Page 42 of Tell Me a Story

Fuck. He’s got me there. “Fine,” I grumble. I don’t see any other way out of this mess.

“My man.” He claps me on the shoulder and heads to the shower. Grabbing my phone, I text Joey.

Me:Caleb’s asking questions.

Joey:About us?

Me:No. But he’s calling me out for skipping drinks and going straight to my room.

Joey:Oh.

Me:It was either tell him about us or agree to go.

Joey:You need to bond with your team.

Me:I bond with them at practice and games. What I need is you. To see your face and to hear your voice.

Me:Sunshine?

Joey:Give me a minute. I’m busy swooning here.

Me:I miss you.

Joey:I miss you too, big guy. I’ll see you when you get home tomorrow.

Me:Too long.

Joey:Have a good night.

Me:I don’t like this.

Joey:It’s one night.

Me:One night too long.

Joey:Go celebrate a great game.

Me:You watched?

Joey:Always do.

Me:I’ll text you later.

Joey:Have fun.

Caleb appears next to me. “Who are you texting?”

“Just checking in with Mom.”

“How is she?”

“Good,” I say, guilt churning in my gut. “She said good game.” I might as well twist the knife of lies and guilt a little deeper.

Caleb grins. “We kicked ass.” He drops his towel and gets dressed.

I avoid eye contact as I pretend to check my emails while he finishes changing.

“Ready?” he asks a few minutes later.

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