Page 55 of The Silent Count
It’s all I can really do.
The two of us could sit here talking in circles for hours and never see eye to eye. Why should I waste my time explaining Lea and I’s situation when Vince will never understand—never even try to understand?
When my laughter fades and I look up at Vince, he’s got a scowl etched into his face that’s filled with disgust. Like he can’t believe I’m his son. It’s a good thing that after this moment, I won’t be anymore.
I’m done with Vince Bradford. This is the last goodbye.
“I am,” is my only response as I clap the back of his shoulder. The two of us hold a stare for a moment, and I can see the wheels turning in his head once he gets the double meaning.
Vince says nothing in response as I move past him and head back down the hall to the family area to find my girl. I feel lighter already, the looming cloud that’s been hanging over my head for so long finally disbanded. And as petty as it sounds, I’ll be the first to admit that it felt nice getting the last word in.
I wouldn’t wish ill on anyone, but I hope those two words keep Vince up at night for decades.
The anger that had been coursing through my veins was dissolving with each step. With my head hung, I get caught by surprise when a hand wraps around my wrist and tugs me down a small hallway off the main corridor. But when red hair catches my eyes as I’m tugged around the corner, my racing heart suddenly seems comical.
My hands find their way around Lea’s waist, tugging her in close as she wraps her arms around my neck. She’s got a giddy smile like a kid in a candy shop, which makes the remaining tension I feel from my interaction with Vince dissipate completely.
“So, I heard you’re in love with me…”
“Spying on my conversation, Sterling?”
“Actually, I was coming to find you to warn you. Dad and I saw Vince before the game, and the two of them kind of… got into it.” She stares off to the side and shudders.
“Did he say anything to you?” My posture goes rigid.
“Nothing of importance.”
I open my mouth to speak—to apologize for his behavior—but Lea cuts me off before I have the chance.
“Well, in other news, Imighthave tipped off Jamison with a story about Vince showing up here and pissing off the coaching staff… which isn’t untrue. My dad was pissed.” Lea lets out a small laugh before that carefree grin of her creeps back over her mouth and she melts into me. “Tell me more about how you’re in love with me, though. I’m dying to hear.”
“Why don’t you seem surprised?”
“Because I’ve known you’ve loved me since we came back from that away game,” she says matter-of-factly.
“How did you—”
She cuts me off by smothering her lips against mine. Her kiss is tender and passionate. The kind I can’t wait to spend forever getting drunk on. “If it’s any consolation, I’m in love with you, too.”
“Good.” I plant small kisses against the hollow of her neck, unable to hide the boyish grin that’s spreading to my ears. A sense of ease washes over me. For the first time in my life, everything is exactly how it’s supposed to be. “I was hoping this thing between us wasn’t one sided.”
“Never has been.”
TWENTY-FOUR
LEA
The endof the season flew by after Vince’s visit. We were knocked out of the playoffs during the second round, but with our star quarterback on injured reserve, we were lucky enough to make the playoffs to in the first place.
Fortune’s free agency has finally begun, and negotiations with other teams are rolling in hot. Neither my dad and I can tell him yet, but there’s speculation in the office of him resigning with the Matrix for another three years. Until then, we’re doing our best not to think about other offers. We’ll make our relationship work even if it means I have to travel back and forth between games.
For now, we’ve been spending time with our friends and relaxing from our most chaotic season yet.
“Are you nervous?” I wrap my arms around Fortune’s waist and poke my head over his arm so I meet his gaze in the mirror. Watching him get ready shirtless is arguably my favorite part of every day.
“Why would I be nervous?”
“Accepting an invitation to Friday night dinner means you’re officially a part of the friend group.”
