Page 35 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Her eyes flicker back and forth between us. “Um, I think you both know why. I haven’t had the best experience with players.”
“So, you’re saying that you’re letting dad and fuckface interfere with your dreams?” Gabe challenges, his tone filled with disbelief.
She shakes her head. “No, but why should I put myself in a situation where I know I’ll be miserable.”
Her brutal honesty feels like a punch to the gut, Gabe seeming to mirror my reaction.
“And my words obviously need repeating. You’re too smart to be standing by the sidelines when you could be a real help. Not all players are like dad and Hurst,” Gabe states, his voicesoft, supportive.
“Hurst? Cal Hurst?” My mouth drops and my body stiffens, glancing at Layla. Her eyes go wide, looking from her brother to me and back.
“Shit, he didn’t know,” he mutters in understanding.
“Just not who,” I grit through my teeth, my blood boiling and my fingers twitching. How could someone hurt her like that? Knowing who makes it feel more real and I hate that for her. She doesn’t deserve it.
“I didn’t let him get away with it,” Gabe claims.
“You two both need to stay far away from him,” Layla insists, likely knowing what’s running through my head.
Gabe scoffs. “Kinda hard to do when he plays for the Mavericks. I’d give almost anything to get rid of him.”
“Can we not talk about him anymore?” Layla requests, her voice pleading. “He’s not worth it.”
I scoff, grumbling under my breath, “You can say that again.”
“Please?” The look she gives me makes my chest tight and I give her a nearly imperceptible nod.
“Have you checked to see what teams are looking for a new physical therapist? There’s always some sport that’s in their preseason or hiring,” Gabe emphasizes.
“Not really,” she answers, heaving a sigh. “What are your plans during the offseason, Gabe?” She glares at her brother.
“Okay, okay.” He holds his hands up in surrender. “I get it.”
Layla’s cell phone rings and she looks down, her shoulders sagging as she answers it. “Hi, Mom.”
Pausing, she glances at Gabe. “Okay, we’ll be right over.” She disconnects without another word.
“We?” Gabe questions, arching his brow.
“She fell. I need your help.”
“Fuck me,” Gabe mutters.
“Do you need my help?”
Layla shakes her head. “If I brought someone new with me when she’s hurt, she’d likely disown me.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”
“No, thanks.” Pushing up on her tiptoes, she forces a smile and presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “Thank you for the flowers and dinner…again.”
“You’re welcome. Call me if you need my help.”
“I will. I’m going to change. Bye, Levi.”
“Bye.” My eyes follow after her, down the hall until she disappears into her bedroom on the left.
Gabe steps up next to me. “I’m not sure if you mentioned her job tonight to get my attention, but that’s exactly what you did. I want you to know that I’m not letting either of those assholes hold her back from what she wants anymore.” I nod in approval. “You’re all right Brennan.”
