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"Yeah," I sigh. "But I thought we had a connection, you know? That night..."
"Sometimes, connections take time to develop," Amanda offers gently. "Maybe Mia needs a little more time to process everything."
"I've been trying," I admit, frustration creeping into my voice. "But every time I think I'm getting closer, she pulls away."
"Maybe she's scared," Amanda suggests. "Scared of getting hurt again, or of things getting complicated with Ryan."
"Yeah," I mutter, feeling a pang of guilt. "I didn't think about how it might look to her."
"It's okay," Amanda reassures me. "Just be patient with her. Give her the space she needs to figure things out."
"I've been so focused on trying to talk to her," I say, realizing Amanda might be onto something. "Maybe I need to step back."
"Exactly," Amanda agrees. "Let her come to you when she's ready."
"Thanks, Amanda," I say sincerely. "I appreciate your advice."
"Anytime," she says warmly. "And Ethan?"
"Yeah?"
"Remember, relationships take time," she advises. "Be patient, and things will work out."
I nod, even though she can't see me. "I'll try."
After we say our goodbyes, I sit there for a moment, mulling over Amanda's words. Maybe she's right. Maybe I need to back off and let Mia come to me. It's hard, though, when all I want is to talk to her, to see her smile again, to know where we stand.
And it doesn’t help that I can’t get that night out of my head.
But for now, all I can do is focus on then next game and hope that Mia comes around soon.
Chapter Thirteen
MIA
I’ve been avoiding Ethan for over a week now.
It hasn’t been easy, but I find an excuse to be in the kitchen and out of his sight anytime he comes to any events to see Senna.
After a very awkward flight to North Carolina where I didn’t even get up to use the restroom out of fear of crossing paths with Ethan, I settle into the hotel and leave to check out the facilities I’ll be working with.
The arena where the Carolina Timberwolves play blends an older architectural style with modern updates from several renovations. The banquet hall given to us will have to be shared with the other team, so I’ll be coordinating with the Timberwolves’ organization. This should, in theory, relieve me of some duties, but it only complicates my workload.
I’m in the middle of a phone call with the chief of security when I wander into the arena and see the Iron Huskies practicing on the rink. My heart skips a beat when I hear Ethan’s voice commanding the team.
I can’t help but stop and watch him.
I am in a prime spot between the penalty boxes, by the boards, close enough to hear the players’ breaths as they skate up and down the ice at full speed.
Ethan makes an incredible pass to a teammate, who scores a goal and receives accolades from the coach. I resist the urge to cheer. After our last awkward conversation, I’m not about to confuse things even more by acting as if I’m his number one fan.
What do I do about you, Mr. Matthews?
I can’t keep running from you forever.
I thought I’d drop my guard and have a bit of fun and forget how lonely I was for a while, and now I’m paying the consequences of doing so with my ex’s older brother.
I still can’t believe he wanted to tell Ryan about it. Did he change his mind after saying not to take things so seriously?
