Page 73 of Game Misconduct

twenty-eight

. . .

Nick

present day

We narrowly beat Tampa, 3–2, but for the first time in a year, I didn’t fight Luke Henry. He even gives me a handshake after the game. I’m sure the TV commentators picked up on it, since we don’t do handshake lines mid-season, but I don’t care.

He doesn’t have a chance with my girl. Not anymore.

Maybe he never did. What happened in the past doesn’t matter; all that’s important is what happens going forward.

A text from Bex lights up my screen.

Dream Girl

Saying goodbye to Luke, and then I’ll meet you at your car.

Whereas before I’d feel jealous or frustrated that she’s choosing to spend her time with another man, after this morning, I’m confident I’ll have her undivided attention soon enough. We get so little time with our friends during the season; we have to make the most of it. I’d feel the same if it were Elsy in town.

Fuck. Elsy.

What do I tell her? Do we say anything to her at all?

As I walk to my car, I pull out my phone, scrolling through my text chain with my best friend. She’s asked me twice about Bex, and I’ve deflected both times. She’s also asked how I’m doing, and I’ve deflected that, too.

I can’t lie to her, and I can’t keep avoiding her. I have to come clean.

Settling in my car, I turn on the engine to connect to the Bluetooth. My finger taps her contact, and the line rings once, twice, three times. The tone echoes in the cabin, my heart racing. Am I really doing this? Is it too soon?

And then it connects.

“Hey, Mitch,” Elsy says. “How was your game? Did you get into a fight with Luke?”

I force a chuckle. “I’m offended you didn’t watch.”

“Only because I’m at Wyatt’s game. I saw you scored a goal in the second period, but not the details.”

Now that she mentions it, I can hear the background noise of the arena. She likes to sit in the stands, right in the middle of the action, rather than in the suite with the rest of the WAGs.

Relaxing back into my seat, I think about the goal. “It was a beauty. Top shelf. Felt good.”

“Good. I’m glad. You’re always happier when you’re scoring.”

About that… I clear my throat. “I slept with Bex.”

Elsy chokes. “What?”

“Three years ago. And then again today.”

She’s silent for a moment. I almost think she’s hung up on me, but no, the line’s still connected.

“What does this mean?” she finally croaks.

“Well, you can’t tell Whitney.”

I can practically see her scowl. “You can’t ask me to keep a secret from my husband.”