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“Did you break up with her?”
“No. I didn’t break up with her. The circumstances were just a lot for her to take. Right now, all her focus has to be on us all staying safe and them getting to the bottom of the investigation. When that’s over, we can see where things are.”
“You’re not seeing anyone else in the meantime, are you? I think she’s had a crush on you for a while, and I’ve been scared for her.” If only she knew how long I’ve wanted her, she wouldn’t be scared—at least not for Trix.
“No. I’m not seeing anyone else.” I shake my head. “I can’t imagine anyone else but her.”
“Good. Because I want her back as soon as this is all fixed. I know you two have stuff to work out and all, but if I get any vote, I want her back.”
Lizzy looks visibly relieved and I guess as much as I knew she liked Trix, I didn’t realize how invested she was until now.
“I want her back too. But I’ll keep that in mind. Might have to use it as leverage since I think you might have some extra points with her.”
“Just tell me when you need me to turn up the pressure. I love you both, and I think you guys are so much better when you’re together. Especially you. But she was so much happier pretending to be your girlfriend than she ever was with Uncle Rob.”
“Well. Let’s not say that in front of him.” I chuckle at her boldness.
“I know. But I’m saying that to you. In case you were wondering. Objective bystander opinion and all.”
“Oh yes, very objective.” I smirk at her.
She sighs and looks me over like I’m a project she’s evaluating. One she finds satisfactory despite some deficiencies.
“I love you, Dad. I hope everything works out for you both.”
“I love you too. And I hope so.”
I hug Lizzy one more time for good measure. The older she gets, the less moments like these I’ll have, so I’ll take one whenever I can get one. And right now, I can use the hug. I’m so grateful I have such a sweet kid, and knowing she’s rooting for us, makes me feel like I did a few things right lately. Maybe there’s still a chance of this working out for all of us.
43
Beatrix
It’s the fourth game of the season, and they’re playing back at home in Cincinnati. Madison’s attending the game, and she’s brought me with her. She claims it’s because she wants to keep an eye on me, but I think she’s also hoping it’ll distract me from everything else going on right now.
After we discovered that James was the likely suspect, we turned all the evidence we had in to the police, and they’ve been investigating it. But since all they have to go on for threats are photos and a few vague threats, it’s been an uphill battle. Especially since the individual we’re accusing had permission to access all the places he might have used. They’ve told us to prepare to wait, which is the last thing I wanted to hear. In the meantime, I’m stuck in limbo, worried that James is going to find out we’ve named him as a suspect, and constantly worried he’ll still go after Coop.
The game is largely uneventful. The first smooth win of the season without any ejections or antics. When it’s over, I follow Madison down to where the families usually wait for the players so I’m not walking through the city streets to the car alone. I linger on the periphery since I’m still not excited about being remembered as the woman from the pictures with Cooper.
Cooper was suspended after the game against the Pittsburgh Rivermen where he and Rob were ejected, so I don’t plan to run into him down here. Which is why when I see him in his sideline gear, his hat on backwards as he leans against the wall talking to Ramsey and some of the other guys in the hallway, a smile on his face from the win, my heart stops in my chest.
I want to run to him. Hug him. Tell him how much I miss him and how scared I am right now. But then I realize the whole reason he didn’t play today was because of me, and my heart breaks all over again that I’ve put him and Lizzy in this situation. I need a minute away from all this if I’m not going to have a public breakdown.
“Hey, I’m just going to run to the restroom,” I say softly to Madison, motioning over my shoulder before I turn.
“Okay. Do you want me to come?” Her brows knit together with concern. I must be doing a poor job of hiding my emotions.
“No. I’m good.” I flash a bright smile at her because I want to go and have my freak-out alone. As sweet as my best friend has been lately, I don’t need her seeing every breakdown I have.
“Okay. See you back here in a couple?”
“Yep. Back in just a second.”
I risk one more glance at Cooper, and it’s a mistake because, before I leave the room, his eyes catch mine. I watch his smile fade as he sees me, his eyes falling over me and then meeting mine for a moment again before I hurry off. It’s too much, and I can already feel my tears clawing at the back of my throat, so I pick up my pace down the hall.
I’m in such a hurry, I’m not even paying attention to who else is around me or even where I’m headed. So when I slam into a hard body and their arms wrap around me, I jolt back in surprise.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching. I’m sorry,” I apologize as I start to step back.
