Page 38 of Too Far

“I can’t prevent them from filming you or from using footage they capture of you. I think—” I lick my lips as I formulate the words in my head.

This has got to sound more like a suggestion and less like a demand.

“I would feel better if you’d stay in my room while you’re home alone.”

Her brows shoot into her hairline, and her nose scrunches up. With a huff, she opens her mouth, surely ready to argue, but Kylian rests a hand on her hip, garnering her attention and effectively interrupting her.

“I would feel better knowing you’re in Cap’s room, too, baby. It would be less work for me later when I pull footage.”

“They can’t use anything from the master bedroom that doesn’t feature me,” I explain. “Don’t ask me how the hell that of all things is a contractually binding point. I have a suspicion it has to do with my dad and the company he keeps.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Uneasy silence ensues as I look to Kylian, then over to K.

“What?” Josephine asks with a soft laugh. “That makes sense. I’ll camp out in your room. I don’t argue with you just to argue, ya know.”

“Sure, Mama.” Kendrick scoffs lightly. “I’m gonna help Nicky get things set up downstairs. Take it easy today, okay?”

She turns to him silently, expectantly. As if he knows exactly what she wants, he catches her chin with two fingers, tilts her head back, and kisses her on the forehead.

“Love you,” he murmurs when he pulls back. “Be good and text me later.”

“Only if you text me before practice,” she teases, peering up at him with sleepy eyes.

“This seems like an ideal opportunity to remind you all that I have access to everyone’s data and can see when you send alleged ‘thirst trap’ pictures from the locker room.”

“Lucky you,” Kendrick quips as he rises from the bed. “Let’s go, Daddy Genius.”

Josephine laughs in response, though it’s subdued.

Me? I’m frozen in place, unsure of what to make of their exchange.

Deeper connections are developing on the fringes of our group. Friendships are evolving, growing stronger.

As if Josephine fortifies us.

Of the four of us, Kylian and Kendrick have the least in common. They care about each other, even consider one another family, but they’ve never been all that close.

Apparently, that’s changing.

Kylian leans over and whispers in Josephine’s ear. She bites down on her bottom lip as he murmurs words I can’t make out.

When he’s done, he pulls back slightly and wraps one hand around the side of her neck. She cranes up to whisper her response. He groans, then kisses her quickly on the lips before pulling away and leaving the room.

My nerves are already frayed. With a long breath out, I sit up. I’ve got to get my head on straight so I can face this day. I can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing, that I’m missing out. I can’t pinpoint the cause or identify a solution when my mind is swimming with frustration like this. I need a workout. A few hours in the weight room. Maybe even a stiff drink.

It’s obvious that my boys are gone for this girl. I knew it, but until now, I didn’t understand to what magnitude. The kicker? I am, too. Only we’re not competing on the same level.

They’ve gone pro, while I’m still playing JV. I’m being left behind. I have no one to blame but myself, and yet—

“Hey, Cap?”

“Yes, Siren?”

She rises to her knees so we’re face to face.

“I know you have to get going, too… but do you have one more minute to spare?”