Page 87 of Offensive Plays

He hands me his phone. And a rage I never thought I’d be capable of, rises inside my chest.

I delete the photo myself and then delete the trash folder before tossing the phone back to him.

I feel my jaw clenching and the only thing I want to do is get back to Libby.

Our teammates are quiet as they disperse and get back to changing. I quickly change, grabbing my own gear, looking back to the group. “If anyone is caught with those photos, you’re going to have hell to pay.”

I warn them, before pushing the door open.

But when I get to the press room. Libby isn’t there. Rina is though.

“Have you seen Libby?” I ask her desperately.

She gulps and nods quickly. “She left. She was upset.”

“Did you see them?” I ask her.

“The photos?” She looks down at her phone. “Yeah, apparently they’re from a shoot that she never thought would get used. It’s gonna take quite a bit to get them to pull it. The ad agency is in Europe and she signed a contract.”

I slam my bag down and pick up my phone.

There’s a missed call from her and voicemail. I press play and raise it to my ear.

“Michael, it’s me. I can’t stay, okay. I need to get back home. I need to figure out what to do about this mess. Not only am I making things hard for you but now the whole team is under scrutiny from these pictures that are being leaked. I just… I have to go home. And I know you want to help but I seriously suggest you stay away from me, Michael. I am no good for you. I’ve told you that. So please… just stay away.” I hear the sound of a car door slamming in the background. “Please.”

Stay away. She wants me to stay away? When she’s possibly carrying my child and going through more pain than I can imagine.

Staying away is the last thing I’m going to do.

Chapter 26

Libby

Ican’t stop crying. The second I feel like I might be able to move on, to put this all behind me, thoughts of my sweet Michael and the way he so calmly wanted to take care of me, bring the tears back full force.

Which is why I’m here—in the only other place that’s ever felt like home.

Sherrie walks slowly trying not to spill the tea on the tray. I rise quickly and try to take it from her.

“Sherrie, let me,” I tell her. She moves her shoulder to block me from the tray.

“Sit down, Libby. You’ve done enough for me, my love. It’s my turn to serve you.”

I stand there just staring at her as she sets the tray down. I can see the vapor coming out of the tea pot. And I only sit when she gives me a stern look before pouring the hot water into the tea cup.

“Fine,” I say, returning to my seat.

“This one is a lavender chamomile for relaxation,” she explains as she pours. Being careful when she hands me the cup.

I give her faint smile as I take it. “Thank you.”

I blow the hot liquid and she slides over the honey. “In case you like it sweet,” she winks.

My heart is so full from the love this family so freely gives to me.

Kesley and her dad pop in from the garage door, Liam following close behind them.

“Aunt Libby!” He screams out when he sees me.