Page 72 of With the Assist

There it is. The truth, sitting between us like a fourth person at the table.

Harper softens. “Wes.”

“I have worked too hard to get here,” I continue. “I finally feel close to achieving everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m playing the best I have in years. I will not lose sight of that.”

Avery reaches across the table, her hand covering mine. “You really think having fun with a guy will change that?”

I trace the rim of my glass, my head throbbing. “At the bar, it was like I forgot soccer altogether.”

I seem to forget it every time I’m with him, which further proves it’s an awful idea. Soccer needs to be the first thing on my mind right now.

“That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.” Harper takes a sip of her drink. “You could tear your ACL tomorrow in a friendly match.”

I flinch.

“Sorry,” she adds quickly. “Bad example, but you get my point. You can’t only live for soccer. It’s not healthy.”

I stare at my phone again. Still face down. Still silent.

“What are you really afraid of?” Avery asks.

I don’t answer right away.

“I’m afraid,” I say finally, “that if I let myself want him, I won’t know how to stop. And this has an expiration date right after the new year. I mean, do we seriously think Nathan Wilder would actually want something serious with anyone, let alone me?”

Harper smiles gently. “If he had half a brain, he would.”

The idea shoots straight through my chest, equal parts terror and something dangerously close to excitement.

Avery’s lips curl. “You know I hate hockey players, but I say go get him.”

I laugh it off. He’s already said he doesn’t date. Besides, I don’t either. I don’t have the time to spare, not with the Futures Camp coming up at the end of January. If I want to make the National Team, I still need to fight for an invite to that camp.

“Anyway, how’s your thriving dating life?” I shift the topic.

“A disaster.”

“Shocking,” Harper deadpans.

“I went on a date last week with a guy who spent thirty minutes explaining my own position to me. Incorrectly.”

We all giggle, listening to her recount the whole date. For Avery, it makes complete sense. Her taste in men is interesting to say the least.

“Nice try deflecting, but I won’t let this go until you text Nathan.” Avery pops a chip into her mouth.

“Text him,” Harper echoes.

“What would I even say?”

Avery shrugs. “Wanna bang?”

I slap her shoulder.

My phone buzzes suddenly, like it’s listening.

I freeze.

Avery squeals. “Is that him?”