Page 131 of Triple Play
“It’s—they’re—” The guy flounders.
“Four people instead of two? Yeah. I can count. But last time I checked, loving more people doesn’t make you less dedicated. If anything, Grant’s more motivated now. He’s got more to fight for.”
I turn to look at Grant directly now.
“You told me this morning that you were being realistic. That you were protecting everyone’s futures.” My voice cracks. “But you were just scared. Scared of wanting something. Scared of losing it. Scared of being happy because you think you don’t deserve it.”
He’s staring at me like I’ve ripped his chest open.
“Well, I’m scared too. I’m terrified. Johns Hopkins rescinded my interview today because someone decided my personal life makes me unprofessional. I’ve got reporters calling me every five minutes. The entire internet has opinions about my relationship status.”
Teddy’s behind me, I can feel him there, steady and supportive.
“But you know what I’m most scared of? Losing you. All three of you. Because you’re too afraid to fight for this.”
Wyatt’s the first to move. He crosses the locker room in four strides and pulls me into his arms.
“We’re fighting,” he says quietly. “We’ve been fighting all day.”
Jordie’s next. He wraps around both of us. “My mom’s calling everyone she knows. My dad threatened to pull campaign funding from like six people. It’s been a whole thing.”
Then Grant. His arms come around all three of us and we’re just standing there in the middle of the locker room, holding onto each other like we’re drowning.
“I’m sorry,” he says into my hair. “I’m so sorry. I panicked and I pushed you away and I—”
“I know. I know you’re sorry.” I pull back to look at him. “But you don’t get to make decisions for me. For us. We do this together or we don’t do it at all.”
“Together,” he repeats. “Yeah. Together.”
Someone clears their throat.
Coach is standing there with his arms crossed. “You all done with the Hallmark moment? Because we still have a vote to conduct.”
“Right. Sorry Coach.” Grant doesn’t let go of me though.
“All in favor of Grant Wilder retaining his position as team captain, raise your hand.”
I hold my breath.
Wyatt’s hand goes up immediately. Then Jordie’s. Then—
More hands. Slowly at first, then faster.
Not everyone. But more than half.
“All opposed?”
Eight hands go up. Including Bryce’s.
“Motion carries. Wilder keeps the C.” Coach looks at Grant. “Don’t make me regret this.”
“No sir.”
“Good. Now everyone get out. We’ve got practice I’m tired of talking about your love lives.”
The team files out. Some guys clap Grant on the shoulder as they pass. Others don’t make eye contact.
Bryce stops in front of me. “This doesn’t mean I approve.”
