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After I got to London, Colt called me. No apologies from him—he didn’t do anything wrong, after all. No explanations, just the same words he’d told Sierra—he’d only found out about his father’s plans, and he’d never have agreed to them.

But he said he was glad those plans brought Sierra and me together—the way he’d known I’d wanted since we were teenagers. He even had the nerve to laugh and say, “See you at the next meetings.” Because yeah—we’re business partners. And that’s how it’s going to stay.

We pile into the locker room, peeling off our gear, ready to hit the showers.

“I don’t know how you manage to wear that ring and keep the press from noticing every single time,” Aiden jokes, nodding at the wedding band on my finger.

Chase cuts in, always the direct one. “So? Have you made any decisions about Sierra?”

I shake my head. “I’m not the one who’s supposed to make any decision.”

Aiden raises an eyebrow. “And if she never decides? You gonna wait around like this forever?”

I don’t answer. Just strip off my jersey, frustration boiling under my skin, and head to the shower.

Five months. That’s how long she’s been doing nothing—not deciding, not trying.

I’ve always thought about how to fix every mistake, every stupid thing I did that might’ve hurt her. And for her, not even five months is enough to do something.

Five months and a fucking week and NOTHING.

I left because I felt disrespected. Because I never felt she put me on the same level I’ve always put her.

And that’s what I want in a relationship. Because sex? It’s amazing. Feelings? Deep and intense. But communication? Respect? Aren’t those just as important? God. If anyone heard me now, they'd probably say I hit my head and turned soft.

As we grab our bags and head out of the locker room, Aiden throws me a look. One that says he sees more than I let on.

“Hey, you coming out to eat? Don’t wanna let you sit alone in your apartment.”

Honestly? The thought of being alone right now isn’t exactly inviting. So, I nod. “Yeah, why not?”

Chase perks up immediately. “Count me in, too. Let’s hit that Chinese place down the street.”

The three of us make our way there, the city noise fading behind the restaurant's red lanterns and warm glow.

Over plates of spicy noodles and crispy spring rolls, the conversation shifts.

“So, you going to the Gala tonight?” Chase asks, eyes sharp, like he’s waiting to catch me off guard.

I shrug, pushing some noodles around my plate. “Haven’t decided yet.”

Aiden grins. “Come on, man. It’s a big deal. You’re nominated again—like every damn year—best player of all time.

I roll my eyes, but their energy is infectious. I feel the weight of their expectations, the glow of the spotlight I’ve dodged too many times lately. “Alright, I’ll go,” I say, finally.

They share a satisfied nod, and for the first time in a while, I think maybe stepping back into this world won't hurt so much after all.

THIRTY-EIGHT

Sierra

This is the second time I’m flying to London since Nick and I started our relationship. And the first time, I thought I couldn’t feel more nervous than I did then.

How wrong I was.

I don’t even know if he’s home. I don't even know if he’s in London. I don’t even know why I’m going. Actually, I do. I want a new chance. Or to continue the first one. If it still exists. If it’s even possible.

I started therapy right after that night. I realized all those uncontrollable feelings I’d bottled up over the years— from seeing him with all those women—were the reason I convince myself that he’d never want me.