Page 83 of Buzzer Beater

I almost groaned. I’d had an emotional few days and needed to recharge, but I guess that would have to happen on the flight home tomorrow. I had a feeling there would be very little sleeping tonight.

Emma stood first then soon everyone was up and heading toward the exit. We walked back to the rooms as a group, shouting back and forth at each other.

Reese called out, “Hey Erik, wanna sleep in my room? We haven’t had brother time in a while.”

“No messing around tonight, guys.” Hartman was shaking his head. “We’ll be at the arena within an hour of touch down tomorrow.”

Colin leaned his head against mine. “Bye, vacation. Bye, freedom.”

“Bye, relaxation.” I replied.

He sighed. “Back to real life.”

“Ugh. That means production meetings and spreadsheets for me.”

“That sounds terrible.”

“Not as bad as whatever Wyatt has planned for you guys.”

Olli laughed behind us. “Smart girl. She’s already got this figured out.”

I looked over my shoulder and smiled. I was already part of the group. I loved it.

When we got to the rooms, Colin pulled me away and stole a kiss. I leaned into him, reveling in the feel of being so close. I wanted to soak it all in for tomorrow when we separated.

When he stepped back, he was smiling. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

I nodded, too dazed to speak. He led me to my room and laughed before walking away.

“Come in, lovebirds.” Emma grabbed my hand and pulled me through the open door. “We’ve got cake to eat.”

Still smiling, I settled on the bed I was sharing with Colby.

“You two are so sweet,” Kendall said. “Just looking at you makes me feel like I’m getting a mouthful of cavities.” She pulled the couch closer to the bed.

I sighed. “I’m not sorry.”

The rest of the girls laughed.

“What are you guys going to do?” Madeline asked.

“What do you mean?”

She looked around the room. “I mean, a long-distance relationship is a short-term fix. What are you planning to do to make it permanent?”

I’d been running through scenarios in my mind and nothing worked. I couldn’t solve it. Not without one of us giving something up.

“One of us is going to have to move.”

Chloe’s head shot up and her eyes met mine. “You mean, you have to move?”

“Whoa, Chloe. Retract the claws.” Emma shook her head. “Relationships take compromise. They have to consider what is best for each of them.”

“Well, it’s not like Colin can pack up and move. He’s got a contract with the Fury.”

“He could get traded.” Colby shrugged. “Happens all the time.”

Chloe narrowed her eyes. “Not when he’s a top player. Not without costing the other team dearly.”