Page 140 of Comeback
“That’s…” I can’t lie and say terrible because him leaving makes my life easier, but it doesn’t feel good either. No matter how much I hate the guy, I can’t bring myself to celebrate his struggle.
“Roster changes are always hard. All we can do is worry about the next game.”
“Yes, sir.”
His mouth lifts into a smile. “Max will be here tomorrow. Swing by my office when you get in and I’ll make the introduction.”
With another thanks, I head out of his office.
I’m in a daze as I process what just happened. I can’t decide if I feel happy or upset about the team hiring someone just for me. A little of both, I guess.
In the locker room, Graham is clearing out his stuff and placing it into a bag. He catches my eye and quickly looks away.
I approach him, not really sure what I’m going to say until I get there.
“Good luck in Washington.” I hold out my hand to him.
He huffs and eyes my outstretched palm but doesn’t shake it. “I don’t need your luck or your pity. I’m glad to get out of here. I’m over the fucking heat and desert. Don’t worry though, I’m sure we’ll still be in touch. I’ll have to check in on my building from time to time.”
And to think I felt bad for this asshole ten seconds ago.
“Word of advice when you get to Washington. Try working harder than you run your mouth.”
With that, I turn and walk off. I hear him yelling after me but can’t make out what he says. And for once, I don’t care.
When I get to the studio, Sabrina is with a class of kids ages maybe five or six. She stands at the front of the room, and they all face her, listening and mirroring her movements.
I tip my head to the moms sitting in the lobby area watching their children and then I watch Sabrina. She’s in one of her sexy black leotards with a pink skirt that moves with her. Her hair is pulled up in a bun and she smiles at her class with so much pride and joy that they can’t help but be captivated by her.
At the top of the hour, she stops the music and says goodbye to her class. Each kid gets a high five and a sticker of their choice. When they’re all gone, I step inside with her.
As soon as she sees me, her eyes widen and she runs for me, catapulting herself into my arms like she always does. She wraps herself around me, squeezing me as hard as I am her.
“I missed you,” she says pulling back. She places a quick kiss on my lips and then hugs me again. “I missed you so much.”
“Same. It’s been so long I damn near forgot how beautiful you are.”
“Well, I didn’t forget how handsome you are, but I am really glad to lay my eyes on you.” She hops down from my hold but stays close. “Are you done for the day?”
“Yep. You?”
“That was my last class.”
“Thank god.” I glance back to make sure they’ve all left and then sweep her up into my arms and kiss her again.
She giggles into my mouth, then kisses me back like maybe she did miss me as much as I did her.
“I have news,” I say when we finally pull apart.
“Good news?” she asks, tilting her head and sounding hesitant.
I tell her about the team hiring an interpreter and Graham being traded to Washington. And even what he said about the building.
“Good riddance. At least for most of the year we won’t have to worry about him dropping in whenever he feels like it.”
“There’s more.” My heart rate speeds up as I prepare to tell her the rest. “I stopped by and saw Eleanor on my way over.”
As I expected, Sabrina’s face shows her surprise.
