Page 88 of Blocked Shot
“Yeah. Just tired,” she forces out, her voice breaking as she swallows down the ache.
Jesse doesn’t press, but he doesn’t look convinced either.
Without thinking, her feet are already moving, sliding out of the booth. The weight of everything is crashing down, and she knows she needs to escape—now.
“I’m gonna head back to the apartment,” she mutters, eyes down, voice barely above a whisper. Her hand shakes as she reaches for her purse. Before anyone can stop her, she’s hurrying toward the door, desperate to escape the room before the tears she’s fighting begin to spill. She hears Jesse call after her, but she’s already pushing through the door. The cool air of the night hits her face, but it’s not enough to soothe her anguish.
CHAPTER 42
THEO
Another great game last night man
JAKE
Thanks man
THEO
How’s Cali?
JAKE
Playoffs are a grind but sunshine is pretty great
THEO
You get that book I sent?
JAKE
Yeah. It’s around somewhere. I haven’t unpacked all my stuff yet because I’m still living out of suitcases at the hotel
THEO
Cool
THEO
Maybe read it? You know, to get in the right headspacefor Game 3
JAKE
Huh??
THEO
Best of luck, bud. I’m rooting for you
NATALIE
“Ready to be my unpaid movers?” Jesse grins, flipping his Whalers cap around and hefting a cardboard box into his arms. If he had a tail, it’d be wagging.
“Oh, absolutely,” Mila huffs, brushing a lock of blonde hair out of her face as she tapes a box shut. “I just love manual labor.”
“I’ll pay you in pizza and beer,” Jesse promises.
Mila’s lip curls. “Do I look like a frat boy? I want sushi and pinot.”
