Page 102 of Endgame

“Ahh, yes! Let’s do a Strikers car wash. The ladies can bikini up and assist in the rinse, while the players can scrub. We can totally bank off of this with the team alone. Anyone want a hot professional baseball player to wash your car? Yes, please.Trust me, this will work!”

She might have something here. I’m not thrilled at the thought of my little sister and Dakota strutting around in skimpy bikinis, but if it's for a good cause, what the hell.

“That sounds amazing, Navy. I’m in!” Tenley offers her acceptance, and the rest of the group throws out possible date ideas that would work with the team's schedule. She tells us she will report back when all the details are sorted.

I know this isn’t a cure all for Taylor, but I hope it shows Jack they have a village supporting them.

Seated next to Mack are Bodhi and Navy. Bodhi is quiet, per usual, while Navy is rattling on about random business. What stops me is that he’s listening. He’s listening like there’s nowhere else he’d rather be. I’m not some protective asshole brother, but seeing her open up to him makes me miss her.

Before the team and Dakota, she’s always been my steady.

My day one.

I decide to bribe her with milkshakes to get her alone for a second. I need to thank her for officially giving me my girl.

My eyes find Navy’s across the booth, “Little sister, let’s get milkshakes.” Throwing my thumb back toward the shake bar, she takes my bait and all but runs towards the sugary concoction.

Predictable.

“Hell yes, brother. I’m in dire need of a blood sugar spike. What shall we feed the guilt with tonight? I’m thinking strawberry.”

I kiss Dakota on the cheek before following Navy to the shake bar.

I’ve learned a thing or two from Navy and now Dakota: women love sugar. They need sugar. It’s necessary, and you’re setting yourself up for failure if it’s not accessible at all times. They have a one-track mind when it comes to sweets.

It’s a life lesson at this point.

Thankfully, I’m easy to please.

“Strawberry sounds good.” We place our orders and find the nearest bar stool to sit at while we wait.

In the midst of being here, Navy looks tired. I know my sister, and I know the front she puts on for everyone to see. She looks like she’s got it all together, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

“So, how’s my little sister doing?” I could cut to the chase and ask about Luke, but Navy can read me better than that.

“I’m fine,” I cut her a death glare, showing her I’m not stupid. “I’ve been better.” She changes her tone and slumps in her seat.

It fucks with my head to see her like this.

“What’s up? I know you, Navy, and I can read between the lines. What’s going on?”

She exhales a long breath. I almost think she’s gonna dome a disservice and lie, but that’s not us. Thankfully, she lets me in.

“I feel like I’m drowning, Cal. And I couldn’t for the life of me tell you why, other than the fact that my boyfriend since high school sucks. I’m not all glued, sticky, and put together. I’m just not.”

Looks like I need to have a little chat with Luke. It’s long overdue.

“Did something happen? It’s bullshit if he thinks he can get away with treating you like that.”

I can see her thinking through her response before she speaks up, “I honestly don’t know. He’s made it clear he hates Jared since I started working for the Strikers, but it’s myjob, Cal. I can't, no Iwon't,quit because his pride is too big. Ever since then, he’s made coming home a nightmare.”

I’m fighting every murderous thought in my head to refrain from castrating Luke. I know that’s not what Navy needs, so I decide to go with a better route.

“Navy, I want you to listen to me. Luke is not the end-all-be-all. He doesn’t have your future mapped out or your babies premade. He’s one man and barely one at that. If he wants to treat you like you’re disposable, then fuck him. You’re better than that.”

She’s silently crying, her sniffling slowly shattering my heart, but at least she’s feeling and seeking help.

“It’s not that simple. I livewith him, Cal. We’ve lived together since we were so young. He’s all I’ve ever known.”

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