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“I’m so sorry Lucca I honestly didn’t think they’d have any free time for this weekend. Look I’ll tell Jake, I just think it’d be best if you and he weren’t around each other for the time being.”
“What’s the big deal Stace? So, we were more than friends, are more than friends. It doesn’t mean you have anything to be ashamed of,” he said lifting her chin to look at him.
“He’s not going to understand that I fell in love with you. He’s not going to understand that had things been different…”
“We could be together today?” he asked brushing a strand of hair off her cheek. “But we’re not together because of him Stace. He owned your heart, and I could never replace him in the end. I’m okay with that as long as you’re happy. I still love my friend Stace and if I knew I had a shot I’d be in here right now making a move instead of simply trying to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m not, he’s going to…I don’t know what he’s going to do but I’m scared he’s going to leave,” she admitted, a shudder of despair running through her with it.
“If he does then it’s his loss, but he’s not your father Stace. He seems to want to be with you, he just wants to know you want him too. So that’s the question, sweetie. Are you brave enough to take the chance you weren’t seven years ago?” he asked staring into her eyes, seeing her soul only the way he and Jake ever had.
“I guess I have to be, don’t I? If I don’t tell him he’s just going to stew on it all and that will doom us faster than life is likely to.”
“Stop it Stace. You do not have bad or black luck. It’s easier to let yourself think that than to face the possibility of being hurt when something doesn’t work out the way you want it to. If you were really cursed, you wouldn’t have managed to make it through Nathaniel and the others. Stop hiding and take a chance. Make sure he knows everything so he can make an informed decision this time, don’t push him away because you’re scared that it’s not going to work out in the end. Life isn’t about hiding; it’s about going out there and doing Stace.”
“I’ve missed you; you don’t know how much I’ve needed your butt kicking,” she said laughing despite the tears pooled in her eyes.
“It’s a very fine butt to kick,” he teased wiping the tears away as he kissed her forehead. “Don’t make me have to hide this weekend Stace because I’d rather not be killed by that two hundred and something giant.”
“He’s not a giant.”
“No? He’s twice your size in almost every way.”
She laughed again knowing what he was doing and she wished as she had over the years that she had loved him more than she had loved Jake. He would never make her question his feelings but as he’d told her before he left, the heart wants what it wants and hers had wanted Jake. “I love you Lucca.”
“I know you do sweetie, just as you know I love you,” he replied hugging her to him. “You simply love Jake more. So go tell him the whole story and then hopefully we can enjoy some time together because I’ve missed getting my fill of you the last couple years.”
“You saw me at Christmas.”
“For a few hours, that’s not enough to catch up on everything. Tell him about us, that we talk so he doesn’t get jealous the next time I call you.”
“Okay, I’ll tell him,” she sighed leaning into his hold as a happy smile settled onto her lips.
“Good,” he said giving her a light push towards the door. “And if he is stupid enough to walk away I’ll be right here. I’ll always be here for you Stace.”
“I know you will and I’ll always be here for you too,” she said before walking back into the main part of the building ignoring the curious looks from everyone inside as she headed out to look for Jake. She was surprised he hadn’t tried to bang down the door. She saw Emma and Miles watching the door of the building as the rest of Jake’s teammates talked quietly.
“Oh boy,” she whispered to herself heading towards Emma. “Where’s Jake?”
“He took off that way about a minute ago, what happened in there?” she asked as Miles held his tongue.
“Nothing, Lucca is a friend I swear Em. Nothing happened between us like that, Jake’s not the only one who couldn’t betray the other,” she admitted seeing the relief in their eyes as she headed out after Jake. She was glad she had worn tennis shoes today. It’d make it easier to catch up to him.
Emma watched her go and leaned into Miles as Lucca came out.
“Coast clear?” he asked looking around for them.
“Jake headed off that way about a minute ago and Stacey went after him,” she said as the second group headed their way. “So, what the hell was all of that just now?”
“I needed to know why Jake looked like he was going to pound my face in; I didn’t know Stace hadn’t told him about me.”
“And what exactly would she be telling him?” Gary asked.
“The truth—that I love Stace and she loves me,” he said and Emma’s jaw dropped.
“What? No…she just…” she stammered.
“But she isinlovewith Jake,” he added calming her. “She’s always been in love with Jake.”
