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“Is it? Because not too long ago, hockey was youronlypriority.”
I shake my head. That may be true, but I’m not going to pretend nothing’s changed. “It’s still a priority, and I’m trying here. But if you think I’m going to pretend Willow doesn’t exist, you’re dead wrong.”
Seth smiles. “Okay. I just wanted to make sure I knew where you stood. I like this new loved-up version of Jesse. Even if he is risking my commission.”
“Asshole.”
“Maybe so, but I’myourasshole.” He bounces his eyebrows while I roll my eyes.
“How does Amber put up with you? And God help Bailey when she’s old enough to find you annoying.”
“Oh, she’s almost there, don’t worry.”
“Ten’s the new thirteen, right?”
“She’s been a teen for years if you go by her personality. But of course, we love her.”
“Of course.” My lips curl into a grin and it shocks me a little. I didn’t think I’d be smiling today.
“Is it time for a beer yet?” Seth asks, ending our discussion. “I want you to fill me in on what’s going on with Willow.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“Just a beer then?” He smiles expectantly while I glare.
“Only ’cause you said please,” I say sarcastically, moving toward the fridge.
“He jokes! How am I the only one that heard that?”
“Do you want this beer or not?”
Seth laughs. “Noted. I’m shutting up.”
“Good.”
Seth didn’t shut up. He pried several more times before I gave up and told him Willow and I had an argument and I fucked up. It’s all I was willing to say about the situation, and thankfully he was satisfied.
When he finally leaves, it’s late, and the second the door shuts, my stomach rumbles, making me realize I haven’t eaten since before practice. Not that I can even think about food. All I care about is Willow.
I send off a text to Pippa asking if Willow’s okay, and then stare at my phone waiting for it to go off. I’m actually going crazy. I’m a teen all over again and have just seen my mystery girl for the first time.
The girl who changed my entire world without even realizing it.
At fourteen, I was on the same self-destructive path as Tate. I’d been living in Mossman Hills for six months, and my life was falling apart. Our foster father was an abusive asshole, and the only way to stop him was to peddle his drugs.
It started off small, just dealing to peers, but the fucker got greedy.
No one gave a shit about me. No one saw past the young kid with no chance of a future.
Until Willow…Buttercup.
I’ll never forget the first time we crossed paths. The start of my obsession. Long before we ever spoke again.
It was such an insignificant moment for her. All she did was smile and tell a boy who was having a particularly rough day to hold hischin upbecause things would get better. ThatI could make them better.
The point is she saw me.
While the rest of the town ignored my existence,she saw me. And then she was gone.
