Page 70 of Challenge Me

She forced her chair back and hopped down. Her arms went around her middle tightly, her fingers digging into her back as she headed toward the living room.

“Mal,” I called.

She flopped onto the couch face-first, and I watched for a moment while she rocked back and forth. With a sigh, I decided to let her take things at her own pace. I came up beside Remi, who was flipping a pancake.

“I tried to help,” he said quietly. “She just ignored me.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shrugged, offering me an easygoing smile. “Some people tell me I’m hard to get along with.”

“It’s not that, I’m sure.”

“It’s probably better if she doesn’t like me anyway.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It won’t upset her when I’m not around.”

“Right.” I stared at the side of his face, and if it bothered him, he didn’t show it. My fingers itched to touch him, just like I had all night, but I would make it worse for myself. It was a good thing he’d be back in his room tonight. I didn’t need the added torture of being around him twenty-four-seven.

“Hey, where’s Mal?” Avery asked as she came out of her room.

I nodded toward the couch. When she saw what was happening, her expression reminded me of all the things we still had to discuss. Last night I was too tired, but she was leaving after my practice, so we wouldn’t have any other opportunities.

“Can I talk to you?” I asked.

She bit her lip, then nodded. I headed for the front door, wanting a modicum of privacy. I’d say it was unlikely things would go downhill, but I couldn’t make any assumptions right now.

I closed the door behind me but continued until we were a little ways from the apartment. If Mal wasn’t inside, I might’ve gone up to the rooftop, but this would have to do.

Avery turned to me. “I know what you’re going to say.”

“You probably don’t.”

“You’re upset that I didn’t tell you we were coming.”

“No.” I swiped a hand down my face. “I mean, sort of. Any other time, I wouldn’t have minded, but right now? It feels . . .”

“It feels what?”

“As if you did it on purpose.”

She let out a breath. “Is that what you think?”

“I don’t know, Avery. That’s why we need to talk about it.”

“If you think I’m scheming somehow, you’re wrong. Mal was dying to see you play, and I don’t think it’s fair for me to say no just because things are different this year. Besides, I didn’t know he would be here.”

“Really?”

“You didn’t tell me.”

I looked to the side. “I didn’t think it was important whether he was here or not. If I’d known what game Mal was coming to, I would’ve planned around it or something.”

She let out a sharp laugh, and I watched as she ran her fingers through her ponytail. I thought about telling her the new nails looked nice, but I didn’t think flattery was the right way to deal with this.

“I understand that you’re dealing with a lot,” she said. “But I find it strange that you’ve been seeing Remi for this long and want to plan around your daughter coming to see you. Is there a reason you haven’t wanted him to meet us? Me, at the very least.”