Page 82 of Triple Play
“Fuck normal.” Jordie leans forward. “Normal is boring. Normal is settling for less than what you actually want because you’re worried about what other people think.”
“Says the guy whose entire life is performing for other people.”
“Exactly.” His smile is sharp, self-aware. “I know what it’s like to pretend. To be what everyone expects instead of what you actually are. And I’m tired of it. Especially with you.”
Wyatt’s hand finds mine on the table. “No one’s asking you to define anything right now. We’re just… enjoying each other. Seeing where this goes.”
“Both of you?” I need to be clear. “You’re both okay with—whatever this is?”
They look at each other. Some silent communication passes between them.
“Yeah,” Jordie says. “We’re okay with it.”
“More than okay,” Wyatt adds.
“And Grant?” The question comes out before I can stop it.
Jordie’s expression hardens. “What about him?”
“He’s your captain. Your teammate. Your friend.”
“He’s also an idiot who had two years to get his shit together and didn’t.” Jordie’s voice is firm. “I’m not putting my life on hold because Grant can’t figure out what he wants.”
“He wants you,” Wyatt says quietly. “That’s pretty obvious.”
“Then he can use his words and tell me that.” I’m surprised by the anger in my voice. “Instead of kissing me, calling it a mistake, and then slut-shaming me when I move on.”
“Fair.” Wyatt squeezes my hand. “But I’m gonna ask you something, and I need you to be honest.”
My heart starts pounding. “Okay.”
“Do you want him? Grant. Do you want him the way you want us?”
The question sits there. Heavy. Impossible.
Because the answer is yes. Of course it’s yes.
I wanted Grant before I wanted either of them. Wanted him for years before that kiss at the bonfire. And even now, after everything, part of me still does.
But I’m tired of wanting someone who pushes me away.
“It doesn’t matter what I want,” I say finally. “Grant made his choice. Multiple times.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
I look at Wyatt, at his patient dark eyes waiting for the truth. Then at Jordie, who’s watching me with something that looks like understanding.
“Yes,” I admit quietly. “I want him. But wanting someone who doesn’t want you back? That’s just called torture. And I’m done torturing myself.”
Jordie nods slowly. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Okay.” He leans back, that smile returning. “Grant can figure out his shit or not. Either way, we’re not waiting around for him to make up his mind.”
“So what does that mean?” I’m almost afraid to ask.
“It means—” Wyatt’s thumb traces patterns on my hand “—we take you on more dates. We make you forget about Captain Asshole. We show you what it’s like to be with guys who actually appreciate what they have.”
