Page 89 of The Game

“Retro Diner,” Grant says, not turning his attention from the road. He made me sit in the passenger seat, claiming I was a flight risk and he needed to keep an eye on me. JJ protested, but as usual, was overruled.

My eyes narrow at the sight of Beau’s SUV parked out in front of the diner, and Grant slides his little sedan in behind the larger vehicle.

I’m still sitting in my seat, arms crossed, when Grant comes around to my side, opening my door. “Get out. What do you need an engraved invitation?”

“Maybe a hint of what we’re doing here. I’m not up for a social gathering. In case you didn’t notice, my life is kind of a hot mess right now.”

“You need this. Trust me.”

Trust. The thing I’ve been working on this year. The thing I thought I had started to get down when it all blew up around me. And even after that, I kind of do still trust these assholes, so I step out of the car, ignoring the hand JJ is holding out as if I’m his date. That’s pushing it.

The music fits the vibe as we walk through the door. Elvis or some shit. Framed vinyl records hang from the wall, and the servers are wearing light pink dresses with full skirts, paired with white aprons.

I’m looking around for Beau irritably when I spot her. It’s only the back of her head, but I’d recognize it in a crowded club. Long, sleek black hair held back by a bright yellow polka dot hair band. I take a step back.

“I can’t go over there. If this is some sort of setup and we’re surprising her, I’m not into it. She doesn’t want me here.”

Grant shoves me. “She’s expecting you dick head. The only one being set up is you.”

What? She wants me here. I’m still cautious, walking forward slowly, as if I might startle her off if I move too fast. She tilts her head up to look at me as I walk past her. There’s a smile on her face, but it’s a little tentative. A little wobbly.

“Cole.”

“Jazz.” I’m not sure if I have the right to use her nickname anymore.

“Sit down.” I slide into the seat across from her. I’d do anything she asked me to.

“It’s over, Cole.”

What the fuck. I feel like I’ve been shot. Pain rips through my heart, and I reach up to grab my chest. Did they bring me here for this?

Her eyes go wide, and she throws up her hands. “Shit. Sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean us. I didn’t think that through.”

My heart’s still pounding triple time in my chest, and I’m wary.

“No, you I love, I mean I love you. I’m not breaking up with you. I promise.”

She’s cute when she’s flustered. Flapping her hands around in the air while she stumbles over her words. And then it hits me. She said it. She loves me. All the fear is gone, and my heart is racing for a different reason now. I don’t even care why she brought me here. She loves me. Unless there’s a but.

“But?”

“But nothing. I love you. I’m yours. I never stopped being yours. I just needed to sort a few things out before I saw you again. I was hoping to see you at Walk Safe last night, but you weren’t there. Anyway, like I said, it’s all good. It’s over.”

Her babbling may be cute, but I’m no less confused than I was when JJ and Grant kidnapped me.

“I love you, but what are you talking about, Coffee Girl?” The word flows with ease now, like the dam’s been lifted now that she said it back.

“Right. I’m sorry.”

I drop my hands over hers. “Stop apologizing and just tell me what’s up. Put me out of my misery. Please.”

“You’re back on the team. Or you will be very soon. I’m sure you’ll get a call from your coach by the end of the day or tomorrow. I don’t know how these things work, but you’re back.”

“What? How?”

“I talked to Darryl, and I told him I’d go to the police if he didn’t clear your name.”

“You talked to him. Are you okay? Did he touch you? If he did. I swear to every god out there, Jazz.”

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