Page 31 of Game Changer

“That’s the altitude talking.”

“I’ve heard they have the most epic concerts and music festivals. You must come all the time.”

“Never,” I admit.

“How long have you been here?”

I do the math. “Eight months.”

“So, you don’t like music.”

“I like it fine. I just don’t have time.”

“That sounds awful.”

“Awful?” I scoff. “You know how many people want to be me?”

She cocks her head. “Lonely, then. Because no matter how many people want to be you, you’re the only one who is.”

Nova heads off toward the amphitheatre before I can respond.

To the Kodiaks, I’m an asset.

To the fans, I’m a fantasy.

To Rookie and the kids coming up, I’m a god.

It’s been a long time since anyone talked to me like I’m a person.

I pull my hoodie up around my head on the off chance we run into anyone, but it’s quiet.

She scrambles over the dusty ridges, laughing.

Nova is warm and alive. She’s like a baby animal running around.

I wonder, when was the last time I was that vibrant?

“Careful,” I warn her.

“I wore running shoes.”

I stare a little too long at her legs. “Those are sandals.”

“They’re sport sandals.”

“Not a thing.”

“Okay, footwear police.” She ignores me and keeps running along the rows of rock. “It feels better out here. Like I’m not trapped. Like I can be exactly who I want.”

I follow her, my long strides keeping up with her without effort. “Who’s that?”

“Someone who can take care of herself instead of needing my sister to do it for me.”

I think of my own sister, how when she was in the hospital as a teen, I went deeper into my basketball, unable to handle what I couldn’t control.

“Actually, it’s not even that. The thing she likes most about me is my fiancé.”

Every muscle in me tenses. “I thought you said you were single.”

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