34. Chapter 27

The Mavs won the game, but not because of anything I did. I was reckless on the field today. I played hard and stupid. Luckily, I didn't re-injure myself. But I did get two unsportsmanlike penalties. A loss of thirty yards for the team is not good. Luckily the team was able to overcome my sloppy playing, and hopefully I didn't ruin my chances of getting re-signed.

When I finally get into the team locker room, I toss my gear in the locker and head to take a shower. Unfortunately, I can't sneak away before Coach calls me into his office.

"Wanna talk to me about what happened on that field today?" He asks lips pressed tightly together.

"I'm sorry, Coach. My head wasn't in the game." I run my hand through my hair.

"Really? I didn't notice," sarcasm drips from his voice. I rub my face with my hand and shake my head. "Listen, Josh. I heard about you being caught kissing—"

"I didn't—"

"Let me finish. I heard about it. I also heard that no one else saw it happen. We were all with you the whole time. Someone would've called you out on it. You know the truth, we know the truth, and at some point, Brie will know the truth. But—" he looks me square in the eyes. "You won't be given many chances to prove yourself on the field if you keep playing like that. You need to get your emotions under control. Copy?"

"Copy." I nod. "Thanks, Coach."

I see him shake his head as I walk toward the shower. I know he's right, but all I can think about is Brie's last text. She hasn't taken any of my calls or even responded to my most recent texts. My stomach won't stop churning. I turn the water on and don't wait for it to heat up before getting in. When I'm done, I dry off and change into joggers and a team hoodie for my press interviews. I rub the back of my neck as the other receiver calls my name.

I get up and meet him at the table. He puts his hand on my back and whispers, "Just let me do most of the talking and if you do take a question, keep it only about the game. " I silently nod and follow him, finding my seat.

Immediately questions about Briosh come up, and I feel my jaw clench.

Breathe Josh. Don't lose your temper.

Thankfully, my teammate answers. "We don't know what that picture was about, but trust me when I say we were all with Josh, and there was nothing but game prep going on. We don't know who took that photo, but we're looking into it." I hear a collective exhale from the reporters as they realize this is a topic they won't be allowed to address.

"Do you want to ask some questions about how I kicked ol' Josh's butt on the field today?" He slaps me on the back, and I feel my body relax into the seat. My teammates have got me and I can trust them. I can also trust that Finn is looking into this whole situation. Finn loves nothing more than a good mystery and protecting his players from scandal.

For the first time since Finn called, I feel the tightness in my chest loosen. I also say a silent prayer that Brie watches this press conference.

When I return to my locker, I look at my phone only to see no alerts. Normally, I'd be relieved after playing like that, but right now, I don't feel relief because it also means that I have no news about that picture circulating, no news about how Brie feels. My sister is usually pretty helpful with that, but she's also been incommunicado.

The tightness in my chest returns, and I take a deep breath. I feel like I've taken more deep breaths today than I have in my entire life, yet it's still hard to breathe. The team is celebrating a hard-earned win and, thankfully, giving me a pass for my play on the field.

I'm not, though, it's just one more thing to beat myself up with today.

"Hey," Adam's voice breaks through my thoughts. "I talked to your sister; she told me to tell you to keep your head in the game."

"That would've been a good speech before the game, don't you think?" I shake my head and curl my lip.

"She didn't mean that game." He shakes his head, and slaps me on the back. My eyes widen as understanding dawns on me.

"What did she say to you?" My blood starts pumping through my veins, and my head starts to spin. "Did she mention anything about Brie?"

"No, but she did send a picture of her in my jersey. Wanna see?" I want to slap the grin off his face, but I know what he's doing. And as annoyed as I am, I'm also grateful. Instead, I roll my eyes at him.

"Nah, I'll pass. But thanks." I turn toward my locker and stuff my things into my duffel bag. "How long before you think we're heading out?"

"We still have another hour at least, I think. Coach still has to talk to the press." I inwardly groan. All I want is to get home and talk to Brie, but will she even speak to me? The only time she's silent is when she's overwhelmed by emotions. Usually, I'm one of the people able to bypass them, but only because I'm not usually the cause. Adam slaps me on the shoulder before heading to his locker to gather his things.

I grab my phone and re-read Brie's message. Then I do the only thing I can and text Finn.

Me:Any news yet?

Finn:About your play today or the "kiss"?

I rub my face. He's not wrong; I played like a man with no self-control. I took out all my frustration on the field and was completely irresponsible with my body and the team. I sigh before I respond.

Me:Coach talked to me. I get it. I will make sure to be better. I'm running out of chances.Me: The "kiss"

I stare at the phone, watching the three dots over and over as Finn types.

Finn:Nothing yet, but I'll get to the bottom of it.Finn: Trust me.

Me: Okay.

Finn:And JoshFinn: If Brie watched the press conference, she will be questioning the photo just like everyone else.Finn: Don't be surprised if Tea Time is even digging for the truth.

Me:I pray you're right.

I go to slip my phone into my pocket when it vibrates in my hand. My heart skips a beat at the possibility of it being Brie.

Susie: Are you trying to get traded?

I have to groan and laugh at my sister's text. Of course, she would give me a hard time—not that she's wrong.

Me:That's exactly what I'm trying to do. eye roll emoji>

Susie: Well, you're moving in the right direction.

Me: How's Brie?

Susie: She's doing her usual. Everything is fine; nothing-is-wrong routine.Susie: But is completely shut down

My jaw clenches, I rub my chin, and I let out a slow exhale. That's exactly what I figured would happen, but there's nothing I can do about it right now. Honestly, I'm not sure I can do anything about it, but that doesn't mean I won't try.

Susie:I saw the press conference, but I'm not sure she did.Susie: They asked everyone about the ‘kiss,' and everyone denied seeing anything.Susie: The truth will come out, Josh.

Me:But is it already too late?

I don't wait for Susie's response as I slip my phone into my pocket. When I feel it vibrate again, I take it out and put it on Do Not Disturb. There's nothing I can do right now and talking with everyone else isn't talking to Brie. Brie is the only one who can tell me it's okay, that she believes me, but her silence speaks so loud I can't hear anything else.

I pull out my tablet and play the audiobook I've been listening to. The heaviness in my chest is making it hard to breathe, and I'm hoping this new thriller by J.S. Ethan can help distract me.

But it doesn't. It's just noise. All I can think about is how Brie's silence is loudly telling me that she's already locked me out, and this time, I'm not sure I have the key I need to get back in.