Page 65 of Buzzer Beater

I groaned when I heard Olli’s voice coming from behind me. “Just tell her how you feel, Brassard.”

I turned and there were the rest of the guys. Great. They’d heard the whole conversation.

“I tried.”

Erik shook his head. “I doubt you were clear. You need to tell her in exact words what you feel, what you want, and what you’re willing to do to get it.”

I nodded. “If that means I can get more time with her, I’ll do it.”

“Good. I think she’s out at one of the cabanas.” Hartman pointed toward the pools. “We’re practicing in an hour.”

I ignored that comment. Practice could wait. I needed to find Lucy.

“Thanks guys.” I hurried away before I got any more relationship advice from them. I checked one pool, didn’t see Lucy, so I hurried to the farther one. There were about ten cabanas surrounding the crystal blue waters that were undisturbed this early in the day. I walked to each one until I heard women talking.

“I’m sorry, Amber,” Lucy said. “I know this is a stressful time and I want to be here for you, but I don’t think Ryan is cheating on you. Just because he didn’t reply to your text last night doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. The service here is spotty, plus it was late when you sent it. Give him some time.”

I heard a heavy sigh. “Okay. I’ll wait a little bit longer.”

When there was silence for a few moments. I cleared my throat and tugged the white curtain back. “Good morning, ladies.”

“Oh!” Amber sat up and smiled, taking me aback. I was expecting her to be angry.

I smiled at her and glanced at Lucy who had a confused expression. “I was actually wondering if I could talk to you for a moment.”

Lucy started to stand but I put my hand up. “I meant Amber.”

Lucy looked surprised but Amber just beamed. She followed me to the other side of the pool where we sat down on loungers.

“What can I do for you, Colin?” she asked.

“I owe you an apology.”

She looked confused. “What for?”

“I should have checked with you first about going on the temple tour. I’m sure you guys had stuff planned and I kind of took over. Then yesterday, I stole Lucy away and ruined your spa plans. I’m sorry about that.”

Her smile dimmed a bit. “Oh Colin. That’s fine. The temples were amazing. I can’t believe we got to see those. I need to thank you for letting us come with you. And yesterday.” She waved a hand. “I was being a grouch, but I really didn’t mind. Lucy deserves to be spoiled. I want her to be happy, and even though, for a long time, you were a source of her pain, you’re also the only one she’s ever loved.”

I sat back. Yeah, I had caused her pain. Was it too much, though? She said she forgave me, but could anyone really move on from that? Could she ever trust me again?

“I’m glad you’re not angry with me.”

“As long as you don’t break her heart, I won’t be.”

I nodded. “I don’t plan to. I know you know our whole history. You were there for her back then. I made some really horrible mistakes, but I never stopped loving her. Seeing her this week just solidified those feelings.”

She smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“But she’s leaving tomorrow. I’m not ready for this to end.”

She blew out a breath. “I know. I can tell she’s anxious about it too. One of the problems, though, is knowing if it’s real. It’s easy to be in love in paradise, but what about back home? When you’re training and traveling and living two states away?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know. I could ask to be traded but that doesn’t mean it would happen. Plus, I don’t think I could leave my team. They’re family.”

She nodded.

“But I can’t ask Lucy to do that either,” I said.