Please Forgive Me

Chapter 19 - Maxon

"You haven't told her?" Luke asks me as we suit up for the game. It's been two days since Madison and I did the photoshoot for GQ. She had to fly back for a test that required her presence on campus and left me alone here in New York. This week our game's against the New York Jets. I wish she could've stayed to watch me play but I won't get in the way of her school. Work is work after all.

"Tell her what, Luke? Nothing happened." I say as I put on my cleats.

His head whips around and he turns to me with wide eyes. "You just saw your fucking ex, man. After how many years? That's a fucking big deal if you ask me."

I sit back with a sigh.

I haven't really let myself think about her this past week but seeing Natasha after three years was a surreal feeling. For a second, I thought I was dreaming but when she laid a hand on my arm I knew that what I was seeing was very fucking real. She tried to make conversation. Get me to talk but I had gotten up and left. I called Luke from outside and let him know I was leaving. When he had asked why I told him the truth. No one knows my past with Natasha better than he does and when I let him know I ran into her, I told him I wasn't going to standby to see what happened.

He came out and we left after that.

Therefore nothing happened. He should know better than anyone. He was there.

"Well thank goodness I ain't askin'." I stand up and throw on my helmet. Annoyed he would bring her up before a game.

"Fuck you." He tells me and I shrug it off. "Fine, I just hope you know what you're doing."

I stare at him as I put on my gloves. "I know if Madison finds out you didn't tell her she'll be upset."

I still and narrow my eyes. "Why are you so concerned about my relationship with Madison?"

"I'm not."

I roll my eyes.

"I'm worried for you. I have a bad feeling Max. I don't trust Natasha just appearing into our lives all of the sudden. That's sus."

"Well, I don't know. She's a dancer so maybe the singer she's touring for happened to have a stop in Florida."

Luke stares at me as if I'm full of shit but I don't give a fuck about Natasha. Not anymore. "Why are we talking about this?"

Luke smirks but I see no humor in his eyes. "Maybe it's my way of getting you riled up before a game. Someone's been having more sex than usual this season and it's showing."

"Are you saying I'm slacking?"

"Maybe."

"Jerkface."

"Hey– Do not. I repeat. DO NOT insult my gorgeous face."

I give him a hard pat on the shoulder just as Coach announces it's time.

"Captain. I will not let you down." I incline my head at him and he nods back. "I just hope that applies to more than the game."

"What can I do to make you happy? Because you're not the only one that would go to certain lengths. What can I do, Maxon?"

What Madison told me plays back in my head as we all gather up to head to the field. It's obvious she can tell that I've been on edge. She hasn't asked me once about the reason but instead let me know she's there. Supporting me.

Fuck, Luke is right. It's best if I tell Madison no matter how much I don't want to think about my ex. Who knows what curveballs life could throw at us if I don't and I will not risk my relationship with her.