Page 132 of Endgame

I’m worried about her, and I have been for some time now. I’m waiting for her to catch me up to speed. “Everything’s fine.”

She's distracting herself with mindless tasks, avoiding eye contact with me. “I’m in the process of moving, that’s all.”What?Since when? I dart my hand out to grab the tickets, her fidgeting is making my eyes twitch.

“Navy, what are you talking about? Since when?”

Forwardness doesn’t work for everyone, but for Navy, it’s the only way she will talk. She can kiss my big ole ass if she thinks I’m letting this one slide without an explanation.

Stopping her motions altogether, her sorrowful eyes find mine, almost pleading with me not to take this too far. “I’m embarrassed, Kodi. That’s why. I told Luke I couldn't handle him trying to control every second of my life any longer, and he kicked me out. As in, I came home from work yesterday to my shit outside the apartment door.”

That asshole.

I never did like him. I hate that she didn’t call me. “Navy, I’m so sorry. But why didn’t you call me? I hate that I wasn't able to be there for you.”

A long exhale leaves her mouth before she speaks, “Kodi, you’ve been busy; that’s okay, my girl. I’m so happy for you and my brother. You’re living for once, and I refuse to throw my problems at you. I had help, I promise.”

I’m at least glad she wasn’t alone, but that doesn’t soften the blow of her feeling like I’m too busy for her.

Never.

I walk around to her side of the table and pull her into a side hug, one I know she will never tell me she needs.

I feel her body relax into our hug as I do my best to make sure she knows her place. “You, Navy Willow Hayes, are the number one in my life. Callaway comes second to you, and he knows it. Next time you need someone, you call me first, no questions asked, and I’ll be there. Promise me that?” Her eyes are clouded with tears.

I know how hard her ending things with Luke had to have been but seeing her finally value the incredible things she has to offer in a relationship makes me so proud of her. Luke has been an infectious disease, festering his bitterness in her life.

I grab a water bottle from the cooler and take a large gulp.

The heat does nothing but enhance my thirst, and reminds me that coffee is, in fact, not a proper form of hydration.I rebuke that.

My curiosity is piqued at the newly discovered fact of Navy having help. But by who whom?

Callaway has been with me; the only other person would be the not-to-be-named guy she dumped. That possibility is not likely.

“Who ended up helping you? The weight of your shoe collection alone would make a grown man's knees ache.”

Her love for fashion knows no end. I laugh to myself, waiting for her response. “Bodhi didn’t seem to have any issues carrying them.”

I’m sorry, what?

It looks like my water wanted to escape, at the rate it sprayed from my mouth, covering the table with my surprise. Good thing there’s nothing else to clean, or Navy would have my head, just like I’m about to have hers.

“Bodhi? Bodhi St. James? As in the catcher for the Strikers? Quiet, keeps to himself, Cal’s best friend, stays cooped up in the house alone, Bodhi?”

It’s like her admission has no faze on her. Well, it sure as hell fazes me. “The one and only. He’s been helping me a lot.”

That's news to me.

“Okay…that’s good, I guess. I’m glad he’s being a friend to you.”

That seems to appease her enough as she confirms all the donation money is secure, then zips up her backpack, leaving nothing but the two of us.

“He’s been a great friend. He’s letting me crash at the house until I find something more permanent.”

I can’t argue with him keeping her safe. I don’t know Bodhi well, and I feel I’m not the only one who feels that way, but he’s Callaway’s best friend, and I know there must be some good in him for that to be true. I’m going to trust hewill take care of her. “I’m glad you found somewhere to stay, Navs. Just know you are always welcome at my place at any point if you change your mind. The doors always open.”

Her laughter throws me off. It’s the best sound coming from her, and like always, her predictability rears its head to bite me in the ass. “Oh, for the love of God, please don’t leave the door open for me. I’d never expose myself to that kind of trauma. Sorry, not sorry. Call me when your honeymoon phase is over, and the rabbit fucking is in the past.”

She’s so sweet to me.

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