Page 116 of The Replay

"Was Coach too rough on you guys?" I ask Bear. "We should have won the game."

He shakes his head. "He pointed out the mistakes, but said the key is to strengthen us for the playoffs at this point. We'll go into detail at the TD soon so you won't miss out."

I nod. "I'll be okay for the post-season. I have to be."

"You will be." Bear drops a couple heavy pats on my shoulder. "Take it easy and do your exercises. The rest is just letting your body heal."

"He even has a personal nurse," Mariana says at my side. "What more could one man ask for?"

Pen nods. "Especially when the nurse is so kind and so generous that she's taking care of him despite being so busy with work. T-minus two weeks until the big gala!"

Mariana groans. "Don't remind me. My stomach hurts when I think about it."

"It will be epic." I squeeze her hand.

"It will be," Mariana replies, "but I can't think about it in those terms, because then I'll be too anxious. Maybe things are going too well. What if something goes wrong? Or if I missed something obvious? Ugh."

"One task after another, one day at a time," Pen says. "That's what you keep saying."

"That's my motto." Mariana sighs.

I nod. "That can be all our mottos."

Soon we make it home, and we make it true. One day at a time. We fall into routine. I don't think about making this thing with Mariana last. I just think of making it right.

Even as a thorn has found its way to my heart, stabbing me every time it beats, because I'm starting to suspect there's an important piece I'm missing.

Chapter 37

Mariana

Sinclair Montt Family Chat

Dad: Mom and I will attend the Vortex game in Seattle tomorrow. We also accepted Selena's invitation to the Partner's Party, so we'll attend the luncheon on Sunday as well.

Cora: You're getting close to Selena, aren't you?"

Dad: We're supporting yours and Mariana's time with the Strike, and Selena is a good relationship to have in the sports world.

Mom: After the party, we can all leave in the jet we chartered for the family. We'll stop in Vancouver to pick up the boys. From there, straight to Vancouver Island for the Christmasbreak.

Cam: That makes sense. I'll make sure Luke is ready on time.

Luke: Easy, brother. I'll be there. It's Vic you need to track.

Maisie: We checked the pictures of that house online. Gorgeous. Amira and I are thrilled. We'll arrive in Seattle for the game, too.

Mom: Mariana, this time I'd like Cora to be at the game with us, so you girls decide who you can invite without ruffling any feathers. Any friends you have among the players may not be a good idea this time.

Cora: Whose feathers? Just to be sure.

Mom: Selena's. Front office. Other players. You know what I mean, Socorro.

Cora: Got it.

Mom: If the personal overlaps in any way with the professional, it has to be done very carefully. And everyone should work hard to remain unbiased.

Cora: Yes, Ma'am. I'm aware.