Page 161 of Game Plan

“If it were super urgent, they wouldn’t care about Christmas or New Year’s Eve or a trip to Hawaii.”

“I’m not sure… The lady’s tone was very formal. Nothing like the way she talked to me when I visited their office.” I grimaced and shook my head, trying to see the situation from his point of view.

“And you really thought that keeping me in the dark—or taking a break, going on a run, or whatever you were trying to do—would fix everything?”

I gave him a one-shoulder shrug.

“Running away is not the solution. It never is. I thought you’d learned your lesson the last time. For the record, pushing me away isn’t either. The more you push, the harder I’ll push back. I know you, and I know your heart. And I also know us, together.”

“I don’t want my stuff to affect you. If we’re meant to be, then whatever this is, it’s gonna impact you too.”

“I get it, but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with you. And just to be clear, I don’t. I’d much rather you spill it all out, even the ugly stuff, than keep it inside and panic like you just did. Let’s make something else clear. Remove the if.”

I frowned, not sure what he was referring to.

“It’s not if we’re meant to be, Shepard. We are it. Stop believing the opposite. About that doctor… I’m convinced that if it were really that bad, they would’ve asked to see you right away.”

I weighed his words for a few seconds, that sinking feeling in my stomach refusing to disappear. “You really believe so?”

“Yes. I’m sure of it. You can’t spend your entire winter break freaking out about why they wanna see you or create nasty scenarios in your head. It will drive you nuts either way. Once, the doctor asked to see my dad in his office. We cut our vacation short, worried it was serious, only to find out all his test results were fine. See? Doctors can be weird. Don’t let it get to you. Not unless you have reasons to worry. And don’t tell me you want us to break up when you feel insecure. That’s not how this relationship works. We’re in this together, no matter what. So far, we’ve been great at it.”

“I can’t help it. I keep feeling like I’ll ruin your future somehow. Don’t ask me to explain it. It’s just a hunch. I don’t actually want to break up with you… It’s just that sometimes I think it would be easier to let you go…or keep you at a distance. Like, I’m a risk you shouldn’t have to take. There’s this voice in my head, nagging at me sometimes.”

“It’s wrong. I’m telling you. You, Melinda Shepard, are the best part of me. Never believe otherwise. And don’t scare me like that ever again. Tell that voice to shut the fuck up.”

“On that phone call, I really felt like they were hiding important stuff from me. I…I panicked. Just to be clear, I don’t wanna be the one clipping your wings, Mase. Never. What if something really is wrong with me and you end up putting your own dreams on the back burner because I’m sick? I’d never forgive myself if I were the reason you had to sacrifice anything.”

He framed my face with his muscular hands. “Mel, you only make me stronger. Never weaker. Without you, I wouldn’t even have any wings left. By the way, you are not sick. If you were, they would have asked to see you ASAP. Let’s get ready and drive home, okay? I’m sure a change of scenery for a few hours will do us some good. Seeing your parents will help lift your spirits. I’m sure they’ve been worried sick about you lately, and they would like to see you after everything that has happened. And hey, a homemade dinner won’t hurt either. Craig left earlier, so he should be there too. My mom has been asking about you more than usual lately.”

“She has?”

“Yes. Home and family, that’s what we need right now. Nurse Pierce’s orders.”

“Yeah, maybe. You really think there’s nothing to worry about?”

“I’m sure.” He opened his arms, and I leaned into his broad chest, feeling the powerful beat of his heart against my cheek. “And even if there is something—and I’m saying if—no matter what it is, we’ll face it together. You’re stuck with me forever, Shepard.”

“I love you too, Mase.”

“I love you more.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead, and I melted a little more against him. The boy I had resisted for far too long. The one who was mine. Heart, body, and soul.

43

We can’t keep doing this dance

“No, Mom. We’re fine. It’s been ten days. Stop worrying, or we’re both going to eat next door at Mel’s parents.” I broke free as she cupped my face, turning it side to side, as though making sure I was still unharmed. “Mel is already over there, and I can run to her instead of letting you study me like I’m a piece at a museum you’re trying to understand. She had stuff to discuss with her parents, so I’m giving them some privacy.”

“Mase, I was ready to drive to Crestwood to kick that Evan Nichols’s bottom myself for what he put the two of you through. I’m glad your dad got lawyers involved.”

“Ass, Mom. You can say it. You wanted to kick his ass.”

She sighed and gave her head a little shake.

“Whose ass was your mom wanting to kick?” Dad asked as he walked into the room. He inched closer and inspected my face. “Good, you’re not looking like a street fighter anymore. Let me go check on dinner.” He slapped my shoulder twice, the same way he’d done all my life, as he turned to leave.

My knees wobbled, and I flinched as waves of sharp, dizzying pain tore through me.

I was sure my face had blanched, and I blinked to erase whatever expression lingered there so my parents wouldn’t notice the discomfort spreading across the right side of my upper body. I shut my eyes and inhaled through my mouth to keep the nausea at bay.