Page 104 of Break Point
Henry’s jaw tightens as he nods sharply in my dad’s direction.
“Hey, Joe,” he says, his voice low and worn as he slides his hands into his pockets.
“Could you give me a hand with Robbie?” Dad asks, his brows drawn tight. “He’s in no condition to be here. Just look at him! He’sembarrassing himself. I’d take him back to the hotel myself, but I still need to speak to a few people before I can leave.”
Henry exhales a relieved breath and says, “Of course, Joe. I’m on it.”
I turn to look at Robbie, who’s now attempting a sluggish, ridiculous dance in front of Gemma. She watches from her seat, smiling, though it’s hard to tell if it’s out of amusement or sheer secondhand embarrassment. When she starts tugging at his arm to get him to sit down, I lean toward the latter.
It’s time for Robbie to call it a night.
“Thanks, son. I appreciate it.” Dad pats Henry on the back and turns to me as I suppress a wince at thesonbit. “Drew needs you. The reps from Neel Ultex want to congratulate you. Make sure to thank them for the birthday gifts and let the media grab a few photos of you three while you’re at it.”
“I will,” I reply with a forced smile. I know how important it is to show up for the sponsors, to smile for the cameras, and play the part. It’s part of the job. But if I had it my way, I’d be in my hotel room, floating in the bathtub with my headphones on, trying to clear my head.
“I’ll let Robbie know it’s time to turn in,” Dad says before heading in his direction.
Henry looks away, dragging a rough hand through his hair and down the back of his neck.
“Henry?” I murmur through the bustle of the cocktail party.
He glances at me from the corner of his eye, his mouth twitching to the side. I can see how he’s retreating. He was just holding my hands to his chest, smiling at me like he finally had something to say. He was about to speak before my dad showed up.
Please. Just say something. Anything.
If my eyes could talk, they’d be begging. And I hate myself for it. For falling right back into feeling like I need Henry just to take a full breath. The kind that fills your lungs to the brim and gives you a moment of peace.
I was fine before he came back. I was fine without him.
Was I?
His gaze softens, but he’s shaking his head slowly and regretfully.
“We can’t … not like this.” His voice is barely a whisper, like he hates the words even as he says them. “Not yet.”
I nod once, expecting that answer, but still upset. “Why?”
“Joe—your dad. He almost?—”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Coach.” I turn to leave. I have things to take care of, and I’m too fed up with the drama to pretend otherwise. It makes me feel like I’m not in control, and feeling in control is crucial at an event like this.
Equally irritated and heartbroken, I remind myself to keep my zen and remain focused on tomorrow’s match. This is useless. Pointless.
“Bells,” Henry says, grabbing my arm to stop me. I glance over my shoulder, my eyes landing on his hand. He lets go. “We’re not done with this conversation.”
“A conversation consists of two people exchanging complete sentences and ideas,” I say with a scowl. “Besides, you need to take Robbie back to the hotel. And it seems like you’ve run out of things to say.”
“I haven’t. I want to talk to you, just … not here. Not now,” he says, glancing toward where my dad stands talking to Robbie in the near distance. “I’ll come by your room once I’ve made sure Robbie’s safe and sound. We’ll talk. I promise.”
“Fine,” I say, defeated. “I just need to talk to my sponsors before I head back.”
The emotional whiplash from this conversation is finally catching up to me.
I need to get off this ride.
My neck and trapezius are stiffening. I’ll need a couple of heat patches tonight.
“You are impossible to walk away from,” Henry murmurs in my ear, his hand finding my waist with a firmer grip than usual, like he needs to hold on for one more second.
