Her smile deepens. “That’s two. Keep going.”
I smile, because in naming it, I finally hear the truth out loud. Declan unlocks a version of me I didn’t even know was there. A woman unburdened. A woman untethered. “Free.”
Eslin’s grin is knowing, like she’s already pieced it all together. “Anything else?”
My throat tightens, a tear threatening at the corner of my eye as the truth settles over me. “That man feels like Declan.”
Her voice softens, but her words hit hard. “So…you ‘bout done waiting for the perfect sign? ’Cause, honey, sounds like you already got the perfect man.”
I hug her again, grateful for the way she can cut through my chaos and hand me clarity without even trying. And I don’t miss her words. The way she asked if I was “‘bout done” echoed something my father once told me about my mom—that she used to ask him the same thing when he was circling around the truth he already knew. Or when she was tired of waiting for him to get done fishing on his boat.
But there’s something about that, about the way Eslin said it, asked the same question my mom used to, that feels like more than advice. It feels familiar.
When we return to the banquet hall, it’s already buzzing—players, coaches, front office staff, all the familiar faces gathered in clusters of laughter and chatter. I drift toward the fireplace where my dad sits with Xavier Darcy and Will Huntley, the three of them hunched together like they’re about to take over the world.
“Is there a management meeting someone forgot to tell me about?” I tease, forcing lightness into my voice because I’m still a little angry at my father. No, disappointed.
“Never,” Xavier says smoothly, a grin forming. “We know your daddy couldn’t be trusted to take anything seriously right now, so we would never exclude you.” His tone is playful, but the glance heshoots my father carries weight—he’s clearly hinting at the scandal still simmering in the press.
Will, however, doesn’t bother with jokes. His voice is sharp, slicing right through the hum of the room. “Un-fucking-believable, this guy. You had six months and you couldn’t even keep it in your pants for—”
“Will,” Xavier cuts in, warning in his Southern drawl. “Cut him some slack. You know this was different.”
I frown, my stomach tightening. “Different how? What’s he talking about, Daddy?”
For the briefest second, I catch it—the shift in my father’s posture, the way his jaw flexes, the sharp, desperate glance he sends Xavier. Begging him to shut up.
He stands, leaning down to kiss my forehead like he used to when I was a kid. “I’ll tell you later, Munchkin. I promise,” he murmurs, then escapes before I can press further.
Weird. Very weird.
Eslin
Justice is mid-sentence when I walk up, Autika perched beside him, glowing and very pregnant.
I offer her a smile. “Glad to see you two are doing well—settling into retirement life, almost.”
Autika rubs her belly, smiling. “Almost is right. But he’s refusing to retire completely. Decided we’re staying here in Atlanta after the season.”
Justice smirks, but beneath it, I catch the stubborn pride set deep in his jaw. “I just can’t see myself walking away from theStrikers. Not yet. Doesn’t matter if retirement’s staring me in the face—I’ve only been with this team a short time compared to others, but it’s mine. Always will be.”
Autika nudges him. “Especially since Luca doesn’t seem to be stepping into your role the way everyone thought. After that fight with Croix.”
Justice shakes his head. “He’s throwing away an opportunity to play on the world stage for a woman. Shame.”
Autika rests her hand on his. “Well, babe, you know love will make a man burn the whole world for the woman he loves.”
Justice slips Autika a side-eye. “Or make a womankidnapthe man she loves?”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Excuse me?”
Autika gasps, swatting his shoulder with a sharp slap. “Justice Trager! Really? You justhadto go there?” She groans, turning to me with an apologetic smile. “Ignore him. He loves bringing up old stuff. I said I was sorry a long time ago!”
I blink, caught between laughter and confusion, my mouth opening and closing before I decide to stay quiet. I’d heard whispers—some wild story about Autika kidnapping this man and practically forcing him to propose—but I always brushed it off as locker-room gossip that got twisted over time. But now, seeing the way they’re both grinning through it…maybe it wasn’t just a rumor after all.
I school my face into something neutral, willing the conversation to shift away from Luca and Croix. Anything I could add here would be breaking privilege, and that line isn’t mine to cross.I’ve already told Luca in private what I believe to be true—that any woman worth her salt wouldn’t let him torch his career or his friendship with Croix. Justice seems to share the same conviction, and I cling to the hope that with his steady hand and leadership, the boys will eventually come to their senses.
Before the silence can stretch too long, Max appears in a whirl, tugging Rocky by the leash. “Hey, Eslin! Can you please help with this dog? He keeps eyeing the ham and I’m not sure I can hold him back!”