Page 61 of The Has-Been

“AUBREY! PAY ATTENTION!” Reese scolds, playful shoving me.

The only thing that finally snaps me out of horny trance is the host as she yells, “It’s time for the last question—and the tiebreaker!”

I fidget in my seat. I’ll never admit this to Reese, but I totally get why she keeps doing this every year—the whole competitive aspect of this is addicting.

The host clears her throat. “In Titanic, what is Jack’s last name?”

Oh! I think. I know this. I know this.

But my mind goes blank as Reese stares at me. She knows I love the movie—knows that Liam and I used to watch it all the time.

But my mind is blank—a white canvas awaiting the strokes of a painter.

Nothing. Emptiness.

Because I’m not thinking about the question, or Titanic, or Jack and his last name.

I’m thinking of Liam, of everything he said that night two weeks ago.

I’m sorry, Aubrey. Sorry that I ever let myself fall in love with you. That I’ll never care for you the way you care for me.

His words loop in my mind over and over. A never-ending circle of torment courses through me. What if he really meant it?

What if he really is sorry about it all? Does he regret it—his time with me?

My heart hammers in my chest, my palms sweaty as I run them up and down my pants. Reese’s eyes narrow, and I know she knows me well enough to see my mind is anywhere but here.

Then the buzzer sounds.

At first, I think Reese hit it. But when I look over, our remote is lying on the table, nowhere near her grasp.

But then I hear a voice behind me say, “Dawson.”

I turn, breath caught in my throat. Reid is flipping Reese off as she swears loudly. But I pay them no mind. My eyes are only on Liam…because he’s the one holding the remote, the one who knew the answer.

Of course he did.

Seconds pass in what feels like a lifetime, but also a blink. He stands, walking out without so much as a goodbye to his best friend or me.

“Liam—” I call after him. “Liam, wait!”

But he doesn’t turn around.

CHAPTER 12

SUCKER PUNCHED

LIAM

The next few weeks pass in a blur of away and home games.

Unlike the hockey season passing in a haze, any interaction with Aubrey lingers like a cold sore.

She’s maybe said a total of ten words to me since the night we were both at trivia.

I try to keep my head down, focused on getting through the season and my crazy course load. Thankfully, athletic training and school are the two aspects of my life I am back on track with. I love working with the guys, helping with their injuries and recovery. Having experienced it firsthand gives me a real purpose and a better understanding of the mechanics.

I wish I could specialize in the rehabilitation portion.