Page 24 of Buzzer Beater

“I was also on the team when Brassard joined the Fury.”

He said it like I should understand his hidden meaning. “Okay.”

“So, I was there when he was grieving his only relationship, and I’ve been with him since. Through the past five years of his voluntary isolation. The brooding. The bitterness.”

I felt like he’d just punched me in the gut. As if Colin had the right to feel like that. I shook my head. “Why are you telling me this?”

He shrugged. “Thought you should know, you aren't the only one that’s been hurting.”

“I was hurt, but I’ve moved on.” I tried to sound confident, but I doubted I was fooling him.

“Then why can’t you look at him? Why’d you lie about your engagement?”

“Yes, that was stupid, I see that now,” I admitted.

“So, it’s true? You’re engagement’s a lie?”

He was grinning, and I let out a sigh. Vacations weren’t supposed to be more stressful than work.

“Don’t tell him. Please.”

Instead of growing even more arrogant, he softened. “Lucy, why are you lying to him?”

What did he expect? I’d seen the man that shattered my world, and I’d bat my eyelashes and give him a hug?

Tears stung my eyes. “I didn’t want him to think I was alone.” There I admitted it. Lame, I know.

His eyebrows pinched together. “Why?”

I blinked and almost laughed. Why wasn’t he getting this? Guys could be so dense. “I wanted him to think I’d moved on. That I wasn’t holding on anymore.”

Erik seemed to suddenly understand. “I get that. I’d probably do the same if I were you, but I thought you two were different.”

“Different how?” I couldn’t believe I was opening up to a stranger, but knowing he knew the situation made me feel like I could talk to him.

“You were together for years. I know you two went through a lot, and you supported him through the beginning of his career which is incredibly tough. You guys weren’t just another relationship. You could have gotten married.”

And there was the knife to my heart, adding insult to injury. “I know, Erik. I was there.”

He dropped his shoulders. “Then you know why I was surprised to hear that you were engaged.”

I laughed, a bit bitterly. “Why would that be a surprise?”

“Because I still think you two belong together.”

“You don’t know me, and frankly, he doesn’t either. Not anymore.”

Erik nodded. “I know it’s crazy, but I don’t think he ever moved on. He’s never even had another girlfriend.”

That thought should have made me feel better, but it just made me sad. I didn’t want him to be miserable and alone, I thought he’d moved on before we even broke up. He acted like it.

“You do remember why we broke up, right?”

Erik looked up and sighed. “Yeah, but did you ever given him the chance to talk to you about what happened?”

“Of course. I tried to understand. I tried to be okay with it, but I couldn’t. He cheated on me. I’d done everything for him. Supported him and helped him. I gave up so much. And the second he got what he wanted, the second he had a bit of fame, and the chance. He cheated.” I took a breath, trying to collect myself. “How could you think we’re still meant to be together? After all this time?”

He was silent for a few moments. “Because the second he sat down at the table after seeing you yesterday, he was crushed. More than I’d ever seen him. It was the most emotion he’s shown since I’ve known him. Sure, he was upset over the news of your engagement.” He said with a bite of sarcasm. “But seeing you changed him. It’s like a part of him came alive. Maybe it’s selfish, but I want to see my friend like that all the time. I want him to be happy.”