Page 81 of Blinding Lights

“Thank you for being real with me, Travis. I’m pretty sure that’s the first time you’ve shown me even an ounce of vulnerability.”

“Yeah, well, Ava means a lot to me. And so do you. As her mom.”

“Thanks.” I huff out another laugh. “You can rest assured, though. I’m not moving. At least not anytime soon.”

“He’s moving there?” The surprise in his tone makes me scoff while tension knots in my throat. Is it so unbelievable to think that someone like Beckett would want to move for me?

“No one is moving. There’s nothing happening between me and Beckett. He helped Ava because he’s Henley’s brother and a genuinely good guy. That’s all.”

“Really? You sound a little sad.”

“I’m just tired.” I bite back an incredulous laugh. Who the hell am I talking to? He’s not like Travis at all.

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Thank you for caring. I was right in defending you for all those years. You’re not as bad as everyone says you are.”

“What?”

“I’ve gotta go.”

“Lily?”

“Relax, I’m joking. Talk soon, okay?”

“Yeah, okay. Bye, Lils.”

I hang up, and a breath of laughter leaves me seconds before a rogue tear falls down my cheek. Despite being positive in nature, that entire conversation was like a kick to the gut. And a bit of a reality check if I’m being honest with myself.

I think it’s time to move forward and get on with the life I’ve got. For Ava’s sake as well as my own.

NEW YEAR’S

Chapter Twenty-Three

BECKETT

I fumble the ball for the second time this half but thankfully recover, launching it high in the air and straight into my teammate’s open arms.

Zane rushes forward, effortlessly swerving around one of Miami’s cornerbacks, before rolling off the back of their safety, making it into the end zone to a roaring home crowd.

If it wasn’t for my incredible teammates, we wouldn’t be winning this game, because God knows I’ve done nothing to contribute. I can’t remember a time I’ve ever played so pathetically.

And I know the cause.

I can’t get Lily out of my goddamn head, and it’s messing with my game.

Either way I see it, I’m fucked. If I stay here and pretend I’m not falling in love with her, my game is going to suffer. But if I go after her and convince her to give me a shot, she might be the one that gets hurt.

How the hell do my teammates do it? They’re all so loved up that I once found it sickening. Now I get it. Yet, they don’t seem to be stressed about it like I am.

We end the game with a win and it’s no thanks to me.

There’s only one game to go before the playoffs. We’re sitting at the top of our conference. Now is not the time for me to fuck up.

I need that Super Bowl win.

But I also need Lily.