Page 123 of Just Say Yes

“And a special congratulations to Brown, who has officially been called up to rejoin the Sevens squad!”

The cheers grew deafening, but I didn’t hear them.

The words hung in the air, sinking into me like a blade.

Called up? Rejoin the Sevens?

My heart plummeted, the warmth and excitement of the afternoon evaporating in an instant. I stared at Logan on the field, his expression frozen in shock as the camera zoomed in on him.

The shock of the announcement was evident, but, as he searched for me, it was clear—he had known.

He hadn’t told me.

Lark leaned closer, her voice low and steady. “Did you know about this?”

I shook my head, unable to speak.

“Wow.” Wyatt’s hand found my shoulder, patting me. “That’s great news?—”

Maria leaned over. “MJ, I’m?—”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, pulling away. But I wasn’t fine. Not even close.

The game resumed, but I couldn’t focus. The cheers and whistles and the pounding of feet on the turf blurred into white noise as my thoughts spiraled.

He didn’t tell me.

Why didn’t he tell me?

Was I just a distraction? Someone to pass the time with until he left?

When Logan glanced toward the stands again, his eyes searching, I looked away. I couldn’t bear to meet his gaze, not now. Not when I could feel the tears welling in my eyes and my resolve crumbling.

By the time the final whistle blew and Logan’s team secured the win, I was numb. Wyatt and Lark stood, clapping and cheering, while Penny shouted something about Logan being a superhero. I stayed rooted in my seat, staring blankly at the field.

“Hey,” Lark said softly, touching my arm.

“I think I’m going to go,” I said quickly, grabbing my bag. “I’ll see you later. Thanks for coming.” I choked out the words and hustled toward the exit before she could stop me.

The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped outside the stadium, but it didn’t clear my head. I moved quickly, my steps purposeful, hoping to outrun the ache in my chest.

“Julep!”

His voice stopped me cold.

I turned to see Logan jogging toward me, still in his gear, his hair damp with sweat. The sight of him—so familiar, so infuriatingly Logan—made my chest tighten.

“Wait,” he said, his breath coming in short bursts as he caught up to me. “I need to explain.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” I said, my voice trembling. “It’s an incredible opportunity—the one you’ve been waiting for. I’m really happy for you.”

“It’s not that simple,” he said, his voice low and urgent.

“Isn’t it?” I shot back, my anger bubbling to the surface. “You weren’t going to tell me at all, were you? Or were you just waiting until the last second, so it wouldn’t hurt so much when you left?”

Logan’s jaw tightened, his frustration evident. “I was never trying to hurt you, MJ. Things happened quickly and I was going to tell you everything in person.”

“Well,” I said bitterly. “I promise you, I would have rather you told me over the phone than let me find out alongside a stadium full of strangers.”

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