Page 91 of The Rebound Plan

“This is a beautiful place,” I tell her, meaning it with every fibre in my being. “I’m so happy you get to move here soon.”

Kiley being Kiley, she takes the compliment, but her gaze searches my face with an astuteness that makes me feel very vulnerable.

I turn and glance out over the city. We can’t see the arena from here, that’s on the other side of the building.

“At brunch, Emma mentioned that you’d asked her for some advice,” Kiley says softly.

I’m prepared to lie here. I have a complete, easy explanation. The same thing I said to Emma—it was for someone I know, someone in a bad spot.

But my friends are going to learn the truth soon enough, and I’d rather they hear it from me. “I’m leaving Max.”

“Oh.” She leans against the railing next to me. “How are you feeling?”

“Numb.”

“What do you need?”

“A time machine.” My voice cracks. Not completely numb.

She pulls me into her arms and I sob on her shoulder. She rubs my back and doesn’t say anything else, which is exactly what I need her to do.

“I can’t talk about it yet,” I finally whisper, wiping my eyes.

“Okay.”

“I haven’t told anyone else.” Except Russ, but that’s…different.

“I won’t say anything.”

“I don’t know when the separation will happen. It’s complicated because I’m here on a spousal visa.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah.” I swallow hard.

“Whatever you need, we’ll make sure you get it. We’re friends no matter what, Shan.”

I lift my head and look her in the eye. “That’s not how it works with the team. It’s okay.”

“Fuck the team. That’s how it works withme.”

I hug her back. “Thank you.”

“I can do different voices. Do you want me to call Emma and get a referral to another lawyer? She’ll never know it’s me.”

I let out a watery laugh. “No, it’s okay. I think I’ll call her myself.”

“Good. Remember what Emery said about how they control the WAG groups. That’s not how it’s going to be for us. You leave our group chat, babe, we’re just dragging you into a new one.”

I burst into tears all over again. I don’t deserve these friends. But I love them so, so much.

“Call Emma,” she whispers. “It’ll be confidential. That’s her job.”

I nod. I will.

Puck pats at the glass door. Kiley cringes. “We’re going to have to come up with a better system for that to avoid the paw marks.”

Inside, I try to grasp for something I can help with. “Do you need any decorating assistance?”

---