Page 99 of The Catch

Maribel's tone, on the other hand, has a clear tinge of worry to it. "Does that mean you're moving even further away?"

"Not if I can help it." I infuse my words with confidence— for all our sakes. "My agent knows I'd rather stay here, and so does Coach Clark. It's the GM I have to convince."

"How are you going to do that?" Maribel asks.

"Winning is my best chance," I say. "Being named the MVP."

This game is so competitive, I have to be practically perfect to get the award.Breaking recordskind of amazing. Otherwise they'll just give it to a QB.

The ring protects me from the fans' disappointment and their need for a scapegoat. Winning the season and the title combined can protect me from a trade. Why release a player who was pivotal to the biggest prize there is in our industry? But it's not enough to aim for it. I have to get it… or else. It's a razor-sharp line between success and failure. Not getting the award but having an MVP-style season makes me desirable to other teams. It's a powerful card for a GM to play during the trading season. Other teams would want a player that performed at that level. Right now, I'm performing at the right level… for either path to materialize before me.

Ineedthe MVP award. And my first ring.

"You promised you'd invite us to the game if you made it to the final." Aixa's voice through the phone is clear and assertive.

"I need to talk to Mom and Dad about it. You're still so young."

So innocent. So free with their love. So trusting.

"We know!" Aixa says. "You don't want people following us or whatever."

"Or whatever, exactly," I say.

And growing up fast. I don't think my life will give me children, but the way I want to protect my sisters, I know I'd be an overbearing dad.

"But we're older now!" Aixa says. "And we want to be there."

"You promised, Saint," Maribel adds.

I sigh. "I did. I guess I have no choice now."

"You can talk to Mom and Dad…" Aixa leaves me in suspense for a second. "To plan the dates we're flying into the city the big game is at, and the hotel we're staying at, and how we're going to get to the game."

"Let me win the conference first, okay? Plans will lead us nowhere if the Strike loses that game. One and out, remember?"

"We know how football works." I can hear the way Aixa rolls her eyes.

"You'll totally win the conference game!" Maribel exclaims. "And we'll make pompoms! They'll be blue and purple."

"You can make pompoms in whatever color you want," I say. "I'll keep my word. You'll be there every time I go to the big game. Now it's time for dinner. I can hear Mom calling in the background."

They protest, but eventually we say goodbye. I throw my phone between Ames and I on the sofa, and turn to her with a questioning smile. I've never let anyone hear me chatting with Aixa and Maribel.

She comes closer to me under the blanket. With no words, she asks to lean on my chest. I welcome her, wrapping her shoulders with an arm. Our fingers still interlock over my thigh, in the warmth of our cocoon. I sigh.

She nestles against me. "You're extremely sweet with them."

"They're my favorite people."

"So they're the ones making the hypersquare board?"

I nod. "They're very proud of it."

"Not many people know, do they?"

"I've only told you."

She burrows into me. "I'll keep your secret safe."