Me: It’s fine. I’m sure someone else can use the tickets.
Tickets I’ve already purchased because Rutgers was the one and only meet my parents agreed to attend this year.
It’s not a big deal.
But it sure as hell feels like one right now.
Me: I hate to cut this short, but I’ve got a big day tomorrow, and I was just about to crash when you messaged.
It’s only a partial fib, and since it’s a text, my parents are none the wiser. They respond with the usual kissy face emojis and I flop back on the pillows, phone resting on my stomach as I stare up at the ivory ceiling.
Something’s got to give.
Maybe, but now isn’t the time. Gabby’s going to train with the National Team and I don’t want to say or do anything that will diminish the experience for her. She’s worked hard, and she deserves this opportunity. Not to mention the excitement that comes with it.
I just wish my parents could muster the same level of enthusiasm for my gymnastics career. The Big Ten Football Championship might not be the Olympics, but it’s a big freaking deal to me.
My phone rings and I snatch it up, glancing at the screen before swiping accept.
“I was just about to give up on you.”
Parker laughs, the quiet rumble soothing the ache in my chest. “It took a little convincing to get Vaughn out of the room.”
“I figured it was something like that.”
“Try not to sound too excited.” There’s a brief pause. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No.” At least, I don’t want it to be a bad time, even if my mood is crap. “It’s nothing like that.”
“Then what is it?”
I bite my lip, hesitating. The last thing I want to do is rehash the discussion, but I need to get this toxic mess out of my head.
“I was talking to my parents. It was…” I sigh. “Honestly? It was so typical I don’t even know why I’m upset.”
We’re both quiet for a long moment and for the first time, I wish I could crawl inside his head and read his thoughts.
Which isn’t creepy at all.
“Talk to me, Shorty.” There’s genuine concern in his voice and it all but melts my resolve. “Whatever it is, you can trust me.”
My pulse accelerates as the weight of his words settles in my bones. Two and a half months ago, I wouldn’t have trusted Parker with a class assignment, let alone my deepest feelings—feelings I haven’t even shared with Maddie—but that can of beans was spilled weeks ago. I scrub a hand over my face and exhale, clearing my mind. Parker already knows about my rocky relationship with my parents. There’s no point holding back now.
“My sister was invited to train with the National Team in January.” The instant the words are out of my mouth, I want to suck them back in. To put a stop to whatever is happening between Parker and me. We’re already in too deep, sharing secrets and exchanging gifts. I’m no expert, but even I can see we’re riding the line between friends with benefits and—
Nada.
It’s what we agreed to. No catching feelings.
“And?” he prompts gently.
“They texted to share the good news and say how proud they are of her. Which I get, I really do. But then they said training camp conflicts with my home competition schedule and they’re bailing on the Rutgers meet.” I pick at a loose thread on my t-shirt. “It wouldn’t be a big deal except it’s the only meet they could attend.” There’s a sound of disgust on the other end of the line, and my guilt increases tenfold. “Sorry. I didn’t mean— I’m probably being sensitive. Getting upset about nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. You’re entitled to your feelings, Sutton.” That he doesn’t call me Shorty tells me just how passionately he feels about the subject. “Your parents made a promise, and yes, this is a huge accomplishment for your sister, but that doesn’t minimize your achievements. At the very least, they could’ve offered to come see you compete a different week instead of canceling altogether.”
“I know, but—”
“No buts.” He huffs out a breath. “They’re your parents. They should have enough pride and joy to go around. It’s literally in their job description.”
