Page 3 of The Fine Line

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It’s in my head, echoing back from almost ten years ago.

“Sutton,” a sharper voice cuts from my left. This one is real.

This one drags me back fast and hard.

I turn.

Coach Barrett’s eyes are locked on mine—icy, narrowed, and definitely not amused.

“Sorry, Bear,” I manage, my voice rough.

“Are you with us or not, Sutton?” he asks.

Not.

Definitely not.

But thenI hear it.

Bennett’s voice in my head.

The best friend who believed in me.

The one who left and put this weight in my hands on his way out the door.

I never wanted this.

Captain. Face of the team.

Leader.

But now it’s mine.

The room sharpens into focus.

The questions. The reporters. The pressure crushing my chest.

And then?—

My eyes land on her.

At the back of the room.

Staring straight at me.

Something I’ve wanted for a long time.

Something I was stupid enough to dream I might be able to have.

But I can’t.

Not before. And especially not now.

She’d finish me before I even start.

What kind of fucked up does it make me if that only makes me want her more?

“Sutton?”

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