Page 84 of Unrivaled

Grady wouldn’t have wanted that a month ago. Did he want it now?

He couldn’t say. He didn’t hate the idea of leaving the Firebirds. In hindsight he realized he was part of the problem, that he’d let the chip on his shoulder about management’s bad decisions color his interactions with his teammates. He could’ve tried to make the best of the situation. Now he’d never have the chance. But at least he knew better than to make the same mistake in LA.

If it weren’t for Max….

Grady pursed his lips, but he couldn’t help thinking about it. If Hedgie hadn’t hinted that he knew things Grady told Max in private—deeply personal things Grady hadn’t even fully voiced to Max—during a game, when Grady had asked Max to make sure that never happened…. If Grady weren’t so angry and hurt, and sick over his own recklessness—

The flight attendant came by Grady’s row. Grady eyed the tiny bottles of whiskey but asked for water. Flying made him dehydrated, and he wouldn’t sleep much tonight as it was.

He downed the water and let himself finish the thought.

If Grady didn’t care so much about Max, this trade would make him happy. The Condors were a strong Cup contender. They had a solid core, with lots of guys in their prime and enough talented younger players to give them staying power for years. They’d lost the Cup Final just the year before. The team was primed to win and win now—no more endless rebuilds.

So the trade didn’t bother him, even though being sequestered in a trainer’s room, told nothing, and then traded midgame made him grind his teeth.

Which meant his turmoil was because of Max, who’d betrayed his trust on a fundamental level. It was like he’d flayed Grady open and put his guts on display.

Grady had spent so long avoiding attachment because he was afraid of getting hurt. Well, now he hurt, all right. He should’ve stuck to his guns. He should’ve told Max to go fuck himself back in September.

Jess was right.

At least she wasn’t the kind to sayI told you so.

The flight attendant came by again and refilled his water glass. This time Grady sipped it more slowly and tried to concentrate on releasing the ball of tension that had coiled in his stomach. His jaw ached, and he rubbed it distractedly.

In a few hours, he’d land in LA. Someone from the Condors would meet him at the airport and drive him to his temporary accommodations for a few hours of sleep. Then he’d meet his new team, learn a new coach’s system, and look for somewhere more permanent to live. He didn’t have time to dwell on Max.

So he took out his phone and pulled up Max’s contact.

A handful of texts had come through before Grady put his phone in airplane mode.R u ok?andill kiss it better. And then, ten minutes later,Fuck just saw the news. Call me when you can? XOX.

As if nothing had happened.

Grady slid his thumb over to the three dots in the top right corner. He only hesitated for a moment.

Then he hit Block Contact.

MAX GAVEit an entire day before he freaked out about the radio silence from Grady. Sure, a trade to another conference put a crimp in their relationship, but if that was going to be a deal-breaker, Max deserved to hear that from Grady instead of having to guess.

With his stomach knotted, he took out his phone and opened a text.

hope cali is treating you well

Was that too spineless? Too passive-aggressive? Max deleted it and tried again.

guess I have to take a rain check on that talk

God, no, that reeked of desperation and self-pity. Max couldn’t make Grady’s trade about him.

This was so stupid. What did hewantto say?

I wish you hadn’t been traded.

I miss you.

I was looking forward to spending the rest of my life getting you to pretend you’re annoyed with me.

I know all this started with a stupid bet, but I think I’m in love with you.

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