Page 126 of Stroke of Fate

“Thank you for everything.” I feel like I’ve lived two different lives alone this weekend, and she’s been there with me through both.

“I’m your best friend. It’s like an unwritten rule that we go through shit together,” she teases.

I grin. “True.”

For the first time in days, the tightness in my chest loosens. It feels good to feel something other than sadness again.

“Now go.” She playfully shoos me off the couch. “Update me as soon as possible, even if I’m already in the air. I’ll see your text when I land.”

After promising her I will, the rest of our goodbye is short and sweet. We'll see each other again during Thanksgiving break, which is only a few weeks away.

While Pia double-checks that she hasn’t left anything behind, I make the short walk to Levi’s apartment.

I know my theory isn’t foolproof. Maybe I’m clutching at straws, trying to make something out of nothing. But what Levi and I had felt like the realest, rawest love I’ve ever known.

Love like that isn’t one-sided. Nor is it something you discard like it’s nothing.

And what’s love if you’re not willing to fight for it?

36 | LEVI

“What game are we playing next?” Mack asks, around a mouth full of pizza.

“How about the one where I teach you to chew with your mouth closed?” I mutter, using a napkin to wipe up the mess of crumbs on the coffee table. I’m not a neat freak, but grease stains are a pain to get rid of.

“How about your mom teaches me that one?” Mack snickers. I glare at him, but at least he grabs a paper plate.

The guys are always busting my balls about how hot they think my mom is, and yes, it’s weird as fuck to hear.

They mostly do it to get a rise out of me, and I make it worse by reacting, but damn, there’s only so many MILF jokes I can take before my ears start to bleed.

“Let’s just get back to the game before I kick you guys out for overstaying your welcome,” I mutter.

About an hour ago, all three showed up uninvited with cards, drinks, and pizza.

This morning at practice, Sam and Austin quickly realized my talk with Bear didn't go well yesterday. Game night is their way of showing support and rallying behind me. And even though I threatened to kick them out, I’m glad they’re here to distract me from the mess I’ve found myself in.

If I didn’t have a structured routine forcing me to set personal issues aside, I would have crumpled under the weight of the past few days.

I nearly caved and called my mom, but the thought of telling her what happened made me sick to my stomach. I can’t handle another person I love being disappointed in me.

Austin points his pizza at Sam. “Dealer’s choice.”

Sure enough, Sam’s got the stack of cards in his hands, grinning like a loon.

“We’ve already done everyone else?” Mack groans, setting his half-eaten pizza on the plate like he’s suddenly lost his appetite.

“Unfortunately,” Austin confirms.

“What’s wrong? Not in the mood to lose?” Sam says, wiggling his brows.

I raise a brow at him. “Literal kids play your game.”

Mack shakes his head. “It’s the only game you beat us in, so you always pick it.”

Mack’s right. The game started as a joke, but now it’s the only one Sam chooses. And he’s weirdly competitive about it.

“Rules are dealer’s choice is final.” Sam reminds us.

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