Page 14 of Game Point
OLIVER
I’m just saying, my trophy is way better than a measly round of drinks.
He hummed. ‘Does nobody have a second name?’ He threw the ball at my head, missing me narrowly as I got up.
‘Did you want to go do another set?’
‘Getting over the ex, are we?’
‘No, it’s just a bet.’ I walked away, not feeling the need to have to explain any further. But judging by the way Nico followed me as he walked close to the net, he had more questions.
‘With?’ he asked, his racket tucked under his arm.
I took a moment to consider lying, keeping her identity to myself, before seeing no real harm. We were only friends, after all. ‘Dylan Bailey?’
He froze, his eyes going wide. ‘Huh?’
‘What?’ I asked, taking a step towards him. ‘Do you know her well?’
He squinted, trying to make up his mind. ‘Well enough.’
‘What doesthatmean?’
‘She was at the training camp at Rhodes.’
‘Oh, okay.’
‘I mean, she left halfway. But we played a lot of cards.’
‘That kind of sounds like friends?’
He shook his head, crossing his arms over his body. ‘I wouldn’t say that.’
‘So, youaren’tfriends.’
‘That’s not quite it either.’
‘Are you going to start making sense any time soon, or should I expect you to keep speaking in riddles?’
He let out a heavy breath. ‘She’s … she’s more Scottie’s acquaintance. Now. You know, after all the things with her dad.’
‘I heard about it.’ My heart sank remembering the news, thinking over how dark the truth behind Scottie Sinclair’s life had been, and for all the other players who had come forward over the past few months with similarly haunting stories.
‘They had a rivalry and Dylan … she gave her a hard time – understandably, given she didn’t know the truth – but it was ugly to watch. But Dylan was the one who convinced her to come forward. Something I hadn’t ever dreamed Scottie would have the courage to do.’
‘That’s complicated,’ I answered, understanding Nico’s insecurity about her. But his relationship with her didn’t have to mean anything to me. If anything, in the end, Dylan had shown up and done what was right. I’d seen it across her face, how conflicted she still felt about the situation with Scottie. I had a feeling Dylan didn’t open up very often.
‘We arejustfriends,’ I reminded Nico.
‘So why did I see her chasing after you last night?’ A smirk spread wide across Nico’s face.
‘Is that why you forced me to do this?’ I motioned around to the court.
There was no hesitation in his words. ‘Yes.’
‘Is this the part where you tell me not to break her heart or whatever?’
‘No. Absolutely not. This is the part where I warn you,shewill leaveyouheartbroken.’
