Page 174 of Double Fault

Bile actually rises in my throat when the commentators say the words I’ve been dreading.

“Noah Baker is withdrawing from the match due to injury.”

Anything they say after that is lost on me.

I pick up my phone and call him, even though I know he won’t answer.

“Sabrina.” Lucy pries the phone from my grip and hits the end button. “Hey, calm down. Breathe. You’re hyperventilating.”

“He’s hurt.” Tears sting my eyes. “And I’m not there.”

Lucy nods silently at Alyssa, communicating in that freakishly silent way they seem to have mastered, then wraps an arm around my shoulders and steers me back to the couch. “Don’t forget to breathe.”

“I can’t believe I let him convince me to come home. I’m going to kill him when I get my hands on him. After I kiss him and make sure he’s okay, of course.”

“Ah, yes, best to make sure he’s fine before committing murder. That makes total sense.”

“Don’t make fun of me.” I wipe a tear from beneath my eye.

“I’m not,” she croons. “It’s very cute seeing you so in love, though.”

“This was such a bad idea,” I go on. “All of it. I’m not even taking the job. I should’ve gotten on a plane right away. I’d be there now if I had.”

Frowning, she pulls back. “You haven’t told him yet that you’re not taking the job?”

I shake my head. “No. I wanted to line something up first. I didn’t want to show up and be like ‘ha-ha, remember how you tearfully sent me back to America for a job? Well, jokes on you: I didn’t take it.’”

Her face softens. “I don’t think he’d care as long as it wasyourdecision.”

“It is my decision,” I snap.

Though she should be frustrated with me, all she does is laugh softly. “I know, and once you tell him that, he’ll see it too.”

“I don’t know how it happened, Luce,” I say, my vision blurry with tears. “But he and Maddie are my family.”

She’s right. Why the hell am I sitting around waiting for something that may or may not work out when I could be with them while I wait?

“Aw, honey.” She wraps me in a tight hug. “That’s what happens when you fall in love.”

Straightening my shoulders, I march over to the coffee table and pick up my laptop.

“What are you doing?” Lucy asks as I sit beside her again.

Alyssa chuckles. “If I had to guess from that determined look on her face, I’d say she’s purchasing a plane ticket.”

Within minutes, I’ve reserved a seat on a flight leaving tomorrow.

“Listen.” Lucy wags a finger at me, her expression suddenly stern. “You better get your ass back here when this baby comes. You’re obligated to fulfill duties bestowed upon you as this little one’s auntie.”

With a hug, I promise her I’ll return. “I’ll be here. I’m not going to miss the chance to shower your little one with all the love. But right now, Maddie and Noah need me.”

Noah has to be devastated, and the idea of Maddie being worried and scared for her dad without me there to comfort her makes my stomach churn.

Lucy lets me go and shoos me toward the stairs. “Get your shit and get out of here. I’m tired of looking at you. But leave the keys to that car, okay? Mama wants to take it for a spin.”

My laughs echo off the walls around the staircase.

Only Lucy could get me to go from crying to laughing in the span of a few seconds.

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