Page 46 of The Playmaker
The joke's on her, though. My sister has never been happier and when I finally find some levity in my mind and tell Riley I'm going to hire a bodyguard for her now, she's even more giddy.
"Thank you for this," Mrs. Mathews says quietly, tears in her eyes. "Our Riley has been wanting to spread her wings for so long, and because you told someone about her, now there's no sense in trying to keep her tucked away like we have. It's time, Jaxon. Let her fly."
I swallow hard. She's right about one thing—it wasn't anyone's fault but my own that the audio clip exists. I was the one out there blabbing to Hawk in a public place about Riley. If there is anyone I should be upset at, it's myself.
Not Giselle.
Not Hawk.
Not the press.
Not Avery.
Just me.
The realization hits me like a freight train. All these years, I've been so focused on protecting Riley that I've been suffocating her. I've been so afraid of losing her that I've been holding her back. And in the process, I nearly pushed away the one person who actually respected my secret enough to keep it—even when it could have advanced her career.
Avery.
The memory of her face in the tunnel flashes through my mind. The hurt in her eyes when I accused her. The desperation in her voice when she tried to explain. And what did I do? I walked away. Just like I've been walking away from anything that threatens the walls I've built around my life.
But those walls weren't just keeping people out. They were keeping Riley and me trapped inside.
I pull out my phone and text Avery two words, inadequate in every way.
I'm sorry.
I stare at the screen, knowing those words aren't enough. Not nearly enough. But they're a start.
A moment later, three dots appear. She's typing. My heart pounds as I wait.
Then the dots disappear.
I deserve that. I deserve her silence. But I'm not going to walk away this time. Some things are worth fighting for.
"Hey, Riles," I call out, making a decision. "How would you feel about meeting someone? Someone important to me?"
CHAPTER 21
AVERY
Don't forget to give Ann props as your boss. Don't look too eager. And don't forget to force a smile if they ask you about Jax…
I saw some message come in from him last night. I didn't look at it. Unread. I can't afford to mess today up. When I told Dad about this interview he was so proud, I could hear it in his voice. And I want more of that. I want to make up for lost time. I want to forgive and embrace the time we have left.
I'm walking into the marble floored lobby of ESPN's studios in NYC, ready to interview for a job. I stand in awe of the place for a moment. This is it. This is where my career takes off. And I'm ready.
Well, until I see him—him, of all people—walking in wearing a suit that is sinfully attractive on him, flanked by other people in suits.
Jaxon.
He sees me, too, and instead of another scowl, his face lights up. Is he delirious? The last time I saw him he chased me away.
Oh shoot.
He's walking over and all I can do is stand there. He doesn't even hesitate. He pulls me in for a quick hug.
He feels like warmth and safety and…home. Tears spring to my eyes unbidden, emotions still raw with everything that's happened the past twenty-four hours.
