Page 107 of Game Changer

Jay shifts on his feet. “He’s been through some shit.”

“Such as?” I ask.

“I don’t know if it’s my place to say anything,” he finally replies.

Maybe I can’t trust Clay. He hasn’t told Jayden about his mission to get traded, and he obviously hasn’t told me everything about his past.

I give myself a few minutes to be sad before I leave the bathroom and continue to the private party room.

When I return, I can hear my family laughing and talking.

Atlas, Miles, and Chloe have joined them, and it feels like a happy party.

I don’t belong in the celebration, and I don’t belong with them.

Brooke teases me, and Miles sneaks looks at her. Harlan beams at Mari with pride. I ignore the spot that’s conspicuously empty.

When dessert is served, it’s a rich chocolate mousse.

I force myself to stop looking toward the door.

He’s always going to let me down, and it’s better to know now.

I won't make another mistake with him.

I won’t let it be like everything else in my life.

29

NOVA

The wedding day is cold and clear.

I get out of the shower to find a voicemail from Clay.

My heart pounds as I hit Play.

“Pink, listen, about last night… I was feeling like shit after practice, and it threw me. But that’s no excuse. I fucked up. Jay told me about the scholarship. I know how important that was to you, and I wish I’d been there to see your sister’s face. And to tell you how damn proud I am of you.” His voice drops. “I’m gonna make it up to you. Can’t tell you how because it’s a surprise. But I can’t wait to see you in that dress.”

My chest expands when I hang up.

He sounds so earnest and contrite.

Clay isn’t Brad. He’s not careless with my feelings, and I’m not some pawn in a secret game to him.

His life is complicated, and he invited me in rather than holding me at a distance.

But is it enough? I can’t throw my heart recklessly after him. He has trust issues, and I’m finally realizing what it means to take care of myself.

I start to tuck my phone away but notice a red notification with the number one hovering over my email.

I click it open.

Nova,

We’ve cleared you of wrongdoing and regret any inconvenience this may have caused. We’d like you to resume your job at the earliest opportunity.

Sincerely,

---