Page 86 of Fall Wherever They May

CHAPTER THIRTY

Aspen

I close the bedroom door behind me and sit on the bed, my head hangs in despair. Why is this happening to me? Just when I thought I could never be happier. My heart aches. Can a heart literally break? Is that even possible? This hurts so damn much.Fuck!I should have known getting involved with my player was a very bad move on my part, but I guess you can’t help who you fall in love with.

My door flies open, causing me to jump as it slams against the wall. “Why’d you do that, Mom? Why’d you send Cal away?” Tucker cries.

“Baby, now’s not the time. I just needed some time to think. You wouldn’t understand.” Trying to conceal my tears, I turn my head away and wipe my eyes.

“I’m. Not. A. Baby. And I understand more than you think.”

I inhale deeply, letting the air fill my lungs, then I count to ten so I don’t lose my patience with Tucker’s tone.

“Come sit.” I pat the spot beside me.

Tucker moves to sit on the bed, peering up with a glare. What am I supposed to tell him? I don’t have all the answers yet,but one thing is for certain: Cal is leaving the team. The deer-in-the-headlight expression on his face when we were confronted by the media confirmed that, not to mention the fact that when I flat-out asked him, he didn’t say a fucking word.

For the life of me, I just don’t understand why he would keep this from me, especially since he knows my history. The least he could’ve done was had a conversation with me—prepared me—so I wouldn't have been blindsided. I guess this is what happens when you get involved with your employee. The boss is always the last to find out, right? Fuck. My. Life.

I focus all my attention on Tucker, trying to keep my emotions in check in front of him. “You’re right. You’re not a baby, so I’m just going to shoot it to you straight. I’m certain Cal is leaving the team. I don’t know what that means for our team or for our family. I can’t leave the Blaze; if he chooses free agency, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. We just need to expect the worst and hope for the best.”

“Cal’s not going anywhere.” He rolls his eyes.

“Look, Tucker. I’ve had my fair share of experiences—“

“He’s not leaving.” He shakes his head emphatically.

Deciding not to argue with a ten-year-old little boy, I let it go. I probably shouldn’t be telling him anything until I have all the facts anyway because all I have are speculations. I release a breath. “Come here.” I hold my arms wide.

Tucker cuddles into me. “You’re wrong, Momma.”

“God, I hope so, Buddy.” I whisper, kissing the top of his head and holding him for a bit. “You okay?” I finally ask.

“I’m fine. Just sad you made Cal leave. I think that was mean.”

I don’t want to patronize Tucker again by telling him he doesn’t understand. Cal and I are supposed to be a team; we’re supposed to discuss major decisions with each other.

Tucker jumps up. “Okay, well, I’m going to unpack my X-BOX and hop on Fortnite with Elija.”

I nod, trying to keep the tears at bay in front of him. “Okay, close the door behind you, please.”

The dam bursts, and the tears fall as soon as the door quietly clicks behind him. I give myself ten minutes to cry before I’m back in boss mode. My team needs me to separate my feelings. Putting my personal life aside, I grab my phone and dial Teagan.

“I was just about to call you. News about Callan just broke over here.”

I climb onto the middle of the bed, sit with my legs crisscrossed beneath me, holding onto a pillow. “What are they saying?”

“Nothing definitive. Only that his contract is up and that he’s decided not to renew his contract with the Blaze organization. They did mention his free agency, but TTSN is stating they don’t have any confirmation, and as of right now, the rumor coming in is that he’s retiring. Any idea why that might be?”

“Well, Teagan, I wish I could say that I have the answers, but I don’t. All we have are rumors and speculations too. I will say, I think it’s true based on his reaction today. The only thing is, I don’t know if he’s retiring from the league or exploring free agency.”

“Have you spoken to him?”

I clear my throat. “No. I will, but I just need a minute to compartmentalize.” I release an exasperated sigh. “Go ahead and put out a press release stating that anything heard up to this point is rumor and speculation and the Blaze organization doesn’t have neither clear confirmation on Mr. Miles’ plans for his future within our organization nor the league at this time. However, we should have more information momentarily, andat that time we will submit a formal announcement. Think that will tide them over?”

“I don’t know. You of all people know they can be vultures, but I’ll try.”

I laugh. Boy, don’t I. “Thanks, Teagan.”

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