Page 39 of Comeback
“Yeah, well, she knows more.”
“My dad is a big fan,” I tell them. “They were watching the game on TV tonight.”
“You should invite them to come sometime. I can get tickets or a box.” He pauses. “I never thought I’d have enough family to fill a box.”
London swivels her head and kisses his jaw.
His dazed expression softens, and he leans down to brush his lips over hers before saying to me, “But seriously, any time they want to come.”
It’s such a nice gesture, but I doubt my mom is going to be up for traveling any time soon, so I just smile and say, “Thank you.”
My gaze shifts as Archer comes into view. He came in with Brogan but got caught up talking to other people before I was able to say hello.
We lock eyes and I smile at him. He returns the gesture, but even with his lips curved up, he doesn’t look happy.
Someone nudges him and he looks away.
“Is Archer okay?” I ask Brogan.
“Yeah. Why?” He turns to find his friend.
“He looks kind of bummed.”
“Eh…He didn’t get the opportunities he was hoping for tonight.”
“Is his ankle bothering him?” London asks.
“No, nothing like that.” Brogan gives his head a small shake. “Coach has been trying some new groupings, that’s all. Since we got Graham this season, he and Archer are often rotating to see who works better in different scenarios. Tonight, Graham was finding openings. Archer will bounce back. He’s the better player, but some nights other guys are just hot, and Coach runs with it.”
I glance back at Archer. His head is bowed slightly as he stands in a group of his teammates. He laughs at the same time everyone else does, but I can tell he doesn’t really want to be here.
When he slips away and goes to the bar for another drink, I excuse myself from Brogan and London.
As I approach, I take in his defeated expression. For a guy whose team dominated tonight, he doesn’t seem to be in the same party mood as the rest of the guys.
I slide into the space next to him at the bar. My arm brushes against his and goosebumps spread over my skin.
“Hey,” I say when he glances over at me.
His expression immediately morphs, and he smiles as he stands a little taller. “Hey.”
The bartender comes and takes his order, then looks to me.
“I’ll have the same,” I say.
We remain silent until we have fresh beers in hand.
“Congratulations on the game,” I say, tipping my bottle to him.
“Thanks.” He nods, smile slipping slightly. “I hope you know after Brogan’s performance tonight, he’s never going to let you skip another game.”
“Yeah, he might have said something about that already.” I laugh lightly.
Archer keeps smiling at me, but his features are all a little too tense for him to truly look happy.
“How are you feeling?” he asks. “Any more trouble today?”
“No. I’m feeling better. Thanks for last night. I really appreciate what you did.”
