Page 21 of Make the Play

Again, the tears make their appearance, but I blink them back. “Landry, I’ve been stressing over finding a job since graduation. Hell, before graduation, if I’m being honest. I was giving it until Monday before starting to look outside of Nashville.” I pause to steady my breathing. “I love you for everything you have done for me, but I really want to start taking care of myself. You paid for college, bought me a car, sent me care packages monthly, and now, I’m living here rent-free, free-loading off you. I really need this,” I say, wiping at my tears.

“Whoa, hold up. Outside of Nashville? Corie, I just got you back. You can’t leave again. I hated every day you were in Cincinnati.” His brow furrows, as if he’s trying to figure out how he can make me stay.

“I know, but what choice do I have? I can’t just lie around here all day and let you support me. It’s more than that I want to work, Landry. I spent four years of college busting my ass. In the last two years of high school, I did the same to graduate with an associate's degree. I want to work. I love the field I’ve chosen. I need to work,” I tell him. I know I’m repeating myself, but I don’t know how else to help him understand. I will forever be grateful for all he’s done for me after Mom passed, but it’s time to pull up my big-girl panties and start taking care of myself.

“These things take time.”

“I don’t have time.” This time, I do stomp my foot like a toddler, but he’s not listening to me. “This is your home, Landry. Not mine. It’s your food in the refrigerator, your everything. I have nothing. I need something for me.” I tap my chest. “I love you for all that you’ve done for me, and letting me crash here until I get on my feet means more to me than you will ever know, but none of this is mine.” My voice breaks on the last few words as I wave my arms around the room.

“Okay.” He stands and walks around the island, pulling me into a hug. I wrap my arms around him and melt into his embrace. “I’m going to run back to the stadium. I know that Coach is still there. I’ll come back with all the information you need.”

Guilt washes over me. He just got home after, I’m sure, a grueling final day of training camp. “You don’t have to do that. But can you find out for me?”

“I’m going.” He points to the Crock-Pot. “Don’t start that without me.” He kisses the top of my head and pulls out of our embrace. “Be back.” He turns on his heels and walks away.

The door’s closing behind him before I can argue. I hate that I made him feel like he had to go tonight to talk to his coach, but I’m desperate. I also feel bad for going off on him. Grabbing my phone, I text Sloane.

Me: I kind of just had a mental breakdown on my brother.

Sloane: What kind of mental breakdown are we talking about?

Me: There might have been raised voices (mine) and some foot stomping (also mine).

My phone rings immediately, just as I knew it would. “Hey,” I answer.

“What’s going on?” There’s worry in Sloane’s tone.

I exhale a heavy sigh. “Landry came home. It’s the last day of training camp. We were talking, and he told me he heard the Rampage was looking for a new social media director, and it kind of snowballed from there. I threw a fit like a toddler while fighting back tears.”

“And?”

“And Landry left to go back to the stadium. He said he was certain his coach was still there and would see what he could do to get me in the position.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” she asks gently.

“It is, but I acted like a total brat, and I think he’s worried I’m leaving Nashville again because I told him I might have to, and now, if he’s successful, I’ll only get the job because of who my brother is.”

“Take a deep breath,” Sloane says soothingly. “First, I’m sure you were not a brat, and if you were, that’s okay. Landry is your big brother, and he loves you. That’s not your normal behavior, and I’m certain he didn’t think a thing of it. He’s not one to hold grudges.”

“But I feel bad. I know he’s exhausted, and now, he’s headed back to the stadium where he’s practically been living for the last few weeks.”

“He’s doing it because he wants to. He loves you and wants you close. That’s why he left. You scared him.”

“Maybe,” I concede.

“It’s going to be okay, Corie. And as far as getting the job because of who your brother is? Who cares? He’s getting you the opportunity, but it will be up to you to show them how kick-ass you are. Not Landry. They won’t keep you in a position you suck at, no matter who your big brother is.”

“You think so?” I ask as I hear the front door open and a deep voice call out. “Someone’s here. Sounds like one of the guys. Can I call you later?” I ask my best friend.

“Yeah. You want me to come over?”

“I’m good. Thank you for calming me down,” I tell her.

“Anytime, babe. Love you.”

“Love you, too. I’ll call you later.” I end the call and look up to find Knox Beckett standing in the doorway. His shoulder leans against the doorframe, looking casual and sexy. His arms are crossed over his chest, showing off his impressive build, and his legs are crossed at the ankles. I take my time taking him in, until our eyes meet.

He stands and steps toward me. “What’s wrong?”

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