Page 47 of Open Net

Their silence was my answer.

“So that’s it? You guys are all turning your backsz on me?”

Hartman shrugged. “It’s more like the Pride has made a decision.”

Well. That made a lot more sense. The girls had chosen sides, and they chose Emma. As they should. I was honestly grateful they were supporting her so fiercely. She needed it.

But that meant half the team was shutting me out. I couldn’t go to Coach. He’d help me but he wouldn’t take me in, plus I didn’t need him to know how bad things had gotten.

That left me with only a few options. Some of the younger guys. The rookies.

I cringed.

I could get a hotel, obviously, but that would lead to questions. I knew the media would find out and go crazy with stories and theories, and I couldn't put Emma through all of that.

There was only one real option and I doubted he would be excited.

13

Emma

He didn’t say goodbye.

When the guys led him out, carrying a duffle and his training bag with them, he turned and gave me one sad smile before walking out the door.

I was beyond grateful Chloe was holding Jackson. The moment the door shut behind them I fell to the floor, clutching my chest.

The tears in my eyes had dried overnight. I had nothing left to give. I’d sobbed and grieved alone in my bed all night. Chloe slept in a pullout in Jackson’s room and told me to sleep. She fed him and changed his diapers throughout the night. I could hear each time they were up. I didn't sleep but I didn’t have the will to get out of bed. Another way I’d let my baby down.

Chloe sat down on the floor next to me. “He’s going to get better, Emma.”

I shook my head. “What if he doesn’t? What if this is it?”

She sighed. “I doubt it is, but if that’s what happens then we will get you through that.”

I doubted anything they could do would help me survive our break-up.

She reached over and rubbed my back. “Olli loves you so much. He adores you and Jackson. He’s probably embarrassed and ashamed right now. Don’t for one second think his actions are a reflection of you or his feelings for you. You have done nothing wrong. Things have been rough on both of you. There’s been so much change in such a short amount of time.” She paused. ”Right now, Olli is taking care of himself. I want you to do the same.”

I peered down at my baby, sleeping in her arms. “He just left. He walked right out without a thought about Jackson.”

Chloe shook her head. “You’re right. He did. You can’t. Not just because you’re his mother, but because you’re his mother. You would never leave Jackson. I know things have been hard on you and this has been a huge adjustment, but you’ve made it through. I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do, Emma.”

I closed my eyes. “I can’t do this.”

Her arm moved up to my shoulders and she pulled me toward her. “Of course, you can.”

I shook my head. “No, Chloe. I can’t do this.” I pulled away and lifted my eyes to hers. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this.”

“No one is cut out for doing this alone, but you’re not alone. You have all of us.”

She didn’t get it. I knew I needed to say it clearer, but I couldn't. I couldn’t say those words out loud.

“Okay.”

She stared at me. Like she was searching my soul. After a moment she nodded. “You go shower and change. I’m going to put Jackson in his crib and make some calls.”

I didn’t bother asking her who she was calling. Between her job, the fundraisers she orchestrated, and managing Reese she was seldom not on or near her phone. I stood and dragged myself back to my room. I wanted to plop down on my bed and forget the world existed, but I knew that would only last for a few minutes before Chloe came looking for me. I walked into my bathroom and started the shower.