AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Emily, do you want to take over as CEO?” he asks between breaths.
She lets out a sound crossed between an exasperated gasp and a yelp. “Dad, I love this company. I’m more than capable of handling it.”
He turns tired eyes at Mom, and his face transforms. Their love shines through, and I know what I need to do. “You’re right. I’ve run this company out of obligation. Sacrificing my wants. It’s time to break tradition.”
With those words, I grab my cell and keys. I need to make this right. So be it if we wait a year and a half before being together. I can do long-distance. For Amanda, I’m willing to do anything.
* * *
Bam.Bam. Bam.
“Amanda, open up.”
I’m met with silence. Much like my phone calls. It took a few tries before realizing Amanda had blocked me.
A clean break.That’s what I said, but damn if that thought doesn’t hurt.
I try again, only to have the neighbor lady give me a dirty look.
Where is she?
Frustrated, I slink to the floor. I’ll wait by the door all night if I have to. There’s still time to catch her, considering she doesn’t leave until the twenty-second.
After another hour ticks by with zero sign of her, I tap out and dial Ryan.
“Hey, you wouldn’t know where to find Amanda, would you?”
I’m met with silence. More damn silence.
“Hello?” I look to see if the call dropped, but he’s still on the line.
“I’m here. I’m just trying to figure out how you don’t know she’s back in Boston.”
My stomach plummets.
“She left already?” That’s impossible. “But we still have a few more days.”
“Bruh, she moved her flight up.”
I grip the phone tight and curse. I really screwed this up. “I can’t get a hold of her. I’m pretty sure she blocked me.”
He lets out a slow breath. “Yeah, I’m not surprised. How are you holding up?”
“Not great. But I need to talk to her.”
“Look, we’ve been friends a long time. You’re like a brother to me, but you need to let her go. Let her heal on her own. Talking to her now will only open those wounds.”
“But my circumstances have changed.” I go into detail about what transpired back at the house. I’m a bit deflated by the time I finish.
“So, you can still play hockey?”
“Yes.”
“Thank fuck. But we still have another year and a half before graduation. You really think a long-distance relationship will work? People who’ve been together for years can’t make it.”
I squeeze the phone tighter, my body rejecting his condescending tone. “I have to try.”There’s no other choice.
“You really do love her, don’t you?”
