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“Yes.” I thought of Em and all the things she said about Theo. My younger brother, who I supported, told me he was jealous. “Why do you even want to be friends?”
“Audrey.” He laughed. “You’re funny as hell, wicked smart, and creative. I remember all the games you’d invent when dad was dying or how you’d make recipes from nothing or how you found out Mom and Dad couldn’t make it to my final home game, and you did everything to make sure my senior night was special. You’ve always been there for me. And now it’s my turn to be there for you.”
My stomach twisted with hope, and more tears fell. “That was nice.”
“I love you, you buffoon.” He kicked my knee under the table. “I’m sorry I was an ass. I’ve been learning from the guys on the team I was pretty unbearable. Them and you calling me out, it kinda woke me up.”
Nodding, I took another drink just to have something to do with my hands. They trembled. “So you’re gonna be less annoying now?”
“Eh, don’t go that far.” He handed me the bag. “This is a ‘forgive me’ gift but really because I know you love reading. You used to read fantasy before life got crazy, so I looked up the hottest ones right now with good reviews.”
Oh. “That’s thoughtful.” I pulled out each book and smiled. “I’ve been wanting this author, thank you.”
“And I think you should call out mom like you did with me. It’ll be hard, but?—”
I shook my head. “I don’t think I will. I love her, and yeah, she’s struggling, but she’s not someone I want a relationship with anymore. Maybe she’ll change one day, but it’s not worth it right now.”
“She always asks about you.” He frowned. “Fuck, enough about her, tell me about your clinicals. What’s the weirdest part?”
We talked. We talked for over an hour where he asked me more questions than I to him. First time ever. I learned about Theo mentoring him. That I had no idea. I also learned he respected Theo. The dude he swore revenge on and to hate forever. It was fascinating, but I understood it. Theo was a loveable, wonderful guy who won over his worst enemy.
Quentin had to leave for the game but left me more than enough money to cover the check. As I paid, someone familiar caught my eye. Theo’s father.
My breath caught in my throat at the scene in front of me. He sat with another woman. Their heads were close together, and oh no. Theo literally told me yesterday how happy he was that his dad was a changed man.
And now he was here with another woman. Unacceptable. No. Anger gripped me, but Quentin popped the door open with a grin. “Come on, I’ll drive you back, sis.”
I didn’t want to bring Theo’s family drama to my brother, now that we’d just mended our conflict. I trusted him but not with Theo’s secrets. I bit my tongue, my hands clenching into a fist at my sides as I stared at his dad. He never looked up from the woman, his gaze entirely on her, and I wanted to chuck a glass at him.
He lied. He fucking promised Theo that he wouldn’t step out again.
I can’t tell Theo.
That was clear. It would kill him. So as Quentin drove me back to campus, since Theo dropped me off, I vowed to keep it quiet. I’d confront Theo’s dad at the game tonight to knock it off. That way, Theo would never find out.
I just had to keep it together enough for Theo to not find out.
Meet me outside the side door. I need to see your face.
Those were Theo’s words in a text, an hour before the game. Butterflies exploded in my stomach at the urgency of the message. I’d never had the whole boyfriend experience, so flutters and swarms of nerves danced down my body as I stood outside the hockey rink side door.
He’d never sent anything like this, so a part of me wondered if he’d learned about his dad and wanted to talk. Or maybe something happened with his mom? I wasn’t sure, but as the door creaked open, I held my breath.
“Hi, baby,” he said, smiling. He wore his hockey uniform minus the skates. His hair was messy, like he’d run his hand through it a hundred times, but his eyes made me melt.
They were soft and warm. “Hi,” I replied, unable to stop a smile myself. A part of me hated knowing I kept a secret from him, but what kind of person would I be to upset him? Right before a game?
“I missed you today, and Reiner said we had ten minutes before pre-game shit started. Figured I’d shoot my shot. How are you? God, I love your face.” He cupped my collarbone, then neck and face, his gaze caressing me as his smile grew. “And you in this jersey? A dream.”
I blushed and focused on the dent in the door. “I’m good, ready to see you play.”
“My dad is meeting you right? You gonna sit together? He texted me he might be late because he was caught up at work.”
At the mention of his dad, my body turned to ice. A rock. Frozen. My throat seized, and it took all my effort to remain neutral. Clearing my throat, I nodded and avoided his gaze. “We might, yeah.”
“Whoa, what’s wrong?” Theo frowned and grabbed my hands. “You’re tense.”
“No, I’m fine.” I forced a smile as my heart raced. I wanted to confront his dad first, not tell Theo. The anger slithered like an angry snake, weaving its way through my chest. How dare his dad do this again?
