She’s mad that I withheld the information, for sure, but what she said today sounded like it was more than that. She doesn’t want me to take care of her at all, or she feels like she needs to repay me for it. But isn’t that what relationships are about? I get way more from her than I give.
“Okay, then answer me this. Why doesn’t she want the money?”
Poor Shep is staring at me like he’s hoping I figure it out for myself, so he doesn’t have to. He’s a good friend for staying and entertaining my spiral.
“I don’t know, man, but money is a tricky subject for people. Maybe she just really wanted to do it on her own.”
“Yeah,” I say, but I don’t believe it. There has to be more to it.
I sigh and attempt to stop my spiral for both my and Shep’s sake. “How’s your mom by the way? Wasn’t she having surgery last week?”
“Good. The surgery went well. Thanks for asking.” His mouth pulls up on one side.
“Yeah, of course. Sorry it took me so long.”
“It’s fine. You have your own shit going on.”
“Yeah, but everyone does. You’re my friend. I should have checked in. I know how important your family is to you.” Then it hits me. My stomach drops. “Do you think that Hannah thinks I’m not capable of doing this for the long haul because I’m not close to my parents?”
So much for moving on from my spiral.
His brows lift and he stares at me like he’s trying to carefully consider the question.
“That doesn’t seem like something Hannah would care about. She knows you, and I’m sure she understands it isn’t a typical situation.”
He’s right, but what if…what if deep down it bothers her, even if she doesn’t want it to? She has to have at least thought about it. Does she wonder if it’s my fault? She must. Even I do.
“Fuck. I wouldn’t blame her if she does. I don’t talk to my parents or other relatives, and I’ve lost contact with most of my high school buddies because of schedules and life. And what about all my old teammates? Do you remember Furry?”
“Yeah,” Shep says the word slowly. “He’s at Tampa Bay now.”
“I haven’t texted him once since he was traded last season.”
“So what?”
“So maybe she has a point?”
He tilts his head to the side then gives it a small shake. “I think you’re reading too much into this. She’s pissed because you hid something from her and then did exactly what she asked you not to.”
I hear what he’s saying, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to it.
“I have to fix this,” I say, standing.
“Don’t do anything stupid, man. She’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I know.” And when she does, I’m going to prove to her that I’m the kind of guy that will stick around through the thick and thin. The kind of guy who can make relationships work. The kind of guy worthy of her.
32
HANNAH
“That went really well,” Kinsley says as we walk out of the gym to my Jeep.
“Mhmm.” I nod. It did, but my mind is anywhere but on gymnastics or bar skills. I thought by the time we were heading back to Moonshot, I’d have worked out my feelings on Travis, the inheritance, and everything else. The only thing I’ve worked out is that I miss him almost as badly as I want to yell at him some more.
We toss our bags in the back and get in. It’s a two-hour drive back. Two hours to figure out what I’m going to say to him.
“And if they open up the age range for the next one, like they said, then it’ll be twice as many girls and twice as much money for me and you,” Kinsley continues talking about the seminar as I start the engine and turn up the heat.
