Just one drink, Todd. You got us here. Doesn’t feel right celebrating without you, man.

TODD

I’m not celebrating being punished for doing the right thing. I’m not some abused dog that keeps coming back for pats. This team isn’t for me anymore. I’ve got options.

Come on. Let’s talk.

Todd

Nothing to talk about. We’re straight, Fitzy. You’re the man. Go celebrate.

Returning my attention to the screen, my response to Todd is sidelined when Nick T-bones me with a text.

Nick

I know who you’re talking to.

Glancing around, I search for him, but it’s impossible to see anyone apart from those around me. The rest of the club outside the VIP section is packed.

Nick replies with a photo where I just barely make myself out, and I roll my eyes.

Nick

Most players are hugging their WOMEN. Not texting their washed-up coaches.

Plenty of fish in the sea tonight. Maybe one is girlfriend material. It’s about time you entered your boyfriend era. This way they’ll be more for the press to talk about other than you and FOLLER!!!!

I reach across the table, but realize the bottle is empty. Twisting, I scan for a waitress. I don’t know who thought it would be a good idea for them to be wearing Rebels jerseys as uniforms. At this point, I could offend ninety percent of everyone here by asking for another round.

I nudge Josh, but he’s too blasted to care. His, wife, Lo, steals his glass from his hand when I get up. But it doesn’t faze him—he snatches her hand and pulls her in for a kiss. I leave the two of them making out like teenagers.

With my head down, I move to the bar in the cornered-off VIP area. For a second, I contemplate leaving. I came, I saw, I conquered, I drank enough, and I’m sure whatever urge I have to drink more will simmer down the moment I get to my hotel room and pass the fuck out because even though we won tonight, my body took two sacks worth of a beating.

There’s a tug at my t-shirt. “Where are you off to, champ?”

I find a petite blonde at my side. She runs her fingers down my arm, her long nails dragging along the skin.

This could go one of two ways. One just gives me a little company before I sleep alone tonight.

She tilts her head. “Can I buy you a drink?”

“It’s an open bar.”

Blondie smirks. “Can I buy you a drink somewhere else, then?”