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Distant.
But I had a twelve-year-old kid to think about.
The team and my future to think about.
So I gave her a small nod, took my brother’s hand, and skated away from her.
And toward her father.
CHAPTER24
HARPER
I was an idiot.
How many times was I going to give Mason the power to hurt me?
It wasn’t his fault, not this time, not really. But my stupid, foolish heart didn’t get the memo as I skated off the rink and slipped away before my father could spot me.
That was one conversation I wanted to avoid for eternity.
He was Mason’s coach—the man who held his future in the palm of his hand. Of course, Mason would choose him. He had his mom and Scottie to think about. His family.
I couldn’t compete with that.
After quickly changing out of the skates I’d borrowed from the team’s extra stock, I headed out. But instead of going back to the dorm, I headed to Roast ‘n’ Go for a much-needed chai tea and tasty Harper-friendly pick-me-up.
When I entered the coffee shop, I was surprised to see a familiar face. Janelle, sitting alone, waved at me as I joined the line.
“Want anything?” I mouthed, and she shook her head.
Once I was loaded up on tasty goodness, I made a beeline for her table.
“Hey,” she said as I approached.
“Can I?”
“Sure.” She collected up some of her things to give me room. “Busy weekend?”
“I watched the Lakers games.”
“Did they win?”
“Both games.”
“I’m not a huge fan. I’m too busy to keep up with their games.”
“Pre-med, right?”
“Yeah, third year. And it is kicking my ass. You’re a first-year English major?”
I nodded. “I am.”
“Enjoy it while you can. Some days, I feel like I’m drowning.”
“Did you talk to yourfriend?” My lips curved.
“Not yet. We keep missing each other. But I think I’m going to take your advice and lay my cards out. Life’s too short, and I feel like I’m missing out on so many of the little things, you know?”
