By Chance | Book One | (Wattys 2024)

Chapter Seventy Five

"I'll be there. I promise."

Even if this ended. Even when it ends.

"Coffee, gum, camera, water, snacks, I think we got it all." I said as I looked through our bag.

"Perfect," she grabbed our coffee cups as we got out of Teddy's truck.

Sasha locked the doors as we headed into the school. "Lexi told me about River's call when I stopped by last night. That man's completely, and utterly obsessed with you. He told them they'd single handedly be responsible for the team losing the whole season if you weren't here today."

My cheeks heated slightly. "I know. I felt so bad."

"Don't, they were hired to work the shifts Teddy would be away for sports. You and Teddy work more than they do. We've caught them so many god damn times too."

I raised a brow at her. "You didn't tell me this."

"Because Teddy takes care of it."

"I love you."

She laughed as we turned down the hall, to the gym.

"We should stop at that ice cream place we saw before going home."

"If the boys aren't grumpy."

When we got into the gym, both sets of bleachers were almost full. But Miranda and Mal had come with the boys and saved us seats.

Miranda waved us over and they were both wearing their husband's old basketball shirts. I held out their coffees to them before we took our seats.

I shrugged off my jacket, I had on River's extra jersey over a long sleeved black shirt. I also had my necklace with his number on it.

Sasha was wearing the same thing, and had her own necklace with Teddy's number on it.

River spotted me before the game started and held up three fingers before turning to Teddy.

Three fingers means I love you. He did that when he couldn't come over and see me.

I bit my bottom lip to try to stop my smile.

He made me feel like a child, in the best way. He made me smile like crazy no matter where we were, or who was around.

By halftime, the scores were tied at 27.

I got down from the bleachers, standing beside them as he jogged over to me. "Hi." He cupped the side of my face as he kissed me.

"You're playing incredibly. I have pictures to prove it."

He smiled. "You always say that."

"It must be true. Are you okay?"

He nodded. "They're better this year. A lot better."

"Let me fill your bottle, go see your mom." I kissed his cheek, grabbing the bottle from him.
I found the water fountain just outside the gym and filled it. Just as I was closing it, I heard my name from close behind me.

I lifted my head and turned around to find the last person I wanted to fucking to see.

"Hi."

"Hi, Levi." I turned to leave but he stepped in front of me. His eyes fell down my body.

I instantly felt uncomfortable, crossing my arms over my chest. "Can I help you?"

"You're a Mount View basket bunny now?" He smirked. "You're Evers's basket bunny."

"Not that it's really any of your business, but River's my boyfriend."

He started laughing of all fucking things. "You're desirable choice this year? That's funny."

"You can move unless you'd like my fist in your face."

"What did I tell you last time you punched me, Lyra? You don't think I'll hit you back again?"

My eyes narrowed at him. "Go ahead. I'd love to explain to my boyfriend, who's five inches taller than you, that you harassed me and hit me."

"Basket bunnies always think they're more than just a fuck. You've always had trouble between identifying just a fuck." He took a step closer to me. "What would happen if your 'boyfriend' saw those photos of you? Do you honestly think he'd still want you?"

My stomach dropped. "You said you got rid of them."

He shook his head. "They were meant to be mailed to your father before his death. Unfortunately you took that joy away from me. And whatever money-"

"I promise he wouldn't have paid you off."

"He paid your sister's exes off. But these are nothing like those."

I know.

"What do you want?"

"Lyra," River's voice came around the corner. He came up behind Levi, towering over him. "What's wrong? Colters?" His eyes shifted to Levi.

"Hey, Man." He grinned. "Amazing game out there. You're giving our team quite the workout."

"Yeah, they're doing good out there." River slipped his arm around my waist, grabbing his water. "Thanks, Baby. How do you know Lyra?"

Levi's eyes darted between us. "We used to date. Just saying hi." He gave me a smile before wishing River good luck.

"What happened?" He asked when Levi went back to the gym.

"He was just saying hi."

"What photos was he talking about, Lyra?"

"I don't know," I shook my head. "He's never been really all there."

"I came out and he said he was-"

"Stop, I don't know what you're talking about. You have to get back out there."

"I love that my girlfriend is keeping secrets and lying to me. It fucking amazing." His jaw clenched before he shoved the gym door open, holding it open for me.

"Like you don't keep shit from me?"

"Like what?"

"Really?"

"I'm not doing this, Lyra."

"If you're going to be like that to me, I'll leave. I'm here for you."