Page 69 of The Grinder

Well, hell. She didn’t have to sound so damn happy about it. Which was stupid to even think about.

“Thanks. I’m happy with the way I played.”

“You should be.”

“If I’m still here Friday, do you want to come to the game?”

Another quick pause. “I… Can I let you know that morning? I’d really love to come but—”

“Yeah, no problem. I guess I’ll wait to hear from you.”

“Oh, wait. Do you—oh, I forgot. You’re going out.”

“Yeah. And I still need to give my parents a call.”

Another pause.

“I’m so glad you called, Riley. I don’t want to keep you from your parents. I just… I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Sure. Night.”

He hung up before she could respond and the second the call disconnected, he wanted to throw his phone against the wall.

Goddammit.

That was not how he’d wanted that conversation to go.

He felt like he’d just blown playoff game seven with a turnover in the defensive end. His heart pounding, he took a couple of deep breaths. Getting pissed wasn’t going to help. Besides, if he stayed in Philly, he might never see her again.

Which would totally suck.

Shit.

And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it now. Now, it was time to celebrate finally achieving his goal.

Tomorrow, he needed to make sure he held on to his spot on this team.

And maybe to start getting over this damn crush he had on a girl who obviously didn’t care enough about him.

* * * * *

“You look like shit.”

Aly gave her sister a death glare as she headed for the coffeepot. “Gee, thanks. And what are you doing up this early, anyway?”

Vivi shrugged. “Haven’t been to bed yet. And I wanted to know if he called last night.”

Pouring herself coffee, Aly didn’t answer until she’d taken her first sip.

“Yes, he called.”

And she’d been an ass.

“That’s it? He called.” Vivi sighed. “What’d he say?”

“That he’ll be staying in Philly at least until Friday.”

“Ah.”

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