Page 101 of Well Played

“I’m sure it does, buddy.”

“I’m still going to the peewee party on Friday night, though, even if I can’t play this week.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Tanner didn’t say anything as he walked to the refrigerator and took something out.

“You have to come to the party, Uncle Levi. A bunch of my friends want to see you one more time before you leave.”

My chest tightened, and I made the impulsive decision to let this be the moment I broke the news. Because, let’s face it, this wasn’t going to get any easier if I waited.

“Actually, bud, I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“It turns out, I have to head back to Colorado early. I’m leaving tomorrow.”

“Oh no! You can’t leave yet. Why?” he asked with a panicked expression.

The sound of Presley’s shocked voice rang out from behind me. “What?”

I hadn’t realized she was within earshot. My heart sank. Suddenly I could no longer form the words to properly explain myself.

Fuck.Looking into her eyes, I said, “I was gonna tell you over breakfast.”

“Tomorrow?” she breathed. “Tomorrow?”

I nodded. “My agent called and said they need me back at training camp early to work with the new receivers. I figured since I had to leave in two weeks anyway, I might as well head out there.”

Presley looked devastated, as if all of the joy had been sucked out of her. I tightened my muscles, vowing to remain strong and reminding myself that ultimately I was doing what was best for her—for everyone.

I regretted telling Alex first, though, and wished Presley and I were having this conversation alone. But it was too late.

“Please don’t go yet, Uncle Levi.” Alex’s voice cracked, and it broke my damn heart. Here I was thinking he had all he needed with his dad here. But he seemed really broken up over the bombshell I’d just dropped.

I knelt and placed my arms around his shoulders. “I promise to come back and visit the first chance I get, okay?”

Come hell or high water, I needed to stick to that promise, even if things would be awkward between Presley and me. My nephew shouldn’t have to pay for my indiscretions. Despite Tanner being back in the picture, I’d developed something special with Alex, and I wasn’t willing to throw that away, even if I’d forever be second fiddle to his father.

I knew if I could manage to keep what happened between me and his mother secret, my relationship with Alex would remain strong. My relationship with Presley, though? I had no idea what would become of that now that I’d made this decision. But I loved her, and sometimes loving someone means doing what’s best for them in the long run.

“Thanks for making breakfast, but I’m not hungry,” Presley said as she left the room.

My heart ached. I wanted to run after her but had virtual shackles on me with my brother standing here.

With Presley gone, I finally looked over at Tanner.

“Shame you can’t stick around,” he said.

Except his tone didn’t sound the least bit sincere. I wondered if he hadn’t been so oblivious after all.

CHAPTER 26

Presley

“Do you think you can run to Home Depot and pick up the bolts we need to hang the swing on the porch?”

Tanner’s forehead wrinkled. “The swing I put in the garage the other day?”

---