Page 173 of Rewind It Back

“What?” Isaiah asks with an edge of innocence. “We all know what’s going on. I don’t know why we’re pretending like we don’t.”

“Fuck it. We can talk about it.” Rio sits back in his seat. “Boston is going to make an offer after the season ends as long as I don’t re-sign with Chicago, and it’s my childhood dream to play for them.”

When he looks in my direction, I give him a wink, telling him I’m on board.

“And I’m sorry I didn’t say something before,” he continues. “But leaving you guys isn’t exactly something I’ve been stoked to talk about.”

“Rio, you’ve got to do what’s best for you,” Zanders says. “I think we all understand the appeal of playing for our hometown team.”

Rio nods.

Kai sits forward, forearms on the table. “And it’s not like you’re going to leave and that’s it. You’re going to be back here to see Hallie, right?”

“Of course.”

“Don’t worry about all of us,” Stevie adds. “We’re all going to still love you.”

Rio’s attention shifts to Ryan. “Is that true, Ryan?”

The tension dissipates with a laugh from everyone, thanks to Rio’s futile attempts to get the basketball superstar to admit he loves him.

Ryan shakes his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Indy tries to discreetly wipe her cheeks again.

Rio sighs when he spots her. “Ind.”

She offers him a placating smile. “Just going to miss you is all.”

“We’ll chat later, okay?”

She nods to agree.

There’s still a heaviness lingering over the room.

“So, uh...” Isaiah begins again. “Are we having a party at your house or what?”

Kennedy shakes her head at him. “One-track mind, I swear.”

“Hell yeah, we’re having a party. I was hoping the house would be ready for Hallie’s birthday, so we could celebrate both, but a couple of the projects got delayed. We’ll get something planned in April or May for the house.”

Indy’s sadness begins to shift when she sits up excitedly. “Wait. Hallie, when is your birthday?”

“Next Saturday.”

“What? We have to do something! Next Sunday’s dinner has to be a birthday dinner.”

“I’ll make a cake!” Miller chimes in.

Rio squeezes my thigh again and I don’t do a great job of hiding my smile. It feels really nice to make new friends again.

“Wait, when do we get home?” Zee asks him.

“We’ll get back late Saturday night. Coach wants to stay an extra night to see his family in Montréal. I already tried to convince him to let us fly home Friday after the game instead, but he’s not into it.”

“Sunday dinner will be fun,” I interrupt. I don’t need him to feel bad about something he can’t change. And honestly, whenever we do celebrate, I know it’ll be the best birthday I’ve had in a long time. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Speaking of March birthdays.” Miller sits up in her seat. “Did you all get the invite to Max’s party?”

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