Page 120 of That's Too Pucking Bad

“Nice game,” the man says, his voice deep and smooth, like it’s got money in it.

I don’t know why, but I feel sick.

Zane nods, his face all business now, like the moment of connection we shared didn’t just happen. “Thanks.” His tone’s clipped, stiff.

The older man looks around, and I swear, it’s like he doesn’t even see me standing here. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” he says, a smile curling up at the edges of his lips, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

And then, like it’s some sick joke, Zane looks away. He turns his back to me, to where I’m standing, and walks toward his dad.

It hits me like a punch to the gut.

I stand frozen, my heart sinking, like all the air just left the room. I can’t even breathe. He walks away from me, right in front of me, like I’m not even here, like I’m nobody.

I want to scream, to shout at him. But I can’t. My legs won’t move. My brain’s a mess of confusion and anger, and all I can do is watch him go.

They walk toward the exit, his father’s arm around his shoulders, and Zane’s back is stiff, his focus on whatever the hell his dad’s saying. I don’t know what’s worse— the fact that he’s walking away from me or the fact that he doesn’t even look back.

I let out a shaky, anxious breath. It’s like everything I’ve been trying to ignore hits me all at once. The doubt. The fear. The loneliness. I have proof now that it’s not all in my head. I’m being ghosted, treated like a nobody, and I have the audacity to show up to his game dressed like this, believing he would see me and something would change.

What the fuck is wrong with me? Why did I think for one second that Zane and I could be anything serious? This is literally what Maya was talking about when I first told her about Zane.The guy’s like a ghost. If he’s seeking you out, then it means something.So much for that. Too bad I know exactly what she means now.

And then it hits me— harder this time.

I am just some girl to him. Another fucking face in the crowd.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to sit down. The cheering is louder now. People are celebrating like it’s the best thing in the world that they won, but all I can hear is the sound of my own breath, ragged and painful.

The rest of the evening is a blur. I don’t even really care. The team won, yeah, but I can’t shake the image of Zane turning his back on me.

I should’ve known better, took a fucking hint, and listened to the signs.

I really should’ve stayed home.

But there’s something inside me that can’t let go. Something that’s not willing to just walk away, no matter how much it hurts. Maybe I’m fucking stupid, but I can’t help it. I miss him. I want him to care.

But it’s clear as day, so painfully obvious, that he gives zero fucks.

Chapter 25

I step outside, wincing with every limp. My leg feels like it’s on fire, but I force myself to straighten up when my dad’s voice rings out from behind me.

“Walk straight, Zane. You’re not some cripple.”

I bite my lip, doing my best to ignore the ache as I pull myself together. I can’t show weakness— not in front of him.

The cold air hits my face as I push open the door and step into the parking lot. My dad’s already waiting by his car, arms crossed, eyes sharp. He’s always sharp. Always calculating.

A few moments later, a man in a suit approaches us. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, looking every bit like the scout he is. His suit is sharp, and he carries himself like he’s used to power.

“Zane Coburn, right?” he asks, extending his hand.

“Yeah,” I mutter, shaking his hand quickly.

He’s looking at me, really looking at me, like he’s trying to figure me out. My shoulders tense under his gaze. I hate being under a microscope, but I know the game. I’ve been in it long enough.

“You’ve got potential,” the scout says, his voice low, but there’s that glint in his eye. That kind of approval that makes me want to run the other way. But I don’t. I can’t. This is the life I’ve been handed.

I force a smile, but it’s tight. “I’ve been working hard.”

---