Page 75 of The Trade

“That’s what relationships are for.”

I glance at him, skeptical. “You sure?”

“Yeah, man. If she doesn’t have time to help, then she’ll tell you. It’s all about give-and-take with the person you’re dating.”

I take a moment to assess my best friend, appreciating his genuine concern. Objectively, he’s a good-looking guy, intelligent, and seems to know a hell of a lot about relationships. “Why don’t you have a girlfriend again?”

He chuckles, a light sound that breaks the tension. “Too busy giving out free dating advice.”

“Well, thanks, man.” I thump his back in gratitude. “In some twisted way, you’re the reason Jade and I got together.”

“You mean because of the Trade?”

“Yeah, you know ... I thought about telling her the other day,” I confess, my voice tinged with apprehension. “I was actually—”

“Wait, are you fucking serious?”

I shift uncomfortably, my gaze fixed on the ground. “I mean,” I say sheepishly, “Jade wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“Dude, are you using your brain at all?” He runs a hand through his hair, frustration twisting his features. “She would definitely tell someone. You know Coach would be livid if he found out, right? Like, half of us would be benched for the season.”

“I know,” I say, grinding my teeth together. “But Jade’s not spiteful like that.”

He lets out a disbelieving snort. “Right. And again, you’ve known her for what . .. a little over a month? Think with your head and not with your dick, man.”

“Oh, fuck off,” I snap, my jaw clenched tightly. “I didn’t tell her, so stop acting like I killed somebody just for thinking about it.”

“I’m sorry,” he says, his tone softening. “I’m just trying to look out for the team right now. I know you like this girl, but you gotta think rationally here.”

“It’s not about that. It’s about the fact that my girlfriend straight-up asked me if I had feelings for another girl last night.”

His brows shoot up. “She asked if you had feelings for Shannon?”

“Yeah, and I told her I never did,” I say, a mixture of guilt and uncertainty swirling inside me. “I mean, that’s the honest truth. I fully realize that now. But still, part of me feels like I’m lying to her.”

“You’re not lying,” he insists, his voice firm. “You’re just ... not telling.”

“Same shit. It’s a lie by omission.”

He places a heavy hand on my shoulder, a gesture of both support and reassurance. “Dude, trust me when I say this—nothing good can come from telling her about the Trade.”

I pause, his words sinking in. I can’t deny the truth behind his advice. What good could possibly come out of telling her about this—something that could potentially disrupt not only our relationship but also my entire team’s dynamics?

It’s a big risk, with very little reward.

“No,” I finally say, rubbing my temples to ease the building tension. “I guess you’re right.”

“I know it sounds harsh, but it’s all gonna be over in a few weeks,” he assures me, his voice filled with empathy. “Besides, you called that shit off before you even got together. You’re not doing anything wrong, man.”

“Alright.”

“Alright, then.” He gives me a stiff nod, reaching for his cleats. “Swear you won’t lose your mind over this?”

“Cam, seriously, fuck off,” I repeat, my words clipped. “I’m not swearing shit. I said I won’t tell her, and I won’t.”

“Okay, I’m fucking off now.” He holds both hands up in mock defense. “I know you got this.”

“Sure,” I grumble, grabbing my gear and following Cam out the door. We toss our things into the back of his Jeep and climb in. I slide into the passenger seat and dial up the radio, a feeble attempt to drown out the disquiet in my mind.

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