Page 56 of Playing the Neutral Zone

“You should care because those aren’t actions of someone who would do something like that on purpose.She wants to call you, to explain some things to you, but she’s afraid you won’t talk to her.”

“At least she’s smart in that regard, because she’s right.I won’t talk to her.It’s her actions that caused me to have my name dragged through the mud, to almost lose some contracts because of her, and it also caused me to almost lose Mia.If she’s smart, she’ll stay the hell away from me.”

“All she wants is a chance to apologize, Levi.Give her that.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle.Did he honestly think I was that stupid, that I’d want to sit down and listen to more lies that fell from her lips?

“Scottie, I hate to do this because I’ve always considered you to be one of my best friends.However, your sister has just cost me a tremendous amount of hurt and a fuck of a lot of money, and I’m serious when I say she needs to stay away.I’m also going to tell you that if the only time you are going to call me is when you feel the need to advocate for her, don’t fucking bother.”

The phone was silent as I waited for him to respond.Those words probably hurt me more than ever, since we’d been friends for as long as we had, but the part of my life that contained Scarlett was over and I was ready to move on.I was just about to say something when I heard Mia’s small voice behind me.

“Morning, Daddy!”

I didn’t stay on the phone.Instead, I hung up and made my way over to Mia.

“Morning, Pumpkin,” I said, quickly kissing her on the head, then opening the waffle maker before the waffle burned.I went around the island and picked her up, hugging her tight, then placing her on her chair.“How about some animal waffles?”I said, placing the plate in front of her with two waffles outlined like cats.

She covered her mouth and giggled as she pulled Potato close to her.“Look, Potato, kitty waffles.”She giggled.

I couldn’t help but smile as I went back around and poured more batter into the waffle iron, then poured us both a glass of juice.

“Ready to watch the Vancouver Grizzlies?”I asked Mia as we followed my parents down the steps of the stadium to our seats.

Mia nodded her head.I’d gotten her one of the baseball jerseys as a surprise before we’d left Vancouver, knowing we’d be hitting the season opener while we were visiting my parents in New York.

The moment we were in our seats and Mom and Dad sat down, I handed Mia to Mom.

“Who wants drinks and food?”I questioned.

“I’m dying for a ballpark dog, as is your mother,” Dad said.

“Me too!”Mia shouted with excitement.

“You too?”I said, tapping her small baseball hat as I made a face at her, causing her to laugh.

“Dad, you’re silly.”

“Alright, I’ll be back.Mia, stay with Grandma and Grandpa,” I said, leaving to make my way back up the stairs and to the line for the concession stand.

Once in line, I quickly checked my messages, responding to the boys about our return flight, and then pocketed my phone just in time to hear a woman’s voice call my name.Reluctantly, I turned around to see Scarlett standing behind me.I said nothing as I stared at her.

“It’s good to see you,” she said, as if nothing had happened between us at all.

“Someone’s opinion may differ from that,” I bit back, turning around and placing my order with the vendor.

“What are you doing out here?”she questioned.

“Visiting my parents.Want to write an article about that now?”

“Levi, please, I’ve been wanting to apologize to you.I left my job at theIce Insiders.”

“Great, I’m happy for you.Hope they are treating you like the trash you are where you’re working.”

Scarlett looked at me.I could see the tears forming in her eyes.Perhaps I was being beyond harsh, but fuck, she’s ripped out my heart and went straight for the jugular by betraying my trust.

“Look, Scarlett, I’m not gonna sugar coat shit.You tore my heart out, and not only mine, but Mia’s.I can forgive myself for being stupid enough to let you back into my life, but I can’t forgive myself for allowing Mia to fall in love with you.The tears she has shed over you broke me even more because I know it was my fault for allowing you into her life.So, as sorry as you are, and regardless of what truly happened, you need to understand that there is no way I can do this right now.The hurt’s been caused, and the damage done.”

“Levi…” she whispered, placing her hand on my forearm, which I pulled away.

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