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“Gala?” I ask on a long breath. “What are you talking about?”

Tyler’s brow furrows. “The annual pro athlete gala, Kend. The one we attended last year. You know, the one for chari?—”

“I remember.” I cut him off.

Fuck.

My stomach drops. With everything going on, I somehow managed to forget that the NYPAG—New York Pro Athlete Gala—was scheduled for next Saturday night. All the email reminders about it are still unopened in my inbox.

Taking a sip of coffee to buy myself another few seconds of thinking time, I set my cup back down and look at Tyler. “So, you want me to go with you to help with your reputation?” My voice is incredulous. I never liked Tyler’s dad, but now I’m starting to see exactly where my ex-boyfriend gets his egotistical hang-ups. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

I take another sip of cool coffee. “Because I’m not a pawn in your PR game.”

“Huh,” he huffs out and strokes his rough jawline. “Is it because you have a date to the gala?”

I shake my head in disbelief. “Why would you think that?”

“Because, Kendra”—he holds out his hand, motioning toward me—“you seem to have gotten over us really fucking quickly. Four years.” His voice rises, and his eyes dart around the café to make sure no one noticed. His voice drops to a whisper. “Four years of being together, and you’ve moved on like I never even existed.”

For the first time since I can remember, I see something that resembles regret on my ex-boyfriend’s face.

“I’m not seeing anyone,” I confirm. “I’m just taking time for myself and setting boundaries right now. A lot of my hurting came months, maybe even years before we split. A year ago, you gave me an ultimatum—soccer in the UK or you. I chose us and followed you to this city, only to be left out in the cold.”

“Well, all I can say is, I’m sorry.” There’s an edge to Tyler’s voice that tells me his words might not be all that sincere.

I don’t need his pity. “It’s fine. All water under the bridge now.”

When silence falls between us again, I push back my chair, unable to stand the atmosphere any longer.

“Where are you going?”

I push the muffin and shortbread toward him. “Here, you have them. I think we’ve said everything we need to.”

I’m reaching for my jacket on the back of my chair when Tyler’s phone catches my attention. It’s on the other side of the table, but the message is unmissable.

Unknown

Just wanted to say the other night was amazing. You were amazing. We should definitely do it again sometime. *winking face*

When we were dating, the thought of Tyler moving on with another woman made me feel nauseous. To some extent, that might have been what stopped me from ending things between us sooner—fear of hurt.

But as I shrug on my jacket and pull my hair from the collar, I feel nothing. Complete indifference. The only emotion running through me is the simmering anger I feel at his audacity to have an issue with me potentially dating someone else.

This was the closure I needed.

I point toward his phone as Tyler continues to watch me, for once unaware of the lit screen to his left. “Looks likeUnknownmight be able to be your date next Saturday.”

The indifferenceI was feeling ten minutes ago didn’t last.

The second I walked into Jack’s apartment, I went straight for my bedroom, not even stopping to check if he was in the living area.

I’ve never been someone to cry, but as every possible emotion hits me like a tidal wave, the tears begin to flow.

What my life could’ve looked like right now if I’d only chosen myself over a boy.

The London-based team that offered me a contract has been at the top of the Super League since it got underway, making them current favorites to secure a place in the prestigious Champions League. Something that would’ve undoubtedly helped my chances of making the national squad.