Page 104 of Lucky Shot
“So he’s like the Victor Aven of the book world?”
Victor is a mouthy forward who plays for Houston. Nobody in the league likes him, not even his own teammates.
“Yeah, something like that.”
“That sucks.”
I can’t even fathom how shitty it felt to be betrayed like that by someone she trusted or what it’s like to see evidence of it out in the world daily. That fucking book is everywhere.
“It must be hard for you to think about her leaving,” Trav adds.
“No,” I say quickly. “She was always leaving. She’s got a life in Arizona, family.”
“Right, but now you two are all cozy and cute.”
“It isn’t like that.”
“You don’t want to keep seeing her?”
“It isn’t that I don’t want to, but come on, how would that even work?”
He shrugs one shoulder. “I don’t know, but you’re an idiot if you fuck this up.”
A hearty guffaw breaks free. “I thought you were standing by, waiting for me to screw up so you could swoop in and have her for yourself.”
“Nah, man. If you fuck up, I’m going to kick your ass.”
I arch a brow when he doesn’t smile or laugh. “You’re serious?”
“Hell yeah.”
“Some friend you are.” I chuckle and take another sip of my Coke.
He angles his body to face me. “I’m your best friend and that’s exactly why I’d do it. I’ve never seen you happier. Kicking your ass would be for your own good. You don’t let a girl like that walk away.”
He’s serious. Maybe more serious than I’ve ever seen him.
“Says the guy who’s had even fewer serious relationships than me.” Sure, the only one I had was eleven years ago, but it counts. Trav has never committed to someone for more than a few dates.
“You’re right and I give you permission to do the same if I’m ever in this situation.”
“I see you cozied up to girls all the time. I’d be kicking your assrepeatedly.” I lift my chin up as I emphasize the last word. Is he serious right now? He’s always dating someone but never for long.
He shakes his head. “No. This is different.”
I let out a soft chuckle. “If you say so.”
“You might be too stubborn to see it, but it’s true.”
My stare is back on Ruby. She must feel my gaze because she looks over, movements slowing as she aims a smile at me across the bar.
I stand tall, grab the pina colada from behind me and thank the bartender again. Travis eyes the drink with a smirk but says nothing.
“Can you guys catch a ride back tonight?” If I know my friends, and I do, they’ll close the place down. I have a much better way I’d like to spend the early morning hours.
“Yeah. Go. We’re cool.”
“Thanks.” I only get two steps away before he calls out to me.
