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“Please tell me he kissed you.” Taylor practically swooned.
“He didn’t,” I said. “Even though I wanted him to,” I admit, as I began opening my salad. “Unfortunately, the entire school was witness to this moment and, of course, Tess had front row seats,” I said, mixing my dressing into my salad.
“Of course,” Jade agreed.
“That moment ruined everything. And every moment after that,” I admit, growing quiet as the girl’s eyes lift in my direction.
“High school can be cruel,” Taylor sympathized.
Brushing my hair out of my eyes, I wet my lips. “It can be, but if I’m being honest. I think everyone’s opinion of us helped me protect my heart,” I said, my nose tingling with emotion as Taylor’s brow rose in question. “It was easier to love him in secret than it was out in the open,” a tear finally fell.
“Oh Steph,” the girls cried, extending their hands with comfort.
“I think that’s the first time I’ve admitted that,” I confess.
Taylor’s eyes move towards Jade. “You love him, don’t you?”
Withdrawing my hands, I shrug. “I think I’ve loved him all this time, but it’s never been that simple.”
“Because of hockey?” Jade’s voice rose an octave.
“Hockey’s always been this tremendous obstacle, yes. But I think it was more than that,” I add, pushing the lettuce around in the takeout container.
“How so?” Jade presses.
Not wanting to put a voice to my wounded thoughts, I bought myself time by taking a sip of my tea. “It’s complicated.”
Searching my eyes for the answer, Taylor understood where I was coming from. Patting my hand one last time, she led the conversation in a different direction.
“Not to change the subject or anything, but did you see Brain Freeze on our way in?” Her eyes lit up with excitement.
This time, Jade and I exchange a look of amusement. “Of course, we saw it. How could we miss it?” We chuckle, sending Taylor a knowing look.
“I swear I can practically smell the maple walnut from here.”
“I guess we know where we’re heading once we’re finished,” Jade sang.
“Actually, I’m kind of tired,” I said, packing up my salad. “I think I might head back to our cabin for a rest.”
“Do you want us to come back with you?” Taylor asks with concern.
“I should be fine. I just need to lie down and stretch. Maybe rest my eyes for a bit.”
“Of course. You go recharge. We’ll explore a little,” Jade offers, sending me on my way. “We’ll text you in a couple of hours.”
???
Placing our dinner order, I turn to my favorite pink cocktail, the Barbie margarita. Sipping my drink with a sense of renewal after that brief rest, I took in the sounds of the band playing softly in the background.
“So, how did the exploring go while I was out?” I ask, brushing my straightened ponytail over my shoulder.
Jade’s painted eyes popped with excitement. “There are so many hot spots we’re going to have to hit before this trip is over,” she raves.
“The gym, the indoor pool, the go-kart track.”
“The casino, the nightclub.”
“The gift shop, oh, and the candy shop,” Taylor and Jade sang in unison.
