Page 120 of Fear of Falling

Josie had sent me multiple texts, asking where I went. I knew she was hurt that I’d left in the middle of the night without a word. Yet, when the first message came through, I just stared atmy phone, not knowing what to say. My brother's words rattled in my head, fighting for attention against the damn article.

Thankfully, the team won 2-1, maintaining our winning streak.

No thanks to me.

I was on autopilot as I changed out of my uniform and into my suit. The last thing I wanted was to go and talk to the press. When Trevor and Bryton approached me, there was nowhere for me to hide in the small locker room.

“Come on B,” Trevor gestured for the door.

“We have press,” I said.

I glanced around for Coach, but the two of them shook their heads.

“Already taken care of,” Bryton said as the two ushered me out of the locker room. I didn’t say a word as we left the arena and got into a waiting car.

“What are you guys doing?” I looked at my two best friends, wondering what they were up to.

Neither answered me as the driver drove us back to the team's hotel. When they steered me towards the bar, I was more than happy to follow. A drink sounded really good right about now.

We found a quiet spot at the back, the bartender already making our drinks.

“Care to tell us what's going on with you?” Trevor crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat.

Should have known they would bring me here to bombard me with questions.

“Haven’t seen you play this bad since our first year in Uni,” he added.

“Not even when you were hurt did you play this bad,” Bryton said, the two of them staring at me, waiting for an explanation.The bartender placed my whiskey down and I took a long sip before answering.

“My head just wasn’t in it tonight,” I lied, keeping my gaze on my drink.

“Yeah, that was a shitty lie,” Trevor said.

“You can do better than that,” Bryton shook his head. “Everyone knows you drove to see Josie after the article. So, what happened?”

“Was Josie mad about it?” Trevor asked.

I shook my head as I took another pull of my drink. “She was a bit upset, naturally and then later seemed okay and said we would talk about it later.”

“I’m struggling to find the problem,” Trevor looked at me confused. “It’s a good thing she was okay, so why are you acting like the world is ending?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are,” Bryton interjected. “The paparazzi bombarded the girls at the club, which is horrible, I agree. There's an article about you guys dating and talks about her, yet she seemed okay when you saw her. What’s the issue?”

“The issue?” I slammed my glass down harder than I meant too. “All of that happened because of me.”

Understanding bloomed in their eyes.

“Josie knew this would happen when she started dating you,” Trevor said. “She knows what your life is like.”

“She didn’t know they would write horrible things about her. I don’t want her life turned upside down because of me. She’s already dealt with enough.”

“Have you asked her?”

Silence was my answer.

“Wyatt,” Bryton sighed. “Josie is a grown woman. She can make her own decisions, especially decisions about her life.You’re going to ruin what you have with her by deciding what youthinkshe wants.”

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