Fueled by defiance and the need to add my fourth choice into this impossible decision I’m faced with, I steel my nerves and stride right up to him.
“Hey Kai,” I interrupt, “want to go out with me sometime soon?”
He looks surprised, but smiles. “Yeah, sure. I’d like that.”
The bitchy woman snorts derisively. “Really, Kai? You’re going out withher?“ She crinkles her nose up in disgust as her gaze trails over my freshly showered body, which is now adorned in comfy shorts and a clean racerback practice shirt.
Normally, that type of gaze would have me shriveling into myself, but in the face of everything I’m dealing with, it has the opposite effect.
I puff myself up, internally and physically, jutting out my chest and keeping my shoulders high and proud. I allow my gaze to trail over her, this vapid cookie cutter who only cares about the title of being a rugby player’s girlfriend, and about how much he can spend on her.
Kai meets my eyes, his expression firm. “Yes, really. I’m looking forward to it, Dylan.”
I can feel his gaze on me as I walk away, a new sense of empowerment rising in my chest. The bitchy woman’s glare just about burns holes in my back.
“Take that,” I say to myself. “I’m not just some pawn in their game. I make my own moves.”
What comes next, I’m not sure. But I stood my ground, and that’s what matters.
Now to get ready for these ridiculous dates and see where things go from here.
Whatever happens next, I’m ready.
Chapter 40
Dylan
Theamberglowofmy bedside lamp casts shadows that match my mood—confused and disoriented.
A gentle knock startles me from my thoughts. I open the door to find Jayden, his usual scowl replaced with a look of concern.
“Mind if I join you for a bit?” he asks. “Thought maybe you could use a friend.”
I’m surprised by his uncharacteristic softness, but nod. “Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks, Jayden.”
He sits beside me on the bed, not pushing for conversation, just offering silent support. I appreciate him giving me space while still making me feel less isolated.
Maybe he’s not the callous jerk he pretends to be. Could he actually care? I don’t know what to make of this vulnerable side of him.
“Rough day, huh?” Jayden finally says. “Don’t let it get to you. I know that there’s a lot going on, and a lot for you to think about. But no matter what happens, we’re here for you, Dylan.”
His sincerity catches me off guard. I’ve spent so long fighting for respect and worrying that my new team, my new friends, would betray me like my old one. But Jayden’s compassion gives me hope—hope that I’ve found people in my life who truly see me for more than just athletic ability and what purpose I can serve them.
“Thank you, Jayden,” I reply, managing a small smile. “I didn’t expect this from you, but...I’m glad you’re here.”
For the first time today, the weight on my shoulders feels a little lighter. Maybe I don’t have to prove myself to them. Maybe these guys, this whole situation, will truly be different.
I take a shaky breath, trying to hold back the emotions bubbling up inside me. But it’s no use—the stress of everything catches up and I feel hot tears spill down my cheeks.
Jayden wordlessly hands me a tissue. “It’s okay, let it out,” he says gently. “We’re all just figuring this out as we go.”
“I just hate that all of you want me to choose sides, and I know Noah is the one in the driver’s seat with this,” I sob. “It reminds me of my old team’s politics and mind games. I feel like I’m right back where I started. It’s like my rugby situation from back then repeating, but with relationships this time.”
Jayden nods thoughtfully. “Noah can be stubborn, always thinks he has to fix everything. He has a need to call the shots. This might not actually be about you choosing—it could be his way of regaining some control. Of making sure he’s looked at every angle before confirming that something less conventional than any of us ever expected could actually be the best option for everyone involved.”
I dab at my eyes, sniffling. “I don’t know. It feels like he’s pushing me away. That I’m being forced into something that doesn’t feel good for anyone. I don’t know if I can do this.”
“He’s not perfect, that’s for sure,” Jayden says. “But I know he cares about you a lot, Dylan. We all do, in our own ways.”