“And I’m supposed to just have faith that we won’t fuck each other up irrevocably along the way?”
She laughs and for the first time all day, the weight releases from my shoulders. “We’re all already fucked up, babe. The only question you have to ask yourself is: Do you want to take the risk with him? It’s okay to say no. But if the answer is yes, you need to make peace with the uncertainty. You’re strong and capable. Letting him help doesn’t diminish that. And if he leaves or gets run over by a truck, you won’t crumble. I know it because I know you. You’re the strongest person I know.”
My lip quivers as I reach over and hug her across the console. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She rubs my back and lets me cling to her until I feel a little braver and a little less mad.
When I pull back, she smiles.
“Still want to stop for dinner on the way home?” she asks and arches one brow. “Or are we hurrying back to make up with your hottie husband?”
We do stop for dinner but we’re quick. As soon as I drop off Kinsley at her apartment, I go home to talk to Travis. Only he isn’t there. I check MVP next, then drive by the arena. His RangeRover isn’t in the parking lot, but Conrad is walking to his truck. I pull up beside him and roll down the window.
“Is he in there?”
“No. He rushed out as soon as practice was over.”
“Any idea where he is?”
He looks uncomfortable, like maybe he doesn’t want to tell me, then says, “Whisky Roots.”
“The restaurant and bar we went to?” I ask, confirming I have the right place.
He nods.
“Okay. Thank you. Is he with the rest of the guys?”
He pauses and now he really looks uncomfortable. “No. They’re all still inside.”
“Then, who is he with?”
Conrad shrugs and his mouth pulls into a small, worrying smile. “I don’t know but it isn’t what you think. He was really torn up about what happened and trying to figure out how to make it up to you.”
“So he hurried off to a restaurant for dinner?” It’s a question I’m mostly asking myself but Conrad answers.
“Like I said, he was really beating himself up last night and today. All he could talk about was how he was going to prove to you that he’s the kind of guy who can have lasting relationships and work through problems when they arise.”
“The kind of guy who can have lasting relationships?” I parrot back. That feels like an odd phrase for Conrad to pick out from the fight Travis and I had.
“Yeah, you know because of his family situation. He doesn’t want you to think less of him because he doesn’t have a relationship with them.”
I play back everything we said last night for the millionth time and then add Conrad’s words about Travis wanting to prove to me that he can work through relationship problems.
“Oh, Travis.” I sigh. My heart shatters as I realize exactly what he’s done and why.
Conrad nods like yeah, he feels the same pain for his buddy. “I’m sorry I don’t know more.”
“No, it’s okay. I think I know who he’s with.”
Conrad’s brows rise. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” And I wish he were on a date instead.
At Whisky Roots, I bypass the hostess and circle around the restaurant looking for Travis. He’s usually easy to spot with his tall frame and dark hair, but I can’t find him anywhere. I know he’s here because his Range Rover is outside.
I’m about to give up and call him, when I find a nook on one side of the restaurant with two more private tables.
My lips pull into a smile when Travis’ familiar head of messy brown hair comes into view. And I know. I know that no matter how mad I am about what he did or how scared that I’m going to get hurt, I don’t want to walk away from him for good. Whatever we’re doing, this confusing dating / marriage situation that we’ve gotten ourselves into, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
