Page 103 of Fair Play
I’m just not sure that’s enough.
Chapter 39
Rome
We sweepthe Sidewinders in four games and get ready for the semifinals since the other match-up in the west is still going on. There’s a weird vibe in the locker room, despite the excitement, because it feels like everyone is walking on eggshells. Not just Bodi and me, but the entire team. It’s almost like everyone is taking sides but they don’t want to let others know they’ve picked a side, so no one says anything.
Instead of a celebration when we get to the lounge, most of the guys are focused on their families. Mom and Athena are here, which is nice, but it’s not the same as when Billie was here.
And I fucking hate it.
“Rome.” Bodi comes up behind me, his face a mask of nothingness. As if he’s working hard not to let me see what he’s thinking.
“What’s up?” I ask in a guarded tone.
“Is she okay? I mean, if she… needs anything, uh, you know, money or whatever, tell her to just take it out of the household account.”
I frown. “Why are you asking me? I haven’t seen her.”
His eyes snap to mine. “What are you talking about?”
“What areyoutalking about?”
We stare at each other.
“She’s not living with you?”
“I’m staying with Marty. I thought she was home with you.”
“I came home from practice the day after we met with Ms. Barrowman and her stuff was gone. I assumed she was with you.”
“We had a fight. She’s not speaking to me.”
His face hardens. “Then where the hell is she?”
“Again, I assumed she was withyou.”
“She’s fine.” Athena comes up to us with a scowl on her face. “She’s living with Nita, trying to finish the semester and graduate college without the two biggest pains in the ass in her life fucking with her head.”
Bodi looks like he wants to say something but then shakes his head. “I’ve tried calling but she blocked my number.”
I don’t say anything because I haven’t tried reaching out since I left the diner last week.
“She’s pissed at both of you,” Athena says, shaking her head. “And if you care about her, leave her alone. At least until she gets all her end-of-semester work turned in. She’s stressed and working a lot of hours, so try not to add anything to her plate.” At that, she turns and walks away.
I don’t have anything to say to Bodi but he’s shuffling his feet, looking uncomfortable.
“What?” I ask when I can’t stand it anymore. “Whatever you’re trying to say, just spit it out.”
“I was going to throw her a graduation party but she told me not to bother. Then she blocked me. She’s never done that before.”
Am I supposed to tell him I’m sorry?
I’m trying to be professional but I’m at a loss here.
“Dude, I don’t know what you want from me. You wanted me to leave her alone, so I did. Now you’re acting all confused that I can’t help you make up with her. You can’t have it both ways.”
He puts his hands on his hips and finally meets my gaze. “Do you love her?”
