Page 92 of Game Plan

When I heard footsteps closing in on me from behind, I pushed my hand inside my jacket pocket and positioned my keys between my fingers, ready to defend myself if I was being attacked, a trick my brother had taught me when I was a kid.

“Sorry, I’m late. I thought I’d get here before your shift ended.”

My heart rate decreased. I breathed easier. It was just Mason. I was safe.

I spun around and threw myself into his embrace.

His arms closed around me. “I’m glad you missed me, Shepard, because I missed you too. About the other night… I-I’m sorry for coming on so strong. I had a bad day, and I wanted to spend time with you, and⁠—”

“It’s okay. I get it. We’re fine. I’m sorry I’m a mess most of the time, and I forgive you.” I fastened my grip around him, unable to stop the tears rolling down my cheeks. Right now, I didn’t care about the other night. All that mattered was that he was here, with me, keeping me safe.

Mason placed his palms on my shoulders and leaned back to look at my face. “Hey, hey. What’s going on? Why are you sad?”

I shook my head as sobs rocked through me. “Nothing. I’m just glad you’re here.”

“It doesn’t sound like nothing to me.”

“I had a messy night. I got into an argument with a customer. And now I’m tired, and I wanna go home.”

“What did he say to you?”

I shrugged. “Not important. I’m just feeling emotional. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”

“You sure?”

I bobbed my head fast. “Yes. Weren’t you supposed to grab a bite with your teammates?”

“Yeah, but I wanted to see you first. I’ll catch up with them later.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to walk me.” But please do. I don’t feel like being alone right now.

He kissed my cheek. “I’m right where I wanna be.”

“Okay.” I let go of him and grabbed his hand, lacing our fingers as we set off. Silence coiled around us, but this time, it wasn’t uncomfortable. “Thank you for being here.” Only then did I notice his wet hair. “Were you at the pool?”

“Yep. We watched game tapes, and Rutherford had to leave early, so I drove him and stopped by the pool afterward.”

“How is it going? Did you practice the same thing we did the last time?”

“Yeah.” He rotated his shoulder as if checking its mobility. “I’m getting good at backstroke, Shepard. Soon, I’ll be hot on your heels, and your coach will beg me to join the team.”

I was glad his sense of humor was back. I had missed that side of him lately.

“You wish. It will forever be my sport and my winning stroke. Wanna bet on it?”

“Nah. I’ll leave it to you. Anyway, you always beat my ass when we compete in the pool. I’ve learned my lesson by now.”

“Smart guy.”

“I know. I’m Mason Pierce, duh. What did you expect?”

Our teasing died down. “How are you doing? For real.”

“Better. The physical therapist gave me some pool therapy exercises we can try next time. I told him I wanted to improve my strength and mobility. Coach had told him about the hit I received at practice the other day, and he agreed swimming was a great idea to make sure I heal properly.”

“I’m glad it’s all working out.” I stopped to stare into his eyes. “No more drugs?”

Mason’s expression turned somber. “Not since that night. I’m done with it. I don’t want to become a cliché and throw away my future and my health to substance abuse… I recognize now it wasn’t my most brilliant idea. For a short while, I just felt desperate, you know.”