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Because Mason loved me.
The boy with ice around his heart loved the girl with her heart on her sleeve.
And it didn’t get much better than that.
* * *
“Sweetheart, thank God,” Mom rushed out. “I’ve been worried sick.”
“I’m okay,” I said, hugging myself tight as I stood outside of the ice rink.
After the disaster at Millers, Mason had sweet-talked Chad into letting me finish my shift early. He agreed, but only if Mason promised to bring the team by once a week.
Mason didn’t even hesitate.
He’d whisked me away from Lakeshore and straight to his house in Pittsburgh, where we picked up Scottie and his mom and headed to the rink.
It was exactly what I needed.
I’d called Mom on the ride over but had gotten her voicemail. In some ways, I’d been relieved. I wasn’t ready to talk to her about everything. But after five missed calls and two text messages, and a few words of encouragement from Melinda, I finally picked up.
“Harper, I am so, so sorry. I didn’t know he would do that. I didn’t—”
“Yeah, Mom, you did.” A fresh wave of tears rose up inside me. “You just didn’t want to believe it.”
“Gosh, sweetheart. You’re right. I haven’t been the mom you deserve. I love you so much, Harper Rose, but he’s my husband, and I love him. I think a part of me will always love him, but he’s ill, Harper. Your father is ill, and he needs help, and I won’t keep picking up his slack.”
“So you meant it then? You’re really leaving him?”
“I am.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I didn’t know if I could go through with it, and I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me.”
“It’s a little late for that, Mom.”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “I deserve that. But love is complicated, sweetheart.”
“I met someone,” I blurted out. “And he loves me, Mom. He lovesme.”
“Y-you met someone?” Her disbelief spoke volumes. “I didn’t know.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“I guess there is.” Sadness bled into her voice. “But I hope you’ll let me fix that, sweetheart. I hope it isn’t too late for us.”
“I need some time, Mom. To figure some things out.”
“Of course, take all the time you need. I’ll be right here whenever you’re ready.”
“Okay.”
“And Harper?”
“Yes, Mom?”
“I love you, sweetheart. And I know I haven’t always shown it, but I’m proud of you, baby. I’m so, so proud.”
