Page 126 of The Last Guy On Earth
“But you got there!” Stoney calls. “Timing is everything! Timing and vision boards!”
“Yeah, about that,” he says, shoving his hands in his trouser pockets. “I never reallyenvisionedthat this day would come for me, but I’m making a new vision board, kids. Tonight was it for me. I’m out.”
My heart stops.
“Your man over here…” He points at Volkov, who had to watch tonight’s victory from the box. “He’s doing his rehab so hecan lead you to another victory next year. I need to do the smart thing and make my exit with grace.”
I’m hearing all these words, but my heart can hardly believe them. And somehow my eyes are hot, and my throat is closing up.
“Besides,” he adds. “There’s another consideration…” He gazes directly across the circle, right at me. As if asking permission for…something?
I nod. Whatever it is, I’m ready.
“…Your coach is the most amazing guy I ever met. But he said he won’t date me until I leave the team.” Jethro shrugs. “So there you go. I’m pretty much in love with him, so it makes quitting easier.”
“Jetty,” I gasp.
Newgate laughs.
The GM blanches.
DiCosta snorts.
Everyone else stares.
“So, yeah, that’s a wrap for me. It’s been an honor to play with you guys. Thanks for listening.”
Everyone starts talking at once. I stand where I am, rooted to the floor, completely floored that Jethro would go there tonight.
But mostly I’m overwhelmed by the idea that he’d do that for me. That he’d do the brave thing and step away from the only life he’s known for fifteen years, and tell the whole world that I matter to him.
“Hey,” he says a moment later, arriving at my elbow. “I know that was…yeah. I should have cleared that with you ahead of time. But I’m ready to give you everything I have, and I just couldn’t wait.”
“Well it’s…” I clear my throat. “It’s a big deal to hear you say it,” I say, finding the courage to look straight into his deep green eyes. “I’m not really used to everyone seeing me as an actualhuman with his own life. But you’re worth a little awkwardness, Jetty. You’ve always been worth it to me.”
He grins, and it makes him look ten years younger. “Can we get out of here?” he asks. “Are you going to the club with the guys?”
“Not anymore.” I grab my suit jacket off a hook and turn toward the door.
Someone hoots at us. I think it’s Stoney, but I don’t turn around to see. I let Jethro walk me out into the corridor, and then out into the parking structure. “I was going to Uber home after all that champagne.”
“I don’t drink, so it’s your lucky day,” he says, putting a hand on my back. “I’m over here.”
He guides me to his SUV and opens the passenger door for me, handing me into it like a gentleman.
I’m not that drunk, but it doesn’t matter. As soon as the door closes, I sink my head into my hands and relax for the first time in… Well, a long time. It’s been months since I felt like I wasn’t holding up the whole world.
A warm hand lands on my knee, and I realize Jethro is seated beside me, but he hasn’t started the car. “I’m okay,” I mutter.
“I know,” he says quietly. “But maybe we just need a minute after that.”
“God. That’s the truth.” I pick my head up and sink back into the seat. “I’ve never been so happy. But I also feel about a hundred years old.”
He laughs. “Good thing I’m attracted to older guys.”
I manage a snort.
He turns to me in his seat, and moves his hand to my shoulder. “Where are we headed? Toby and my dad are at my place.”
