Page 42 of Five Things I See in You

“I thought the documents the club provided would clear it up. Then they started asking for more, and…”

“Was that what the meeting on semifinal day was about?”

She nods.

“I’d already given a statement a few days earlier. That day, I went in to submit some documents and clarify a few things.”

“You told me it was an administrative matter involving the Emeralds.”

“I know.”

“No, Jordan. You lied to me. I asked you, and you lied.”

She rubs her hands against her knees.

“I didn’t want to worry you before the playoffs.”

That only makes me angrier.

“Well, now I’m worried, and I feel like a fucking idiot because you didn’t trust me with something this important.”

Then I remember the kiss on the field, right in front of the national TV cameras.

“Fuck. The kiss at the final,” I say, bringing a hand to my mouth.

“Yeah.”

“You could have warned me.”

“I wanted to kiss you. I don’t regret that.”

“Do they know who filed the complaint?”

Jordan gives me a look I can’t quite read, and something painful twists inside me.

“Fuck. Do you think… do you think my dad did it?” I ask, afraid of the answer. Almost wishing I hadn’t asked.

“I don’t know, Noa.” She sighs. “It was anonymous. I’d rather not think about it, honestly. I just want this to be over. One way or another. I can’t take much more.”

“Shit, Jordan. We’re partners. Through the good times and the bad. You can’t go through something that could destroy your career all by yourself and not tell me,” I say, wrapping my arms around her.

We spend the day avoiding calls. The club has asked us not to speak to the press, and practically every hour, Callum asks whether I want him to fly back from England.

Jordan and I barely talk. That night, as we’re getting ready for bed, she stops in the bedroom doorway.

“I can sleep on the couch if you’d rather,” she says so quietly I can barely hear her.

“I don’t want you on the couch.”

“Are you still angry?”

“I’m still very angry,” I tell her. “I can understand waiting until after the final, but it’s been over a week.”

“You were so happy. I didn’t want to ruin it.”

“I wish you’d trusted me and let me worry with you. You don’t have to take care of everyone all the time. I’m your partner.”

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