Page 63 of Changing Rules

I hide my face in my hands, my body awash with dread. But I have to do this. Kevin will listen to me. He’ll do what I ask, but only me. If Xander reaches out, or his agent, or anyone from the team on his behalf, there’s a good chance Kevin’s jealousy will make everything worse.

I quickly feed Milo before I rush to my car, my determination my fuel.

A mile or so from Meg’s shop, my phone buzzes. I answer without checking the display, figuring she’s calling to see how close I am.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Audrey’s yell reverberates through my whole body, sending shivers down my spine.

Shit.

“Do you realize what’ll happen to his career if he gets kicked off the team? Do you have any idea how it’ll screw with his life?”

“I—”

“You’re ruining everything for him, his life and his career! You’re a fucking disease, Isabella!”

“I’ll fix it,” I bite out, gripping the steering wheel. “I will?—”

“Fuck you!”

When the line goes dead, I toss my phone onto the passenger seat like it’s a poisonous snake ready to strike.

I hate her, but I also hate that she’s right.

I’m ruining his life.

Once I’ve parked near Meg’s shop, I close my eyes and count to ten, taking deep breaths. The morning that started so perfectly has turned into the afternoon from hell. Our argument, his agent’s call, then Audrey’s. When it rains, it pours, they say…and now, it’s a damn cyclone.

Once my heart rate has slowed a fraction, I text Meg to let her know I’m outside. Then, as I wait, I pull up Kevin’s number in my contacts. For the space of several breaths, all I can do is stare at the screen, my finger hovering over his name. For years, I’ve avoided him. Now? I have no choice but to reach out.

“Didn’t expect your call.” His deep voice pierces right through me, sliding into my veins. I’ve been free of him for a very long time, but some days, my memories are a bitch. Today is one of those days. My vulnerable state has opened the gates of my personal hell, flooding my mind with the memories I’ve desperately longed to forget.

“Can I see you?” I ask, bile rising in my throat.

He heaves a long sigh, the sound a bit wounded. “When?”

“It’ll take me an hour to get there.”

“There?” He chuckles. “You’ll need to be a bit more specific, love. I can’t imagine you want to meet at home.”

“No.” My heart pounds, the sound echoing in my ears.

“I can’t say that surprises me,” he says. “Where?”

“In the park.”

“Our place?” he asks.

Eyes closed, I bite my bottom lip, hard. The pain is a reminder of my purpose.Xander.He’s the reason I have to see this man.

“Yes.”

“See you in an hour, love.”

I cringe at the term of endearment, but I keep my words to myself, choosing to focus on the prize instead of all the things I can’t control.

As I end the call, Meg scurries to the car.

Smoothing my hair with my palm, I try to control my breathing. This won’t be an easy ride, but I’m finally ready to reveal all my darkest secrets to my best friend. I just hope she’ll understand.

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