Page 116 of Game Changer

It’s not an answer. We both know it.

“I’m glad to hear that because it makes what I have to say next easier.” Harlan studies me hard. “Feelings have a way of changing all our priorities, mine included. I hoped you’d become a legend here, that you’d give me the time to persuade you. But you don’t want that. You want to play for LA. Yes, I know about your little side project,” he goes on at my expression. “Ordinarily we’d discuss it like equals, but I can see you’re beyond reasoning. So,” he takes a breath, “if you give up Nova, I’ll trade you to LA. You’ll be an NBA champion. You’ll have greatness, and she’ll have the chance to live her own life.”

My knee throbs.

There’s a twisting in my chest.

No.The word is on the tip of my tongue.

LA is exactly what I wanted. But it doesn’t feel like enough.

I want to toss his offer back at him.

I can give her everything.

Except not the everything she wants.

I never thought I’d see things Harlan’s way, but in this moment, I get it.

He can’t give me what I need here.

I can’t give Nova what she needs.

What if he’s wrong?A voice whispers.

“You think I don’t remember what happened in college?” he prompts. “The fallout after, the shit you don’t talk about? You want to put that on her?”

My palms start to sweat.

I’ve been honest with her, more open than I’ve been with anyone in a long time.

Still…

There are secrets buried so deep we don’t ever talk about them.

Moments so dark they block out the light.

“Give her space to decide her future without the pressure of yours,” Harlan urges.

She wants her sister, forgiveness, a chance to stand on her own feet.

The throbbing gets worse. In my knee, in my chest.

Harlan holds out his hand.

31

NOVA

“You’re pink,” Mari says, pressing a finger into the pinned-up curls on my head.

“You’re drunk.”

“I’m not,” she protests, throwing her arms around me. “I’m only tipsy,” she whispers.

“Got it,” I laugh.

“This is the best night of my life.”

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