Chapter 44

I don't generally like to hear the cheers or the praise of the crowd waiting outside the arena after the games. All it does is cause me to lose focus on what's next. Sure, we won a tournament, but it was only against eleven other teams, and it's the pre-season. Half the players are out of shape and unprepared. We have a lot more work to do before we can celebrate.

It's dark out now, and with my headphones on, blasting a track from Assassin's Creed, I walk with my head down toward my van.

I texted Harlow as soon as I accessed my phone, just to say thank you for being here. She didn't have to show up, but I'm glad she did. Seeing that fear in her eyes when I was knocked down was all the catalyst I needed to double down, push harder, stronger.

And so I did.

As I near my van, I find my keys in the side zipper of my gym bag and look up to unlock it, stopping in my tracks when I see Harlow and her dad standing beside it. I immediately shove my headphones around my neck, my heart rate kicking up a notch as I step toward them. I grin from ear to ear, uncontrolled and unabashed, and the only thing I can think to say is, "Y'all waited for me?" It's the first time anyone's ever waited for me, specifically, and there's a tightening in my chest—one I can't explain.

"Of course we did!" Harlow laughs out, and then she's in my arms, and I'm holding on to her so tight, I fear might possibly break her. I nuzzle her neck, inhale the scent of that perfume that drives me to the brink of insanity, and I can't let her go. Don't want to. "You were amazing!" she exclaims. "I can't get over it!"

She pulls back, and I reluctantly release her. She doesn't go far though, just moves to the side while her dad beams, "Electric, son! You were electric!"

"Thank you, sir," I reply, shaking his hand. "Thank you for coming out to watch."

"Are you kidding?" he says, eyes wide. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

I lower my gaze, unsure of how to react. I've had strangers praise me before, but this feels… different. This means something.

"Are you going to go party with your team?" Harlow asks, and my eyes snap to hers.

"No."

"Why not?"

I shrug. I've never partied with my team. I assume they go somewhere and drink, and since I don't drink, or party, I've just never thought of it. Besides, I need to go home and study the games while they're still fresh in my mind. At least, that's what I used to do.

I focus my attention on Mr. Greene and ask him, "Would it be okay if Harlow and I hang out for a bit?"

He chuckles. "Of course. That's more than fine, Jace." He switches to Harlow. "I'll see you at home?"

Harlow agrees, holding my arm to her. "I'll see you kids later." He shakes my hand again. "Great job, Jace. I can't tell you how much I missed that atmosphere. Come over for dinner tomorrow night, okay? I'll grill again."

"Yes, sir." I smile full force. "I'll be there."

He starts to leave, but I call out, "Sir?" He turns, walking backward away from us. "Does Harlow have a curfew?"

Against my chest, Harlow giggles. I get why it's funny; I do. Even though we've spent multiple nights together in her bed, I don't want to appear disrespectful. Especially to her dad.

"She's a big girl," her dad says. "And I trust you."

"Got it."

As soon as he's far enough away, I turn to Harlow and place my hands on her hips, slowly guiding her backward until her back hits the side of my van. Then I hold her face in my hands, and kiss her as if she holds the key to my sanity.

My hope.

My light.

Because she does.