Page 22 of The Long Game

Lilly: Oh my God, Lexi…I’m so sorry! Are you sure? Did you talk to him?

Lilly Liotta calling…

I ignore it.

My heart is ripped in shreds, but I don’t even think I’m allowed to feel bad for myself. I had set this into motion, hadn’t I? Pushing him towards someone else. And then, if that wasn’t enough…I might’ve ended his career.

I tried to text him that night and the next morning to apologize but he didn’t answer any of them. And when Luca told me that Tucker was in surgery, the guilt was overwhelming. I had taken away the one thing he truly loved…football. How could he forgive me after that?

He finally had enough. I got the message loud and clear.

Lilly: You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Just know I’m here, honey, if you want. Anytime, day or night.

Lexi: You might hear about an accident involving Tucker. He’ll be ok, but I really screwed everything up. He might not play professional football ever again.

Lilly: Are you sure you don’t want to talk?

Lexi: Yeah, I’m going to bed. Love you.

Lilly: Our guest room is always open to you. Come anytime. Love you too.

Chapter Seven

One month later…

Tucker

When they put me under for my knee surgery, I had the dream again. The dream of the accident at the lake house. I’m might have been asleep but, it was a drug-induced one. The nightmare is different this time.

I still can’t stop what’s happening to her. I still can’t stop her from dying in my arms. But I finally hear what she says in my ear. I’m kneeling with her body in my arms at the end of the dock when she whispers to me,

“Don’t let me go.”

And I respond by telling her, “We’ll never be apart again, I promise.”

Then, as it always ends, I pull her body close against my chest and sink us deep into the bottom of the lake.

When I wake from surgery and I get to speak with the doctor, he tells me, “Tucker, you’re going to have a second chance.”

I knew he was talking about how well the surgery went and that he thinks I’ll get to play after extensive physical therapy. But I take it different. I need another chance—just one more to get it right this time with Lexi.

No more fuckups. I’m in the fourth quarter and there was no way she’s going to let me rush in a touchdown. I’ll need to make headway at each play… gain a little ground. No excuse for anything else.

Luca Benson Calling…

“Hey man.”

“Hey.”

“Are you guys back from the hospital? How is Brielle feeling?”

“Tired but good. She had an emergency cesarean, so I’m helping out with Bronx as much as I can. I’m glad she had him during the off season so I could be here. We’re going to pack up and head for the Chicago Condo once Brielle’s doctor clears her.”

“That’s great. How is the little guy?”

“So far, he sleeps and eats but I know that will change soon enough.”

“Congrats, man.”

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