35. Tyson
thirty-five
Tyson
The arena empties slower than usual. It seems like every fan is staying to cheer.
This is exactly what I dreamed of my whole life.
Most of the guys beam from the never-ending applause.
Even with all the celebrating going on, I can feel the question hanging in the air like static.
No one said anything about my online drama today.
It’s almost like they’re waiting for permission, which is odd.
Especially Houli, who lives for a good chirp at my expense.
When we make it to the hall, Lottie’s standing there, right next to Ham. I’m not going to lie, seeing Ham with her makes me a bit emotional. I hadn’t expected him to risk his job, or his privacy, for me, and I’m touched.
“It’s going to be a while yet,” I murmur, trying to keep my voice low. “After we get dressed, we’re going out to dinner to celebrate. I’d love it if you could come...”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Lottie’s expression calms me as she approaches and holds out a marker to me. “But first, I need you to sign my jersey.”
A chuckle slips out as I can’t believe she’s doing this in front of people. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the way my heart flutters from the way she looks at me, but I’m here for it. I take the marker from her and bring it to her sleeve. “Hold still.”
It’s like every person in the hall takes a collective breath, rising onto their toes to see what I write.
I’ve thought about Lottie so much over the years.
It’s odd I never imagined this moment. Still, I don’t have to think twice about what to write.
Leaning in and in my best penmanship—because I want everyone to be able to read it—I write:
To My Queen, Your Ollways, Ty.
I slide my hand out of the way and smile, egging on anyone who wants to gossip. I want everyone to see it. I want everyone to know.
She reads it, her lips tipping into the sweetest smile. “You spelled it wrong.”
“Nah.” I shake my head, enjoying the deep eye contact. It feels like I can see our future in those sea-glass green spirals, and it’s bright. “I spelled it right.”
I wink at Lottie, and she gives me a small wave as she moves back toward the door. “I’ll watch for you outside.”
“I’ll find you.”
As she weaves through the hall, a sigh of relief falls from my lips that she has Ham with her.
He’s always watched over her, personally and professionally.
He’ll make sure she’s safe from the reporters until I finish my duties for the team.
I turn back and head to the locker room as I step into a new headspace—one where everything feels easy.
We won the game, making us tournament champions.
Lottie and I are together and no longer lying.
Everything has turned out exactly how I dreamed.