Page 100 of The Score

Chapter 32

Pen

"How long has it been since we last came here?" Dad asks.

We take the last turn toward the Thunderdome, on a side street with no other function than to connect the highway to the Strike's home base. TD is originally named for some famous previous owner or someone else of that calibre, but I've never learned it. Everyone, fans included, use the nickname instead. It's the way we all refer to the three-floor structure housing all of the front office and administrative team, as well as the training facilities and outdoor training field.

"It was the second or third year since Leon made it," my mom replies. "So it's been a while!"

"We could have made it happen earlier if we had known you wanted to come," I say.

Years ago, Bear invited my parents for a tour of the Thunderdome and a game a few days later. Ever since, I've been to many games at the stadium, and my parents have attended a couple with me, but they haven't come back to visit TD. Mostly because of the distance and the fact they haven't fully retired yet.

"Oh, no, we're happy to be here now," she adds.

I slow the car down until I've stopped next to the security booth. The guard stands next to the small structure that protects them from the weather, and I lower my window.

One of those intrusive, out-of-nowhere thoughts takes over, and I freeze while staring at them.

In my head, they glare at me.

Straight to jail for doing what you did with your best friend this morning.

Like their Strike-themed security uniforms are enough to make me feel like someone will put me under interrogation, to figure out my motives of late.

I'm innocent!I argue in my mind.Am I really to blame, after all my body has put me through since Leon and I got married?

The worst part is yes. I am to blame. I know how accountability works.

"Qué pasa, hija?" Mom asks from the seat next to me.

"Name, please?" The guard asks.

"Right! Yes. Hi. I'm Pen— Leon Karlsen's— wife. Yep. His wife— and his friend. I married my best friend."

I show my rings to the tall person next to my car. Just in case. After my over correction, they might need convincing.

My parents stare at me like they're starting to worry, and I twirl a strand of my hair around one finger a few times.

I'm floundering. All because I have no idea how Bear and I will deal with what we did.

It's fine. Time to lift my chin. No matter what, I'll fight like hell for our friendship. A moment of weakness can't threaten what we have.

"Congratulations." The guard smirks. "Do you have your invite?"

I'm really off today if I forgot how that works, too.

I just need someone— preferably Leon— to tell me we're goingto be okay.

All I want to do is talk to my best friend. It's ironic, really. For once, this isn't so much about asking for advice, as to check how we're doing. We agreed to talk tonight, but I need some sort of clue as to how he's feeling.

"Right." I reach for my phone. "Yes. Here you go."

I show them the digital card on my device and we're let in. I gulp. Of course it's going to be fine between Bear and I. It has to be.

A row of visitor parking spots edge the long side of the building, and I drive into one of the empty stalls. We get out of the car and make our way to the main door. As soon as we enter the building, we find Nat and Ames sitting in a small, comfortable waiting area. The armchairs and round coffee table reside on a corner of the large welcome hall, surrounded by glass walls and the open lobby space.

I manage a grin. The four of them met at the wedding, and they swiftly fall into a casual conversation. Their chatter is fun, and I use the time to pull myself together once and for all. Or somewhat. Enough to spend a nice time with my friends.