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Rowan

What’s the revelation?

Ezra

He’s in looooove.

There’s a spam of gif after gif from Ezra. I groan at my best friend’s reply and clutch the phone, not knowing what else to say. When they see I’m not typing back, I get a video call from the group.

The door closes softly behind me as I make my way outside for privacy. There’s a trail in the sand that leads to the ocean, and I take my shoes and socks off, walking down just enough so I don’t lose signal.

“Hey,” I say in greeting.

“Holy shit, I was kidding. But that’s what you were gonna say, wasn’t it? You’re in love with Hazel,” Ezra says, jaw dropping.

Jacob frowns. He’s shirtless, wearing nothing but a gold necklace around his neck, his black hair tousled. “Who’s Hazel, mate?”

Rowan joins the call at the same time, eyes widening. “What did I miss?”

“Levi’s in love and freaking out about it,” Ezra says, smirking.

“What are you smiling about?” I scowl. “You’d be freaking out too.”

“Probably,” he admits. “But it’s fun to watch you squirm.”

“Who is she?” Jacob asks.

Almost at the same time, Rowan says, “Why are you freaking out?”

I blow out a breath and try my best to explain, but I must be doing a poor job based on the confused looks on their faces.

“It sounds like she’s a wonderful person, and someone you enjoy spending time with,” Rowan says slowly. “So, what exactly scares you about having feelings for her?”

“What if she doesn’t feel the same? What if she deserves better?” I say, unable to ignore the pang in my chest. What if she betrays me like Sabrina?

“One thing at a time,” Rowan says, running a hand through his dark blondish hair. “She might not feel the same yet. But if she agreed to a date after the tournament, then I think there’s potential there. You have to work for a relationship; it won’t happen overnight.”

I nod, thinking about Rowan’s own relationship with Maggie. They’ve been building that for over a decade, and they’re still working through new steps like marriage.

Jacob clicks his tongue. “Maybe don’t take forever like this guy did to tell her you love her.”

“But also, don’t tell her right now,” Ezra interjects. “It would be too soon.”

“Give it a few dates, feel things out, and if you think you’re ready to tell her, then tell her,” Rowan says.

“As for what she deserves,” Jacob says, taking on a stony expression. “That’s not for you to decide, mate. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake.”

We all go quiet for a moment. I’m not sure what or who he’s referring to, but he’s right. And maybe Hazel does deserve better, but—shouldn’t I at least try and give her the best version of me?

“Thank you for the pep talk,” I say, giving them a smile.

“Anytime,” Rowan says. “Sorry we couldn’t make it to New York.”

“That’s okay. I’ll see you in about a month for our camping trip.” He nods and drops off the call.

“Good luck, mate,” Jacob says, grinning as he hangs up.

“I’m proud of you,” Ezra says, propping his head on a fist and smiling at me through the camera.