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Without a shred of concentration, Rory observed Tavo patiently instruct Curtis, of all people, through the steps of a deadlift. The team seemed acclimated to Tavo’s leadership, even though the practice lacked its usual zip. The trash talk-slash-encouragement going back and forth between teammates seemed stilted. Rory’s thoughts darkened. Probably because of the new guy.
Rory’s insides chilled when Vi had strolled in minutes ago, looking bruised and vulnerable. She’d come to break things off. His predictions were further enforced when she sat with more distance than usual between them. He tried to shake off the foreboding. Vi wasn’t the type to cozy up in public.
Minutes inched by on the clock. Finally, Tavo blew the whistle. Rory strode over to offer support.
“What would you think if Curtis joined the team?” Tavo swiped his beefy biceps with a towel.
Rory’s neck muscles tightened. He hated the idea. “Your team now. Do what you think needs to happen.”
“Not what I asked.”
The last thing Rory wanted to discuss was Curtis. Vi’s troubled look had seized his attention, but Tavo could be as persistent as a dog worrying a bone. “If Curtis’s size matched his mouth, he might be an asset.”
“The guy has nothing. Probably why he’s so cocky.”
“Or maybe nothing is what he deserves.” Belatedly, Rory pressed his lips together.
“So, this is you walking the walk? You’re always going on about grace, but I’m not seeing it here.” Tavo’s eyes had narrowed to slits.
Rory glared. In high school, Tavo had been the one who kept the guys in line. The sarcasm didn’t fit.
Tavo shifted his feet. “Look. I get it. The guy’s rough. He’ll need extra monitoring. Curtis is a follower. Isn’t he better off hanging with an improved caliber of people over his usual crowd? He’s hungry to fit in. Why not here?”
The impact of Tavo’s words hit Rory like a bar loaded with weights. He opened his mouth, then closed it.
Flipping the towel on his shoulder, Tavo looked at Vi. Discernment creased the dimples on either side of his face. Glancing back at Rory, Tavo said, “Never mind. I got this. Your little red bird needs TLC.”
Tavo noticed Vi’s downcast mien too. Rory walked to where Vi now stood, looking as if she wanted to flee. Another ominous wave rolled over him at the raw emotion on her face. He shoved it aside impatiently. If she rejected him, fine. No more wading in the shallows. If she didn’t want a deeper relationship, he’d deal with his broken heart later.
“Grab a cup of coffee with me?”
She managed a small nod, but her expression said otherwise.
“Good. Meet me in the deli? Or would you rather go to your place?” Rory stepped into her space, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“The deli is fine.” Her voice gave nothing away.
“Okay. I’ll shower and meet you there.” Rory nuzzled the top of her head, holding her with firmness. He wasn’t sure he could live with her decision if it didn’t include him.
Sitting across from Vi in the deli, Rory drained his coffee cup, then pulled up the dregs of his mettle. Vi sipped at her tea, avoiding looking at him. He blew out a hard exhale. “Whatever is going on in your sweet little head doesn’t look good.”
She swept a long tress of hair away from her face, still mute.
Okay. Time to press. “What gives, Vi?” Rory didn’t want to drag it out of her, but if she wanted to end their relationship, better sooner than later.
“Rory, I’m no good for you.” Vi slumped into the seat, wrapping her hands around the foam cup.
He straightened in the uncomfortable seat, surprise coloring his words. “Where is this coming from?”
“You know.” Her low voice rattled him, and he grasped for the likeliest straw.
“Hon, if you’re talking about your son, my position hasn’t changed. I still love you.”
A brief flicker of hope darted through her sad blue eyes. Everything inside Rory rose to meet it, and then reality set in. She’d purposely made this about her—so it wouldn’t be about his amputation. “This isn’t really about your baby being adopted, is it?”
“What?” A frown pressed Vi’s lips into a line.
Rory jumped in, anxious to get it over with. “You saw my scarred legs this morning during the massage. Well, what’s left of them. I’m not a whole man.” He jammed his trembling hands together.
