I wanted to believe her, but I also didn’t want to jinx us by thinking that far ahead. “I hope so. We still have a lot of work to do. We have five more games until the playoffs and we have to win four out of five.”

Hayley sighed. “Three and two will give you a wildcard. Listen, I called because I wanted to find out what you’re doing for Thanksgiving. Are you able to get away?”

I inwardly groaned. How could I forget about one of the biggest holidays? “Honestly, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Well, we would love to have you and your dad and Judy. Or just you, or just them. Somebody to watch the kids, really.” Hayley laughed. “Also, I miss you. I know football season is busy, but I need you.”

I missed her, too, and my mental health needed rejuvenating. “I’ll be there. I’ll call Dad later and invite him as well. I can’t promise I’ll stay all day, but I need to wrestle with some kids.”

“They would love that. And so would I. Are you driving home?”

I clenched the steering wheel tighter. I was on my way to see Parker, but I couldn’t tell Hayley that. “Yeah. Me and Crowbar are going to watch games and fall asleep on the couch.”

“Sounds perfect. Trust me. The boys are driving me bonkers. I’m living vicariously through you for the next ten years,” she said.

“I’ll send you a text when I talk to Dad. Thanks for inviting me.”

“Thanksgiving is for family and friends. You’re always invited. You know that.”

“I love you.” I did and it broke my heart that I couldn’t share a massive part of my life with my best friend right now.

“I love you, too, and I’ll see you soon,” she said.

I hit the end button and a wave of guilt washed over me. I cracked the window for fresh air. What was I doing? Who did I think I was? I wasn’t a professional who should’ve been doling out advice in a very sensitive situation. I was inserting myself because I still cared for Parker. I didn’t want to admit that maybe there was still something between us, but here I was, making a beeline for Parker’s since Grayson sneaked over to his apartment with Matt. It was 9:04 p.m. and like I told Hayley, I should’ve been home watching films, but instead I was in fresh clothes, my hair down, and pulling into Parker’s driveway.

“Hi, come on in.” Parker’s eyes lit up when she saw me.

“How are you doing?”

“You know what? I feel good. I’m at peace.”