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“Wait a minute. Tyler Fantana… are you saying—?”
“Everything is complicated. I mean….” Tyler rubbed his face roughly and then tugged on his hair in frustration. “I’m not just me. I’m a contract player with the NFL, with a whole team. I got licensing deals and press calls. I’m a character in three different video games, for Christ’s sake. I’m a machine.” He thumped his pecs.
“Bull. You are a grown-ass man, Tyler Fantana—”
He interrupted her, “I know that—”
But she didn’t let him finish. “And if you are having actual human feelings about another actual human being, then you’d best act like a grown-ass man.”
“It’s complicated, Nadia.”
“Boo-frigging-hoo.” She smacked him and cocked her head. “Tell me something simple. Huh? What in this life is easy? Nothing anybody wants.”
“I don’t want to hurt anybody.” He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed.
“Too late, boo. Life hurts people. You got a big fancy job in a big fancy game for big fancy money that’s nothing but hurting people. You’re a pro.”
Tyler wavered between embarrassment and the trust he had in his sister. He looked up into her earnest eyes and something inside him broke so the words spilled out. “I might… I think I’m falling for Josh Ayres.”
Nadia squealed and pulled Tyler into a hug. “I knew it!”
“You did? I didn’t. I really like him, Nadia. Like, a lot.”
“He’s the sweetest. I knew this would happen. You guys are perfect together, for each other. I knew it. I’m so happy for you.”
“Really? You don’t think it’s… weird?” Tyler asked, seeking reassurance from the one person who knew him best. “I know he’s your friend.”
“Absolutely not. I have too many friends for that to bug me,” Nadia insisted, squeezing his arm affectionately. “If anything, it’s overdue.”
“Easy. Hey.” Tyler laughed, shaking his head. “I don’t even know if he feels the same way.”
“Then ask him, genius.”
Tyler’s phone buzzed on the counter.
Nadia grinned. “I wonder who that might be.”
“Team owner. Or one of the coaches,” he said. “They must’ve just this second gotten the doc’s glowing report on my prognosis.”
Her face fell.
“I still have to decide about going back to the team next season. What if a new relationship isn’t a good idea?” He hadn’t said anything to her about the mounting pressure from the Swells yet. She already distrusted them.
Nadia put a hand on his shoulder. “You deserve to be happy.”
Tyler nodded slowly. She had a point. He picked up his phone, hesitating.
Jarlson’s familiar gruff voice spoke up. “Tyler! How’d that doc appointment go? A little bird told me you’re looking pretty good.”
“Yep. Saw Dr. Reynolds for my checkup.” Tyler grimaced. “Not quite cleared to play, but on the mend for sure.”
“Fantastic, Fantana!” the owner bellowed. “Great work. Great work. The team can’t wait. You just say the word.”
Tyler spent the next ten minutes walking Boris through the doc’s report. To be honest, he seemed more interested in getting Tyler back in front of the cameras than back on the field.
“A couple photo shoots wouldn’t kill you, huh? These cereal guys are busting my balls, and all you got to do is smile and show off your tight end, my friend.”
Tyler nodded, then realized Boris couldn’t see him and said, “Right.”
