Page 32 of Blinding Lights

“Always a pleasure, Beckett. How are you?” She holds the red-handled microphone out in front of me as she steps forward, and as always, I have to fight not to let my body display the discomfort I feel. Instead, I hit her with a well-rehearsed smile.

“I’m as good as I can be considering…” I trail off and Lulu frowns in solidarity.

“That was a close game. Closer than we’ve seen from The Storm in a while. You’ve been on a hell of a winning streak.”

“We have.” I release a soft chuckle. “The guys played an incredible game and it’s a shame we couldn’t maintain it. But rest assured, we’ll be back better than ever for the remainder of the season.”

“No doubt. Tell me, how did it feel being back in your home state, against one of your childhood friends?”

“Nostalgic.” I laugh again while my muscles tense. “It’s always a little strange if I’m honest. I was born and raised as a Phantoms fan, and it pains me to lose against them.”

I wink to show I’m joking, and Lulu laughs out loud, some would say a little flirtingly. “I would have thought it’d hurt you to win.”

“Not anymore. All I see is turquoise now.” I gesture to my Storm hat as my lips curl.

“It’s a great color on you.”

“Thank you.”

I expect her to end the conversation there, but of course, I’m wrong. “Does your family still live close by? Was there anyone special for you in the stands?”

My stomach sinks as my smile widens. “So many people, Lulu. I’m a lucky guy. Did you see how many Storm supporters made the trek from San Francisco? I feel the love everywhere I play, not just my home state.”

Guilt floods my chest, but I refuse to let it get to me. I haven’t spoken about my family in years, and I’m not about to start.

Lulu’s face falls but she recovers quickly, offering me a grin. “Well, your supporters sure love you. We’ll let you get back to it. Thank you for your time.”

“Thanks, Lulu. It was good to see you.”

I squeeze her arms as I walk past, making my way over to the next journalist in line. One I know is about to drill me on the loss—a conversation that’s much easier to handle.

But as I reach him with a smile, I can’t shake the shame coursing through me. Just because it’s my decision to avoid the topic of my family doesn’t make it any easier to do. I hate pretending they don’t all mean the world to me.

More than that, I hate knowing they might believe that it’s true.

Chapter Nine

BECKETT

Despite having no reasonable excuse for running late, I’m the last to arrive at Olivia and Hunter’s rehearsal dinner the following night, sliding into a seat next to my mom after missing the entire run-through. Thankfully that was optional for those not in the wedding party.

Mom’s mid-conversation with Atlas’s mom across the table, but her eyes flit my way as she raises a brow ever so slightly. I shrug in response, and she and Hazel both laugh at my expense.

When she’s finished talking, Mom turns my way, her expression telling me she’s about to sass me. That’s Trudy Myers, always sassy, no matter her age.

“It must be nice to have so many supporters showing you love at your games.” She tilts her head as she smiles, and my guilt from yesterday returns.

She saw the interview. Dammit.

“You know I was messing around. She was fishing for information. Hoping to get an inside scoop.”

“I know.” Mom squeezes my arm. “And of course I didn’t think anything of it. Henley, on the other hand…” She trails off and I throw my head back with a groan.

“I’m sure I’ve done worse things to offend Henley. She’ll get over it.”

“I’m sure you have. But it couldn’t hurt you to show her some love.”

“I paid for her to attend the game so she could cheer for the opposition. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”