Page 112 of Faking Ties

“You did?” I ask, surprised.

“I’ve been following the news and saw how you played just now.”

“I just need some sleep and recovery time, but I’ll be better by game day.”

“I’m not worried about that,” Evren says, dismissing my words with a wave of his hand. “I’m worried about how you as a person are handling everything.”

“Not well,” I admit. It’s the truth. Even if Ella and I aren’t broken up, it doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been rough to be away from her and deal with all this other bullshit. “It’s been an intense couple weeks with the media.”

“I can’t imagine. You know, I’ve respected Stella since the moment I met her. She has this ability to make someone feel at ease just by being around her.”

I nod, not sure where this is heading.

“I didn’t get to where I am now by not being observant,” he continues, straightening some papers on his desk. “I know the Stella I met at the team BBQ is different to the one who came to my home a couple months ago.”

My breath freezes in my lungs. I clench my jaw and force myself to say as steadily as I can, “I never would’ve pegged you for a conspiracy theorist.”

Evren gives me a long look. “Don’t worry, I’m not looking for confirmation.”

“Then what are you looking for?”

“Nothing. I guess I’m just saying that I’m here in case you need to talk or can help in any way.”

“I didn’t think you liked me much,” I say.

“At first, I didn’t. But you changed my mind once I got to know you on and off the field.”

“Because of Stella.”

He nods in acknowledgement, and I think about Elodie. I know she told me to take care of myself, but I can’t help but also take care of her. An offer for help from someone like Evren isn’t something I can pass up on.

“There is actually something you could help me with,” I say.

Evren remains silent and waits for me to continue.

“Let’s say I have a friend,” I say, “a very important friend. She’s an amazing baker and I think her having apop-up shop in the stadiums on game days would be beneficial to you.”

“And have I tried these baked goods?”

I give him a long look. “You have.”

“In that case, I think a pop-up bakery sounds like a great idea.” He stands and holds out his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

“Yeah?” I shake his hand in disbelief. “Just like that?”

“Sometimes, things in life are really that simple, especially if it helps you get back to playing your best.”

“It won’t hurt, that’s for sure.”

Evren chuckles and we exchange numbers to finalize the idea more. When I head into the locker room, I expect it to be empty. But my friends are there, waiting for me.

“What’s up?” I ask, heading to my locker.

“You played like shit,” Marcus says.

“Been going through a lot,” I say defensively.

“I really thought you and Stella were going to get married,” D-Rock says.

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