Page 87 of Changing Rules

“Pickles?” I shouldn’t be surprised by the strange saying. I love Jess’s silly side. She’s adorable and sassy, a total mama bear. She’ll lose it on anyone who offends her friends.

“Wait a second…” She’s silent; the sound of heels clicking is all I hear. Then she exhales. “Fuckers, not pickles. But I couldn’t say that because an old lady was standing near me in the store, listening to my every word. I didn’t want to shock her and send her to an early grave! Can you imagine me killing someone with my lack of manners?”

I giggle, my heart bobbing lightly in my chest. “That’s impossible. You’re the cutest.”

“Izzy…” She lets out an exaggerated growl. “I’m a mean girl, a real-life Grinch, and you’re perfectly aware of that.”

“I’m also aware that you’re truly kind and loyal, and that you care about your people. A lot.”

She heaves a sigh. “I love you. You’re the best.”

“Love you too.” I can’t help but smile. “Is there any chance you’ll be in New York soon? I decided not to go to Boston for the holidays, so…”

Jess gasps. “Yes!” she cries. “Yes, yes! I’m coming to New York the day after tomorrow. I didn’t mention it because I figured you wouldn’t be in town. But now? I can’t wait to spend time with you.”

“Oh my God! That’s the best news ever.” Despite the frigid temperature, my body warms with contentment.

Today is a great day, and my appointment with Dr. Khan will only make it better.

CHAPTER 23

I NEED A PLAN

XANDER

August

“Hey, buddy,”I say to Milo as I step into the foyer.

He’s sitting by the door, his head tilted to the side, and I swear his expression is accusatory. Clearly, he didn’t like being left alone all night.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

With a huff, he pads over to me, then plops onto his butt. I clip the leash to his collar and turn, but as I take a step forward, I’m met with resistance.

“What’s wrong with you?” I turn and kneel in front of him. “You had food, water, a place to sleep.” Head lowered, I scratch behind his ear. “Practice starts in two hours. I figured you’d want to take a walk before that. Would you rather stay home?”

He doesn’t even wag his tail; he just continues to look at me as if I’m one big disappointment. And, damn, if he isn’t right. I lack motivation in every aspect of my life. All my days are the same—one super long Groundhog Day. Love that for me.

I grit my teeth, my aggravation getting the best of me. “Whether you want to or not, we’re going for a walk.” I stand and scoop him up before I stomp outside.

I’m exhausted, and my head is pounding. I stayed at my parents’ house last night. I would’ve taken Milo, but Dad’s health took a hit last month, and they don’t need any more stress. It plagues me, my fear for my dad’s well-being. It makes it hard to eat and sleep, steals all my energy, my desire to do anything but just exist. Thank God training camp has started. Football is my only salvation these days. I’m determined to focus all my attention on my career. I just hope it pays off when the season starts.

I can’t guarantee I’ll survive today’s practice after sleeping like absolute shit last night, but I’ll do my best. My teammates don’t deserve my shitty mood.

Halfway down the street, I take my phone out of my pocket to check the time, only to discover it’s dead.Shit. I put it away, and once Milo has done his business, I head back to the house. Charging my phone before practice is a must. I need to be available in case Mom needs something.

My phone probably died because I spent at least an hour staring at Bella’s Instagram feed last night. Every picture she posts oozes happiness. She’s moved on, found a new guy, while I am the jealous ex-boyfriend who can’t forget her.

Though I’m in a hurry, Milo clearly isn’t. He strolls lazily back to the house, sniffing every bush and blade of dead grass. This dog is something else, I swear. I should’ve encouraged Bella to take him with her. It would’ve been better. For all of us.

My Lamborghini Urus moves gracefully,almost silently, passing car after car. Never in my life could I have imagined selling my Porsche, but the moment I saw this sleek black car, I fell in love. I bought it two months ago, and the excitementhasn’t worn off. Driving it is even better than sex—okay, better than sex with anyone who isn’t Bella. She’s…Fuck.

I shut down that train of thought, chiding myself for obsessing about her once again.

“Hey, Walker!” Miller’s voice startles me as I climb out of my car. “Cutting it a little close, aren’t you?”

Irritation flashes through me, but I choke it back. “I could say the same about you.”

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