Page 105 of Breaking Point
“History, history, history!”
Kieran bumps me with his shoulder as I step down. “Long-winded, but nice to see you again, Cap.” With that, he walks off, lacing up for a night of hopeful victory.
Caleb clutches his chest. “Didn’t know you were so poetic, Crawford!”
“Got a way with words,” Matteo adds.
My snort is barely heard over the cheers and hysteria of pre-game excitement. But my eye roll can definitely be seen.
“He’s back!” someone cheers behind me, starting a wave of claps and fist bumps on my shoulder from my teammates.
“Welcome back, Cap.”
“Nice to hear a speech again.”
“We have to start recording them.”
“Nah, not record, publish! Crawford needs a book.”
It takes a moment for the words to infiltrate and settle. And then it hits me why everyone is so excited. This is the first pre-game speech I’ve given since Drew. Since I lost a part of my soul and heart.
My smile is half-assed at best, but no one seems to notice.
Every time I make a step toward feeling myself again, toward the normal I knew before this great travesty in my life, I retreat just as quickly.
It feels wrong to go back to how it was before because Drew isn’t there to greet me. And yet, something warms in my chest. Something deep and powerful and full of yearning. Drew would despise me if I got everyone excited just to disappear inside my head again. He’d call me whiny and annoying and push me until I came out of my shell.
Something buzzes in my pocket and I realize I haven’t put my phone away yet. Sliding it open, I find a text message from Bella.
BELLA
Good luck tonight!
and don’t lose
What’s the point in being your fake WAG if you lose?
GRAYSON
too true
have to give you bragging material
BELLA
exactly
otherwise my groupies won’t pay attention to me
A laugh bursts out of me before I know it’s even there.
GRAYSON
Using me for my status and job title?
BELLA
Of course, the money is what I’m here for
