Page 201 of By His Play

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

She raises a brow, not believing a word of it.

“Mom,” I complain.

“Oh, Kieran. I know things are complicated, and I don’t expect you to give me all the details, but you and Effie…you’re too good together to throw it all away.”

“We’re just friends,” I argue.

Even saying the words hurts.

Losing her would always hurt. She’s been such a huge part of my life. But right now, it feels like a whole lot more than losing a friend.

“You two have never just been friends, Kieran. You’ve just been waiting for the right time.”

“There won’t be a right time. Effie deserves so much more than anything I could offer her.”

Mom’s lip purse with irritation. “That’s bullshit.”

My eyes widen in surprise. Mom hardly ever swears.

“Mom.”

Her shoulders widen. “No, I’m serious, Kieran. There isn’t anything that Effie wants that you can’t give her. She just wants you.”

“What?” I shake my head, unable to believe what she’s saying. “No, she doesn’t.”

Mom chuckles to herself. “Kieran, I love you, but you’re clueless. That girl has been in love with you for years. And in case you haven’t figured it out yet, the feeling is most definitely mutual.”

I stare at her, blinking, unable to find any words to respond.

Thankfully, there’s a commotion at the front door, and not two seconds later, Kingston, Tate, Prince, Kian, and Lori join us in the kitchen.

Mom hops up to greet everyone and leaves me with her words spinning around my head.

The rest of the day is a blur. Everyone talks to me, but no words really go in. Makenzie and Matilda are…well, as hyperactive as any teenage girls. They’re exhausting, Kenzie especially. I swear that kid never stops talking, ever. Tilly is a little calmer, more pensive.

By the time we’re saying our goodbyes, I’m more than ready to lock myself in my quiet apartment.

As per usual, King and Tate are the first to leave. He may be embracing family life a little more these days, but things are still strained. He’s trying, though, and that’s more than can be said for how things were before he married Tate. She’s a good influence on him.

Kenzie begs for Kian to stay longer, as she always does. She idolizes our big brother and has him on a pedestal, so high I’m amazed she can see him up there.

I’ll admit that I’m a little jealous.

Sure, I get plenty of attention. But most of it is surface level.

Other than my family, the only person who looks at me like I’m something special, something more than just a football player, is Effie.

That thought hits me hard in the chest.

I miss her.

I miss her so fucking much.

Mom tries talking to me again, but I let most of it go over my head.

She doesn’t know what our relationship is really like. She has no idea what it’s been like the past few weeks.

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