I take a bite of the muffin, lingering because I don’t want to go yet. I have a few extra minutes, and I want to spend them here. Maybe that’s my answer. I like being here. He likes having me here. Maybe paying rent would help to make things feel more even. Though that’s still months away from being possible.
“There’s something else I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” He has a very serious, very un-Travis like slant to his brows and mouth.
I lift my brows in question since my mouth is full.
My phone pings in my bag with a text. It’s too early to be Wren, unless something is wrong. Or really, anyone.
“One second,” I say as I reach for my phone and read the text. “It’s Kinsley. She needs a ride.”
I fire off a reply to let her know I will pick her up, then check the time. “Shit. Well, I was early but swinging by her place is going to cut into that.” I sigh then give him my attention. “Sorry. What were you saying about having loads of money?”
He huffs a small laugh. “Go. We’ll talk when you get back.”
“You’re sure?” I ask. He still has that troubled expression on his face.
He steps to me, a slow tilt of his mouth finally shifting into his usual happy smile. “Positive.”
He frames my face with both hands and kisses me – quick but hard and intense. It feels like he’s pouring all the love of the last twelve hours into it, and I let myself soak up every drop of it.
“Rest up this weekend as much as you can,” Coach says as we’re ending practice.
“I will. Thanks, Coach.”
“Oh, and I need you to stop by Liz’s office on your way out. Don’t forget.”
I freeze but somehow manage to smile like I’m not panicking on the inside. I’d like to ask him why but I’m pretty sure I already know.
My movements feel wooden as I pull on pants and a sweatshirt, step into my boots, and grab my bag. My throat tightens as I walk to Liz’s office. I close my eyes and take a breath before stepping into the open doorway.
“Hi.” My whole body tenses every time I see her.
“Hey, Hannah.” Her warm smile does not diminish my nerves. Someday when I am not worried about money, I need to buy her a drink and apologize for flinching every time she speaks.
I step into her office slowly, heart racing much faster than my movements. “Coach said you wanted to talk to me?”
“Yes, come in.” She looks to the empty chair in front of her desk, silently offering me to sit. I do not.
“If this is about my annual gym fee, I promise I’ll have it to you by the first of the month. I get paid on the thirtieth.”
Her brows tug together, a hint of confusion in her expression. “It isn’t but, Hannah, your fee has already been paid.”
“I meant the one for next year.”
She looks from me to her computer and clicks a few buttons. “Next year’s fees were credited plus all your gym and coaching fees through the competition season. We received payment for all of it yesterday.”
I hear her but the words aren’t quite making sense.
“By the stunned look on your face I’m guessing you didn’t know that.”
“How?” I finally sit but only because I’m not sure my legs can hold me up.
“I’m not sure. I wasn’t in the office. Annabelle must have taken it. I assumed you’d found a new sponsor or a grant came through.”
“I…” Did I? Maybe Everly found something. We haven’t talked in a few days, and I know she had meetings lined up. “I’m sorry. I assumed…” I trail off again. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“Coach Rodier updated your training routine for the new year. Now that we’re getting closer to the Winter Classic, he wants to change a few things.” She hands me a printout, similar to the last one I received. “You’ve come a long way in a short time, Hannah. We’re all really excited to have you continue your training here.”
I don’t know what to say so I stand and reach over the desk to hug her. Liz lets out a startled laugh.
