ARE WE END GAME?

(A)ffliction

SPENCER

"I must say, Spencer, Ryder is a very convincing young lady. She did not let me be in peace for weeks until I managed to get you an invitation."

Laurel, Ray's manager, said before taking a sip of her drink while smiling.

Ryder and I were enjoying the evening after a meaningful dinner and conversation with Ray Lewis and other legendary football players. I still could not believe that I was experiencing such a moment, so soon in my career.

"It's a good sign to see a young player be supervised by a team of professionals." She added.

"Thank you so much, Miss Laurel. I just recognize Spencer's potential and want everyone else to see it too. He deserves so much!"

I was touched by Ryder's words. It had been a long time since I felt supported like this.

"The best decision I made this year was to start working with Ryder's team. You can be certain that she always puts me back on track." I added, feeling grateful.

"Well, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you guys were in love!" Laurel said. "Wouldn't surprise me though, since you could have brought any other plus one but still chose your PR manager! It must mean something!" She added, clearly appreciating her own joke.

Her remark surprised me and made me realize that Ryder might not have been completely transparent with me. And by doing so, we must have sent the wrong message all along, not just to these people. After a few minutes, I pulled her to the side to have a conversation.

"Hey, I think I'm going to head out. I'm tired."

"Are you sure? Are you really going to let these old guys beat you at partying? Come on, the night is still young!"

"I know, but I really need to go. Thank you for everything, Ry."

She smiled before pulling me into a hug. For the first time, it did not feel comfortable. I quickly pulled away, in a respectful enough manner, and bid goodbye to the new faces I had met, before exiting the mansion.

As I absentmindedly drove to my place, worry grew with every turn I took. The first thing I did that next morning was stop at Darnell's place, on my way to Olivia's.

"Man, what the hell did you do yesterday? Liv waited for two hours, just to go home!"

"I know, and I feel terrible. I couldn't just refuse an invitation to a legacy dinner, D! You know what that means, right?"

"I do, Spence... Trust me, I get it. I just wished it happened another time. I think this hit Liv a lot harder than you think."

"I'm heading to her place right now... Hopefully, she'll be open to talk."

"You don't sound very hopeful." Darnell noted.

I heaved a sigh before passing a hand to my face, to calm my nerves.

"I feel like I might have caused the drift between us with my relationship with Ryder. I had not realized what it appeared like from the outside looking in."

Darnell nodded his head, seemingly agreeing with my statement. It must have been obvious to everyone but me.

"I'm still thinking about my game plan."

"Spence, don't be too hard on yourself. Olivia must also have things to apologize for... What are you going to do now?"

"Apologize... and pray that she forgives me for my foolishness... one more time."