The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,18

competing. I gave her a good head start before we raced the rest of the way home. Just as she is about to reach for the door, thinking she has beat me, I push her aside and take the lead. As much as I love making her smile, I equally love when she pretends to be pissed at me.

“So much for gallantry,” Maria laughs, mumbling to herself.

It makes her happy to see us laughing. She knew something went down between me and Luke earlier. The last thing she needs is for her boys to be arguing. I know she thinks of me in that way.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, looking at me curiously.

“Yep, everything is going to be great. I promise,” I assure her, giving her a peck on the cheek, hoping to ease some of her tension.

Deanna and I continue the bantering as we head to the rec room to watch a movie. It feels good to be home and spend a couple of days together. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed her. Just as we finally agree on a movie, Luke appears, standing in the doorway.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” he asks meekly, looking at me.

“Yeah, sure,” I reply, springing up from the couch and handing De the remote.

I follow him out to the garage where Luke closes the door behind us to give us some privacy and takes a seat on the weight bench.

“Look, I don’t know what is wrong with me. I’m sorry. I was way, way out of line. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that,” he says with sincerity. “And if you are with her, I have no business saying anything about it,” he adds, looking down at the carpet, unable to face me.

“No problem, I understand,” I answer sympathetically. “Let me be clear… ” I say, making sure I have his full attention. He looks up at me. “Nothing is going on between us now… or in the past. You should know that. We are friends. That’s it,” I state firmly. “I can’t believe you would think somethin’ like that. I never know how to handle that subject with you. Do you want to know about her? Do you not want to know about her? It drives De and I crazy. Trust me, I feel on edge about that subject, too. I know that you know I see her often. You can ask me anything, I’ll be up front.”

Luke rises from the weight bench and starts pacing the room like a caged rat. He runs his hands through his hair. I know he is struggling with moving forward, but I want him to get past it. I take his place on the weight bench and straddle my legs over the side while I patiently wait for him to gather his thoughts.

***

(Luke)

This is it. This is what I’ve been waiting to hear for two years. It’s now or never. I pace the floor, trying to rid the lump from my throat so that I can get the words to move past it.

“I still love her,” I blurt out, glancing timidly in his direction. Mikey sits quietly and gives me his full attention. He lets me continue, letting me say what I have needed to say. “I want to know about her; how she’s doin’, what she’s been up to, has she moved on, does she ever ask about me?” I figure I might as well put it all out there at once. My heart is jumping out of my chest. At this moment, I literally feel as if I’m having a heart attack as I stare at him waiting for a response.

“Finally,” Mikey says dramatically, throwing his arms up in relief, shooting me a smile. I would have laughed if I wasn’t so damn nervous, anticipating his answer. “Since she’s moved to Florida, she keeps really busy with school, work, painting, work, volunteering, and work.” He laughs, shaking his head, referring to the amount of time she spends working. “She’s moved on as far as those types of things go. If you’re asking if she’s involved with anyone, the answer is, not yet. I think there is someone who is interested, but she has yet to act on it. They’re friendly. It took her a long time to get to this point. I’m not goin’ to lie to you… you messed her up for a while.” I shake my head knowingly, hanging on his every word. “I don’t mention you