Page 10 of Thrown Off Balance

“Sloan, why wouldn’t you want to hang out with the Jax Robinson?” Jude gapes at her.

It’s almost embarrassing how much he’s obsessed with us. He isn't even paying attention to his girlfriend, he’s too busy being swept up into the idea of hanging out with his idols.

“Yeah, Sloan! I'm the Jax Robinson. People line up just to take a photo with me.”

“I'm kind of shocked your head can even fit in the photos with how huge your ego is.” Sloan smiles sweetly at him.

I glance in the rearview mirror in enough time to catch Jax rolling his eyes. He isn't mad though. This is just the way their relationship is.

Pulling into a spot at Kennedy’s Pub, I turn off the engine and let out a sigh. As much as I want to hang out with the guys, I just want to go home and relax. My muscles are sore and I'm exhausted from the hours I’ve put on the ice this week.

We climb out of the car and I'm a little stunned when Jude leaves Sloan behind and follows Jax inside.

“How have you been?” I ask softly as we take our time moving through the parking lot. I'm in no hurry. I know it will be loud in there.

“It’s weird to be back in Rosewood, but it’s been good. I feel like so much has changed.”

“That’s what happens after a few years. Things change no matter how much you don’t want them to.” I swallow hard and keep walking.

I can't deny it hurts knowing she’s been back for so long and never sought me out. I thought we were perfect when we were together, but maybe that was one sided. Maybe she wasn’t happy in our relationship, even though I was.

“Cody…” She grabs my arm and stops me from opening the door to the pub. She tugs me off to the side so we’re not in the way and stares up at me. “I'm sorry.”

“For what? There’s nothing you should apologize for.” I keep my voice void of emotions. That’s how I need to be with Sloan. Absolutely emotionless.

“For avoiding you since I came back. You’re right, a lot has changed over the last few years. Including me. I guess I was just nervous you wouldn’t want to be friends with me again.”

“Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know. It’s been so long. I was afraid things would be different or you wouldn’t be interested in hanging out. I guess it was easier to leave our relationship behind and not ruin what we used to have.”

“You didn’t even give me a chance, Sloan. After everything we’ve been through, didn’t I deserve a chance to show you I'm still the same person?”

She opens and closes her mouth, but nothing comes out. Though I understand where she’s coming from, it’s not fair. She’s been back for an entire year and I didn’t know. I would’ve gone out of my way to make sure she got settled into her new life. I would’ve made time to hang out with her, even if it was only as friends.

I would’ve done almost anything for her.

“We should probably get inside before Jax comes looking for us.” I move towards the door and hold it open for her. I don’t want a response from her. She clearly doesn’t have one.

As soon as we step inside the pub, I begin looking for Jax and Jude. I spot them in a corner booth with Tanner, Huxley, Griffin, and Killian. I place a hand on Sloan’s lower back and lead her over to them.

The second Jax spots me, his attention zeros in on my hand and a slow smile spreads across his lips. He knows exactly how upset I was when Sloan moved away. I have no doubt he’ll do everything in his power to push us back together again.

As much as I’d love that, I don’t want Sloan to date me out of a weird sense of loyalty or obligation. Plus, she has a boyfriend. She clearly isn't looking for someone new.

“Don’t you two look cute together!” Jax’s smirk spreads wider. “You always were an adorable couple.”

“Oh, I'm sure.” Sloan rolls her eyes.

“I'm serious! Cody’s a catch. Check out those dimples and sharp jawline. Any woman would be lucky to have him as their boyfriend.”

“You know, that seems like less of a compliment when you’re his identical twin. It feels more like you’re fanning your own ego.” Sloan plants a hand on her hip and arches a brow at Jax.

“Dang, Robinson. She’s busting your chops like never before.” Tanner chuckles.

“Slide over so we can sit.” I motion for the guys to squeeze in a little more.

Aunt Kennedy renovated the bar a few years ago. Dad and Uncle Blake did an amazing job transforming the space. They decided to make a few larger booths because of how often the Pit Bulls players were hanging out here. As soon as Jax and I joined the Pythons, we started bringing the first line here as well.