Page 41 of Buzzer Beater

“I was Noah’s personal assistant when we started dating,” Colby chimed in. “I guess our situation isn’t as applicable to yours.”

I smiled and nodded.

“I hated Wyatt when I met him,” Kendall said. “I poured salt in his coffee instead of sugar.” Kendall said it so matter of factly I couldn’t help but pause before joining in the laughter.

I raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

She nodded, looking proud with a smug smile. “I was, and still kind of am, a Baltimore Harbors fan, so when I had the chance for some payback, I took it.”

I shook my head. “And now you two are together?”

“Yeah,” Kendall said. “He even gave up a kidney for me. So don’t think just because you and Colin have a few things in your past to get over you can’t make it.”

I fell back into the sofa. “I think a little prank is different than lying and cheating.”

The room fell silent.

I went to stand up, but Madeline put her hand on my arm. “Don’t go. We’re just trying to help.”

It didn’t seem like I had a choice without becoming a drama queen. Plus, I hadn’t had any cake yet and it was singing my name.

“I’m sorry, Lucy,” Kendall said. “I wasn’t trying to downplay what you’ve been through.”

I looked at her and smiled. “No, I know. There’s just no future for us.”

Colby scooted forward and began slicing the cheesecake, offering me the first piece. “You look like you need this.”

“Thanks.” I laughed and took a small bite of the smooth, rich cheesecake. It was definitely what I needed right now.

“As much as I want to sit here and convince you to give Colin another chance, I know there are some things you just can’t get over.” Madeline smiled sadly at me. “So, let’s forget about the whole male species for the night.”

Elena and Amber thought I’d be on my date all night and made plans to go into town for a dance club. If I went back to my room, I’d be there alone. And sad. And not have any cake.

“That sounds wonderful to me,” I said.

Chloe grabbed the remote and turned on the TV searching for a movie for us to watch while Colby and Kendall rearranged the furniture, so we all had good angles. Emma ended up sitting next to me, bringing a plate of sweets with her.

“I’ll share.” She offered her goodies and I took a strawberry.

“Thanks.”

“How does a Mission Impossible sound?” Chloe called out.

Guns, and car chases, and explosions. No kissing or romance. Just what I needed. “Perfect.”

We settled in and munched on the desserts in contented silence as the movie started. Now that my tears had dried up and I wasn’t the center of attention, I finally relaxed. How lucky that I’d run into them on my way to my room. I couldn't imagine the state I would’ve been in all by myself. Probably sobbing on my bed in the dark.

This was much better.

“You know.” Emma leaned over and whispered low enough so no one else could hear over the movie. “Things might seem insurmountable, but if you love someone enough, anything is possible.”

She sat back and didn’t say anything else. She was right. Love could conquer all, but I didn't love Colin anymore and he definitely didn’t love me. At least, that’s what I was trying to convince myself of.

Plus, things had changed. I’d changed. I wasn’t the woman he knew in college. I couldn’t give him everything he’d always wanted. At least not the perfect family he always said he wanted.

I was okay with that. I’d accepted it years ago, and I wanted to move on. I really, really didn’t want to have to talk to him about it. I looked around the room at these incredibly kind and caring women. I doubted they would drop the subject either.

I just had to survive four more days.