Page 38 of Lose You Twice

Spoiler: it wasn’t.

“I’ve got it,” I say.

Kai’s mouth closes.

Harlow looks between us, quieter now. “I can walk down with you.”

“No, stay.” I hitch my bag over my shoulder. “Enjoy your dinner. Make good choices, but not too good, because I want the details later.”

Kai gags and Grayson coughs.

Harlow beams. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I move toward the door, and Kai moves at the same time.

Not much.

Just a step, as if old habits took over, and he’s going to walk me to my car.

We both freeze.

Harlow looks at Grayson. “See? I told you. Tension thick enough to cut with a knife.”

“I can—” Kai starts.

“Nope.” Too fast. I soften it because his face changes. “I’m okay.”

His eyes hold mine before he nods once and steps back.

“Drive safe,” he says.

It’s such a normal thing to say. Something he would tell literally anyone, so why does it make me feel sad? He cares about me, just like a friend would. I guess it’s just weird putting a friend label on something that once consumed me completely.

“Always do.”

Another lie, but this time I make sure my face doesn’t give that away. My check engine light has been on since I got home four months ago, and I still haven’t made it around to getting that checked.

I leave before anyone can say something kind enough to ruin me.

The hallway is warmer than the apartment. My footsteps echo down the hall as I head toward the parking lot, one hand wrapped around my phone, thumb hovering over the email I still haven’t opened.

I make it all the way to my car before I finally stop pretending I’m not going to read it.

The screen lights up.

Pacific Coast University Work-Study Office

Subject: Interview Request — Athletics Equipment Assistant

My stomach drops as I open it and begin to read.

Wren Calloway,

Thank you for your application for the Athletics Equipment Assistant position with Men’s Hockey. Donnelly Pierce, Head Equipment Manager, would like to schedule an interview this week to discuss your availability and qualifications.

Men’s Hockey.