Page 129 of In It to Win It

“Yeah.”

“With yourself first of all. Do you love her?”

I swallow. “Yeah.”

He nods. “Then you have to tell her that.”

My jaw drops in alarm.

“Yep.”

I suck in a breath. “Okay.”

“It’s good if you can do something to show her you love her. Like groveling.”

“Groveling?” I grimace. “Like get down on my knees and beg her to take me back?”

“Pretty much.”

“Ugh. I think it’s too late. I wouldn’t blame her for not taking me back.”

“Well, at least ask her to forgive you. At least be honest with her, so that if things really are done, you both know the truth.”

I nod slowly. “Yeah. Okay. This is my worst screwup yet because I hurt her. I don’t know how to make it up to her, but I’ll figure something out.”

“Okay, good. We’re having a New Year’s party—Lacey and I. You can come. Taylor might be there.”

My heart slams into a rapid rhythm. “Right. Okay.”

We play Sunday,then we play next Tuesday, which is New Year’s Eve. I’ve been playing, but Dad and Uncle Mark are right—I feel like a zombie. I hate it.

I took a stupid tripping penalty on Sunday, but that was it. Staying out of trouble. That’s me.

I haven’t scored either.

Dutch, Abs, and Copper want me to go to a big New Year’s party after the game that apparently one of the Lakers is throwing in his mansion in the hills. They promise me lots of gorgeous women, booze, drugs, and a swimming pool.

I’m not into it. Even if I was, I have other plans—Taylor. Since I met with Théo, I’ve been hard at work on my project. Monday is an optional practice and I bail on it because I’m busy. But things aren’t going well, and I need help.

I call Everly. “You working today?”

“I’m taking off at noon.”

“Come by my place. I need you.”

She laughs in a nasty way that makes me frown. “Okay.”

What is up with that? Oh right. My lucky charms. This might be dangerous. Oh well.

27

TAYLOR

I don’t feellike partying this New Year’s Eve. It’s a big phony holiday anyway. It’s just another day.

But I’m dressed in a cute Little Black Dress. I’ve kicked off my heels and I’m padding around Lacey and Théo’s house in bare feet, moving to the music Lacey has playing, holding a glass of champagne, a big smile fixed on my face.

It’s not a huge party. Some of the Condors management is here—Théo’s assistant GM Scott Jermey and their coach Dave Martin, along with their wives. Wyatt Bell, who lives in this same building, is here, and team captain Jimmy Bertelson and his girlfriend. Some of the Wynns, but not all, are here, including Everly.

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