave her here, watching me play, wearing my jersey, and cheering when something good happens.

My chest expands, and I gotta say, I like it a lot.

By the time we’re done, Ricky has managed to complete a little more than half the passes Charlie fired his way. I don’t know what happened to him from the time he was a rising star two years ago. It’s like he’s too busy being a player to actually play.

Not my business. I’m ready to find Liv and get out of here, when I notice she and Maddy have come down to the field. They’re standing on the sidelines like old friends. Paxton is asleep on Liv’s shoulder, and as good as it looks, I’m not about to stick my foot in my mouth again.

“Are y’all finally done?” Maddy leans against her husband. “You’d think after playing last night, you’d want to take a break.”

“It’s how we get to be the best.” He wraps an arm around her and leans down to kiss the top of her head.

“Well, I need a nap.” She holds out her hands, and Liv passes the sleeping baby to her. “I’m pregnancy-tired, which is the tiredest kind of tired that exists.”

“Tell me about it.” Liv nods, then she stiffens and exhales a strangled laugh. “That’s what I’ve heard anyway.”

“Girl, you have no idea.” Maddy puts her hand on Liv’s arm. “Charlie is a good daddy, but thank God his mom’s here to take Paxton so I can nap.”

“Hey!” Charlie gives her shoulder a nudge. “Pax and I let you nap!”

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