Page 122 of Stick Side
Ben nodded his permission and unclenched his jaw, which had gone tense. “Please.” He would welcome any words that might redirect his dark musings.
“If you’re serious about wanting to be with Melody,” Coach McGuire observed, “it looks like you might have to fight for her.”
Ben laughed without any real humor. “Why are you telling me this? You just got through saying you’d rather keep out of Melody’s relationships.” Ben studied the older man. “As her father, don’t you just want Melody to be happy? No matter who that’s with?”
Coach McGuire shuffled from foot to foot. “I do,” he affirmed, “but the truth is I’ve never seen my girl happier than when she was with you. And that’s worth fighting for.”
Ben looked back down at the photograph in his hands. Nolan’s interest in Melody was plain to see, but what of Melody? Did she share his interest? That was less clear. Despite the allusions cast by the article, the picture didn’t reveal Melody’s reaction.
What if the reporters were just manufacturing a story? What if Nolan’s interest was totally one-sided and Melody really was only in it for the friendship? Should Ben give up on Melody just because there was a chance she might be considering her options?
Something inside of Ben rebelled at the mere possibility of giving up on Melody. He’d said it before and meant it: She was it for him. He knew it for the truth it was.
But how to convince Melody that he—they—were worth it despite the obstacles that had been thrown in their path?
One thing was clear. He needed to talk to Melody and sort out this whole mess. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Thanks to the risks he’d taken to get himself signed to the Challengers, Ben was only guaranteed a single year here. He could fight for Melody and maybe even win her, but what if he did it at the expense of his game? He’d have to move, which might cause him to lose her for a different reason.
Ben felt his frustration rise. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He would do everything he could to show Melody he cared for her, all while redoubling his efforts to bring the Cup home to Chicago.
Ben could only pray that what he had to give would be enough because it looked like he stood to either win or lose all his biggest dreams in one fell swoop.
Chapter 61
From the texts of Ben & Melody
Ben:I don’t know if you heard, but Cynthia Hargraves has formally retracted her allegations against me.
Melody:I did. I’m so thrilled for you. Truly.
Ben:But it doesn’t suddenly make everything better and bring us back to where we were, does it?
Melody:. . .
Melody:Unfortunately, no. It doesn’t.
Ben:I wish this situation hadn’t affected you so much, but I can understand why it did.
Melody:Thank you.
Melody:I know that it must have been so much harder on you, and I’m so sorry for that, but it hit me harder than I expected.
Ben:That’s fair, especially since the media drew you into the story, too. I would have been surprised if you hadn’t been upset.
Melody:Thank you. I appreciate your understanding.
Ben:I hate to even ask this, but was that a picture of you and Captain Thom’s grandson that I saw the other day?
Melody:. . .
Melody:It was Nolan, yes.
Ben:Are you seeing him?
Melody:Yes, but only as a friend.
Ben:Does he know that? If that picture is to be believed, the guy wants more from you than simply friendship.
Melody:Nolan knows that all I have to offer him right now is friendship.
