Page 160 of Catch Me
“Hey,” Dad said. “You were great out there. Sorry you guys lost.”
I shrugged, shifting my attention to him. “It’s the first game. We’ll take the next one.”
“I know you will. Whatever happens, I’ll be proud as hell of you.”
We left the suite and headed for the parking lot, staying just behind the rest of the gang. I pulled my hat further down, hoping that it would keep anyone from recognizing me. I got a few long stares, but thankfully, we made it outside without being harassed.
“You remember that Rangers game we went to?” I asked, tucking my fingers into my pockets to hide them from the cold.
His head tilted a little. “In twenty-ten?” When I nodded, he smiled. “Of course I do. Why?”
“I was just thinking about it earlier. I remember...” My lips pulled to the side as I considered my words. “When they got that win, it was like the world shifted. I was blown away by it, and I thought that it had to be the best moment of their lives. And I was right, of course. Winning the game that got us here was the most joy I’ve ever felt.”
“Is this about losing today?” Dad asked.
I opened my mouth to speak, but the guys circled back around and interrupted us.
“We’re coming to hang out,” West announced, stretching his arms above his head. Linc jabbed the exposed part of his stomach, which made West suck in a breath and sidestep, raising his hands in a karate formation.
“Oh, Trav,” Dad said. “If we stop at Costco, I can grill up some burgers and dogs. Best way to feed a bunch of growing boys.”
The idea of stopping anywhere was as unappealing as taking a fastball to the nuts. But if he wanted to grill, I could suck it up. Besides, it was a good idea. I was starving.
“I can pick up whatever you need,” Roman offered.
He was standing at the edge of the group, and I hadn’t noticed him until now. Tessa was next to him, nudging his fingers, so he moved his hand to her head to scratch her ears, which made her smile up at him.
“I’ve got it,” I said.
“No, you should get back and rest,” Dad countered. “Me and, uh...”
“Roman,” he filled in.
“Me and Roman can take care of the shopping.”
Roman’s eyes widened, but he quickly smoothed his expression. My dad held out his hand and looked at me expectantly. I wanted to argue, but what could I say at this point?
Reluctantly, I passed him my keys. He waved me off, so I joined Sen to catch a ride back with him. Roman stepped to the side, giving me a wide berth, then headed toward my Jeep. It felt wrong when I got into Sen’s rental car, but as soon as I leaned the seat back, I couldn’t ignore how heavy my eyes were.
“Take a nap, big guy,” Kai said, patting my thigh a few times. “But let it be known, I only serenade Seneca.”
With my eyes closed, I smiled. “MaybeSenecawill serenade me, then.”
“Stop with that shit,” Sen grumbled from the back seat.
“What are you gonna do? Weld my door shut?”
Kai laughed, but Sen snorted. “Maybe I’ll give you a nice, dick-shaped hood ornament.”
“Make it thick and veiny.”
“Is there any other way?” Kai asked.
“Not if I choose to live in the land of delusions and fairytales.”
“Facts.”
“Alright, shut up now. I’m gonna take a nap.” Throwing an arm over my face, I blocked out the light. “Don’t wake me when we get there. Someone better carry my ass to my bed.”
