Page 47 of Breakaway

“Only because you’re a messy eater, Goldie,” Reed said, laughing as he pulled off his jersey.

“Are we allowed to get cheat food?” I asked, my stomach growling at the mention of food.

“I guess,” Dax sighed, winking when I caught his eye. We all loved to give Dax crap for being the food police, but truthfully, we appreciated his knowledge and guidance.

After a quick shower, the four of us left the arena and headed out the back door to avoid any of the remaining crowd. I was too tired and just wanted to relax in the comfort of our home. With the Gareth situation handled, we’d all regained a sense of security, helping us feel more confident in our surroundings. But I wouldn’t deny I still got tense when we exited the doors to the back. Lights had been added, illuminating the space and wiping away my tension.

“It’s safe,” Fletcher whispered, squeezing my hand.

I knew he was right and hated that he’d felt my fear, but I hadn’t gotten over the attack yet. Being held by Gareth while two men I loved were pushed to the ground had been scary. And while it should’ve been a relief that Gareth was behind bars, it had allowed the fear a chance to escape the cage I’d placed it in.

Now that he was gone, my mind wanted to deal with it. I knew I needed to. I couldn’t keep responding this way, but the thought of replaying that scene repeatedly until it no longer haunted me felt as horrible as the first time I experienced it. While I needed to do something; I just wasn’t sure what yet.

The car ride home was quiet, and I wondered if the guys were thinking about that as much as I was or if I was alone in it. The reminder that we were a team and shared problems struck me, and I took a deep breath.

“I hate that back parking lot,” I admitted. “I know it’s safe now, but I tense every time.”

“It’s not my favorite either,” Reed admitted next to me, shifting to peer at me closer.

Fletcher’s fingers tapped against the steering wheel. “I’ve been thinking about that. What if we gave it a new purpose?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, intrigued.

“Maybe set up an outdoor practice area or skills section. I think even painting it in the school colors would help.”

I pictured the space with gold, purple, and teal and liked the idea, along with utilizing it for something different.

“I like it too,” Reed admitted, taking my hand in his.

“Same,” Dax added, nodding at Fletcher.

“I’ll coordinate with Dmitry and see about getting some students to volunteer,” Fletcher said as he turned into the pizza place.

Weight lifted off my shoulders, reinforcing that I needed to depend on others more. We were all struggling without any direction, and now it would help us all move past it and add something to the school. That was teamwork at its finest, and Team Henley was going for the gold.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Henley

Despite having a free morning and not needing to get up for anything, my body woke before my alarm. I was so conditioned to rise before the sun now. Laying between two of my guys, I debated if I wanted to get up to pee or pretend like the need didn’t exist and try to convince my body to go back to sleep.

“What are you doing?” the voice in front of me asked, all groggy and sleepy.

“Ignoring my bodily functions,” I whispered as the body behind me groaned and rolled over in the other direction.

“Why?”

I opened my eyes and spotted Fletcher in front of me. I hadn’t remembered coming to bed last night. We’d eaten pizza and watched a movie—or I’d watched about ten minutes before I’d passed out, drooling on Reed’s shoulder.

“I don’t want to get up,” I answered.

“Why?”

“Are you a freaking toddler, Fletch? What’s with the why questions?” Reed groaned, his words muffled by the pillow.

Snickering at Reed’s grumpiness, I knew I hadn’t been successful in convincing my body, and the need pressed harder on my bladder. Sitting up, I stretched my arms as I yawned and lifted myself over Fletcher, who chuckled as I stopped halfway, my body draped over his.

“I’m not the bathroom,” he teased.

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