"I mean it," I said.
He studied my face a moment. "No, you don't."
"I really do."
"Are you sure that's what you want?"
"I...am."
Why, oh why, did that sound like a question?
Of course, I didn't want him around, watching me go through this terrible time. I spent 20 minutes crying last night because I couldn't lift my bow in the correct posture for longer than a few seconds, for goodness sakes. Also, his smile really was unsettling. And way too gorgeous.
Tolliver shook his head. "When you mean it, I'll listen. Until then, you're stuck with me."
"I—"
"Later, Kent."
He was gone a minute later.
But I knew he'd be back.
Strangely, though my plan had failed, I wasn't too sad about that fact.
CHAPTER SIX
"Glad you're here, Freya. We need to talk" were the first words Mom said to me. Some sixth sense must've alerted her to my presence because her eyes didn't leave the pool. Every bit of her attention was laser focused on the trio of swimmers currently running their routine.
"Hi Mom," I said back, "I'm good. Thanks so much for asking."
Still not looking at me, she lifted a brow.
"How'd PT go? Oh, awesome! Besides it hurting like a mother, it was the best. Again, thanks for caring."
"I didn't ask," Mom said as I dropped into the seat next to her, "because I already know."
"Sure."
"You feel like crap because you can't play. PT was torture—like the first day always is after an injury. And you're annoyed that I made you come here when all you want to do is go home, bury yourself under a pile of books, and wallow in the pit of despair."
She glanced at me, taking in my wide eyes.
"Did I miss anything?"
"No, that was annoyingly accurate," I mumbled.
PT was painful and tedious.
Actually, maybe that's what the letters really stood for.
Who knew?
"Did they give you a schedule?" she asked.
I nodded. "I'm supposed to meet with Alice two days a week for three weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Depending on my progress, I may need more time."
"Doesn't sound so bad. One of my girls tore her hamstring and was out for the year. Since it's only your wrist, you can still do a lot of things this summer."
