Page 165 of By His Play

I don’t know of anywhere else she would go. But she’s got money; the world is her oyster.

My stomach knots as regret trickles through my veins.

If it weren’t for me, she’d be back here now, living her life.

You’d also be unaware just how fucking amazing she is.

No. I already knew that.

I blow out a heavy breath and close my eyes for a beat.

It’s not until Brax speaks that I remember he’s sitting right next to me, witnessing my turmoil.

“She’ll come back,” he says confidently.

“How do you know that? Has she told you something she hasn’t told me?”

He glances over, and I see the answer in his eyes.

“You know she hasn’t. I just don’t think she’ll be happy ending up anywhere you aren’t.”

“I hope so.”

We have a while until the new season starts, but I’m not sure how I’d survive it without my lucky charm in the stands, cheering me on.

“Trust her. She just needs time.” He’s said this exact thing over and over again, but if anything, I’m struggling to believe it more now.

As the weeks go on, it’s going to get easier and easier for her to forget what she has here. There will be more and more reasons not to return.

At some point, I might not be enough.

“What is this place?” I ask when he pulls into a parking lot.

“Burgers. I found it when I was down here last summer.”

“Amazing,” I say, although I don’t really mean it.

I’ve been keeping up with my routine of exercise and healthy eating these past two weeks, but I swear nothing tastes like it used to.

Everything in my life has turned grey and bland.

Without Effie, there is no color.

I follow Brax inside, both of us tugging the caps of our hats down in an attempt to hide.

Usually, I don’t mind getting spotted and signing a few autographs, especially for kids, but right now isn’t one of those times.

Thankfully, the young server is oblivious, and she guides us to a secluded table as requested.

“Wanna hit the gym tomorrow before heading out here?” Brax asks, trying to keep my mind and body active.

“Sure,” I mutter absently as I stare at the menu.

He wants to say more, I can sense it from him without even looking up, but he refrains.

I fucking hate that I’ve turned into one of those guys you have to walk on eggshells around, but I can’t help it.

Pulling my cell free again, I tap out a message.

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