Page 155 of The Off-Limits Play

“Is this too much?” Mom tugs on my jacket sleeve.

“Huh?” I turn to look at her again.

Her face softens with sympathy, her smile small and sad. “Gramma told me everything, you know.”

“She did?”

“Yeah.” Mom’s smile is all-knowing, and my stomach jitters, but then she sighs. “You look like you’re about to start bawling your eyes out.”

I sniff and lift my chin, trying to appear stronger than I feel.

“Aw, baby.”

“It’s been nearly a month.” My voice wobbles. “Why does it still hurt so bad? Why can’t I just get over it?”

“Because you love him.” She mouths the words over my sister’s head.

I close my eyes, fighting the burning in my eyes, until she squeezes my shoulder. Forcing myself to look at her again, I watch her lips form words I can’t quite hear.

“It won’t hurt forever.” Then she clears her throat and says a lot louder, “If it’s too much, you can go back to the hotel.”

My eyes instantly glass over, and it’s only then that I realize—yes, yes this is too much.

“It’s okay, baby. Dad will understand.” Reaching into her bag, she pulls out the key card for the room I’m sharing with Amina. “You go on back, and we’ll see you after the game.”

I stare at this little offering and bite my bottom lip. “You sure Dad won’t mind?”

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t.” She winks at me, and my lips curl just a little at the corners.

“Thanks, Mom.”

Taking the card, I rise from my seat and hear Amina asking, “Can I go too? Please, Mommy. It’s cold out here, and I’m bored.”

“I think Nylah just needs a little me time, baby girl.”

“No, it’s okay.” I reach out for my sister’s hand. “I can take her.”

The distraction will be good for me.

With a happy little cheer, Amina jumps out of her seat and grabs my hand.

“You be good for your sister,” Mom reminds her as we shuffle down the aisle.

Unable to help myself, I glance over my shoulder to check out the team one last time.

I can no longer see the back of Carson’s helmet. He’s turned in his seat, and it feels like he’s staring directly at me.

My chest spasms and I quickly whip around, pulling my sister up the stairs and walking out of that stadium as fast as I can.

CHAPTER61

CARSON

Nylah left the game. I need to fucking get over it, but I can’t.

I shouldn’t have looked.

I should have turned just to steal one quick glance. If I’d managed to control myself, I wouldn’t have seen her walking away.

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