Page 95 of Break Point
He looks down at his feet and gives his head a quick shake.
“My mom. I didn’t want to leave her alone after my dad died. Youknow how brutal the tour can be. The constant travel, the grueling training hours.”
“Isn’t that what we’re doing right now?”
“It’s different,” he replies quickly as the elevator doors slide open. We step out and head down the hallway toward my room.
“How is it different?”
“This is temporary.” His voice is firm and resolute. “I’m not going to be your coach forever. We knew that from the start.”
“And what about your mom? Won’t you still be far away from her if you go to college in New York? Or if you take on a new athlete to coach?” I ask, sliding my key card into the door.
We step inside, and I head straight for my Sportaid-stocked mini-bar. I grab a blue one and toss another to Henry. He catches it, but neither of us moves toward the living room. We stay near the door, hovering in an unspoken standoff. I want him to know I’m not inviting him to stay. Not yet.
“She said she might be moving back to Jersey soon,” he says, his smile tight.
That’s new. Progress. I should send Theo a thank-you gift.
“That’s amazing,” I say, taking a sip of my Sportaid. He mirrors my move with a few nods, his eyes unreadable.
His phone buzzes in his pocket, but he doesn’t bother to check who it is.
I step away, heading for the tennis ball he gave me. I want to thank him for it, but I also want to test something.
“Are you sure you won’t miss it?” I call out.
“Nope!” he replies. “It’s all yours now.”
“Catch!” I spin around and launch the ball across the room.
Henry lifts his right arm. The second he catches it, his face twists, and a strained exhale gives him away.
I rush toward him, narrowing my eyes in suspicion.
“Take off your hoodie.”
“What?”
“I said take it off.” My tone leaves no room for negotiation.
He hesitates. That’s all the confirmation I need. There’s a reason he’s kept that shoulder hidden from me, and I’m about tofind out why.
“Bells.” Panic flashes in his eyes again. He’s lying. Again. I heard the pain slipping past his lips.
He’s injured.
“Joe could walk in here any second. Gemma and Robbie are on their way too. It won’t look good if I’m standing here half-naked.”
His phone buzzes again. He ignores it without hesitation.
“It’s that Evan girl, isn’t it?” I don’t bother hiding my jealousy. The thought of them meeting up makes my skin crawl.
Henry pulls out his phone, glances at the screen, and exhales.
“It is.” His voice is flat. “She’s just a friend.”
“Who’s very much looking forward to spending time with you tonight.”
