Page 88 of Check & Chase
“Chase Mitchell.” Carina’s voice carries across the space, drawing curious glances. “I thought I might find you here.”
“Carina. Practice ended an hour ago. Team areas are restricted.”
“Clearly not for everyone.” Her gaze slides to Emma, assessing and dismissive. “Your new… physical therapist seems to have full access.”
I feel Emma stiffen beside me.
“Ms. Anderson is monitoring my recovery. Which you’re interrupting. Did you need something?”
Her laugh is sharp. “Don’t play dumb, Chase. You know exactly why I’m here.”
“I wish I did. But now is not the time for whatever it is.”
“It’s never the time with you, is it?” She steps closer. “Not when I wanted to talk about our relationship, not when I tried to apologize, and certainly not now that you’ve found yourself a newdistraction.”
The accusation hangs in the air, aimed as much at Emma as at me. From the corner of my eye, I spot Tyler among the gathering crowd, looking embarrassed.
“You’re making a scene, Carina. Whatever you came to say can wait.”
“Why? Afraid your new girlfriend will realize she’s just a pawn in your game?”
Emma makes a small sound beside me—disbelief and indignation. Before I can respond, she steps forward.
“I’m standing right here,” she challenges. “If you have something to say about me, say it to my face.”
Carina’s eyes narrow, clearly not expecting direct confrontation. “Fine. You’re being used. Chase doesn’t care about you. He’s using you to make me jealous, just like he used every girl after me.”
“Is that what Tyler told you?” Emma asks.
She blinks, thrown off balance. “He has nothing to do with this.”
“Doesn’t he? Because it seems to me that you and Tyler are the ones playing games, not Chase. And frankly, your jealousy tactics are getting old.”
Pride swells in my chest. She’s magnificent when she’s angry.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Carina spits. “You don’t know him like I do.”
“Clearly I know him better,” Emma replies evenly. “Because the man I know wouldn’t use someone the way you’re suggesting. That sounds more like projection.”
The assembled teammates make sounds of appreciation—low whistles, a muffled “damn” from Donovan.
Her face flushes as she realizes she’s losing control. Her gaze swings wildly before settling on Tyler.
“Tyler! Tell them. Tell them how Chase is just using her to get back at us.”
All eyes turn to Tyler, who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.
“Carina, let’s go,” he says, avoiding eye contact. “This isn’t the place.”
“Not until you tell the truth!”
He shifts uncomfortably, glancing between Carina and Emma. Finally, he sighs. “Look, I don’t think… I mean, they seem pretty genuine to me.”
The admission costs him, especially with Emma watching. But something about his expression suggests he means it.
Carina’s face crumples before hardening into cold fury. “You’re all pathetic,” she hisses, turning on her heel and storming toward the exit. “Especially you,” she adds, shooting a venomous look at Tyler.
As the door slams, tension breaks. The group disperses slowly, a few players stopping to clap me on the shoulder.
