Page 116 of How to Prevent a Fumble

She shrugs, trying her hardest to prevent the full-on smirk from overtaking her face.

And that flips something in my brain. Because surely my daughter can’t go to the game in a Warner jersey while I keep my Crosby one, right?

Surely we have to match. Even if I hate it.

But deep down I know that’s a lie.

With a deep sigh I spin on my heel to go find Leo’s jersey.

But it doesn’t hit me until I look in the mirror how deeply I’m fucked.

Zara knew something was up the very second she saw me.

Looking me up and down, my best friend’s eyes narrow. While Elara runs toward the front of the suite to Isla, Zara grabs my arm and drags me to the corner. “You guys are fucking?” she asks me, her arms crossed over her chest.

I shake my head. Because we’re not.

Even if Ihavethought about it.

“Elara wanted to wear it.”

She stares at me, her face stoic. “So you’re telling me that your daughter is getting so attached to Leo that she wore his jersey today instead of her uncle’s?”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t think she thinks that deeply?—”

“You told me just the other week that she’s been getting up early because they’ve been making breakfast together.”

“Well yeah but?—”

Zara shakes her head. “No buts. That girl is going to get her heart broken.”

I’m going to get my heart broken too.

I worry my lip, watching her dance to a new song playing overhead with Isla and Amara.

“Can I tell you something without you judging me?” I ask.

She levels me with a stare, and I know that she makes no such promises.

“I like him. And I know I shouldn’t. But Zara, he’s so much different than we thought. Than I thought for the longest time. He’s sweet. And he loves Elara. Like I really think he loves her. They planned coordinating Halloween costumes behind my back, for crying out loud.”

“You know I think he’s a walking, talking red flag.”

I nod. “I do. But you also haven’t seen how he is now.” I grab her wrist. “He’s been going totherapy.”

“Well, if there’s one person on this planet who needs it?—”

“Zara!”

“Okay! I’m sorry! But that should have happened a long time ago.”

I know she’s right. I think everyone would know she’s right. Leo should have been in therapy for the last decade. No one prepares someone for becoming their family’s primary breadwinner. And although I adore his family from when I’ve met them, and no matter how much I love Isla, Leo has made all of their dreams come true, and when he’s been hurting, he hasn’t had anyone in his corner.

Even me.

Not Owen, or any of his other teammates.

Sure, part of that is because of the way he hides behind his humor. He pretends to be dumb so people have lessexpectations of him.

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