Page 85 of The Way We Score

I said I finally got why they called them that, and she teased me for living on a bay all my life and just getting it. I wanted to pull her into my lap and kiss her.

I didn’t.

Her mom said everything I was thinking, but I didn’t have a leg to stand on. If we were still in the days when we werejust graduating from high school, I think I’d have a better chance of convincing her we should get married—crazy as that sounds.

Instead, she’s seen my worst. She knows what a dickhead I can be, and she was right to walk away. Even if that’s not technically what she did.

She actually begged me to understand, and the image of her tear-flooded hazel eyes will never, ever leave me alone.

I’m getting a second chance, which is not something everyone is lucky enough to get, and I will not blow it. What’s that line from that musical? I am not throwing away my shot?

“We’ve given this a lot of thought, and we need you on the team.” Kurt Lucas is the Pirates’ owner, and it’s the first time I’ve ever met with him alone.

Usually, he’s jetting around the world on his private jet. Yes, that’s redundant, but this guy has more money than God, so I imagine he has a lot of redundancies he couldn’t give a shit about. Including me.

“I hate to contradict you, Kurt…”Lie. I’m happy to contradict him. “We’ve got so many great players on the team just waiting for their chance to shine. Most of them are a lot younger than me?—”

“Yes, but they don’t have your experience.” Kurt looks down at his desk. “They don’t have your star power, and in this age of influencers, we need all the faces we can get.”

Sliding my lips together, I hold back my impulsive swear. Kurt’s calling me a face guy? Like I’m filling the seats? It’s fucking bullshit, and he knows it.

My eyes cut to Thad Holloway sitting beside me. He’s one of the coaches I don’t know as well, but he’s been around long enough to know I’m not putting butts in seats these days. I give him a silent plea, and he clears his throat.

“My vote is to let him go.” Thad flops it out there like a dead fish, no prelude. “We thought Berke could fill the space left by Logan Murphy, but it’s not working. I think matchinghim with another lineman might be the key. Move Bradford to second string.”

Wow. He’s blaming Ricky’s failure on me.

The impulse to defend my record is strong, but I push it down. Thad’s taking an unexpected approach, and perhaps this angle will get me what I want. Leaning forward, I exhale my frustration and focus on Liv.

“You’re new, aren’t you, Holloway?” The near-snarl in Lucas’s tone draws my eyes. “Garrett Bradford isnotthe problem here. The fact you would say something so ignorant makes me question your competence. If anyone should go, it should be Berke.”

Mother. Fucker. How the hell did I get a superfan for an owner? I mean, it kind of rocks, but it’s screwing up everything.

“I’m sorry, sir.” Thad drops his chin, looking at his shoes. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Get out.” Lucas tosses a Mont Blanc pen onto his blotter. “Garrett, I appreciate your paternal instincts, but they’ll pass. You’re not going anywhere. End of discussion.”

He turns away, and my lips press into a frown. Thad grabs my sleeve, pulling me to the door. I cut my eyes at him, not interested in his protective gestures.

Still, I follow him out.

“I’m sorry, man. I thought if I came on strong, he’d cave.” Thad looks up at me with apologetic eyes. “He’s as big of a fan as we all are, and if you go, it’ll be the end of the triumvirate. First Logan left, now you. Charlie’s contract is up for renewal next year, and we don’t want him getting any ideas.”

Reaching up, I rub the back of my neck, exhaling a growl. “I want to be with my family.”

Lifting his shoulders, he holds out his hands. “I’m sorry.”

We’re headed back to the locker room, and I take out my phone, remembering the text from Logan. Liv said it would be okay if I wanted to tell the guys. I guess this means she told the girls.

Liv’s pregnant.

Hendrix

You didn’t wrap it???

It’s Liv, dumbass.

Hendrix

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