Grace shrugs. “Bryant said he didn’t see it coming.”
“Probably because he’s never thinking much farther than what’s currently in front of his face at the moment.”
She takes a bite, chewing slowly. “Is there someone else?”
I push my food around the plate, avoiding her gaze. “No.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“When would I have had time to meet anyone else?”
She pauses. “Fair point.” I breathe a sigh of relief. “I never thought you guys were long term anyways.”
“We weren’t.” I snort. “It was just an easy fix with him.”
“And you don’t need that anymore?” She eyes me curiously.
I play it cool. “There will be plenty of time for that. But right now, I have enough on my plate. I’m good. Now, how’s Bryant? Are you bringing him home for Christmas?”
Her entire face changes, brightening just at the mention of his name. “Yes.” She smiles nervously. “We’re each doing Christmas Day with our own families, but he’s coming to mine the day after, and I’m going to his on Christmas Eve.”
I can’t help but think about what Luke would look like sitting around the dining room table with my parents. Talking hockey with my dad, looking over the intense Christmas village that spans the entire length of our living room and having my mom explain each building.
The moment the images appear I immediately scold myself because what the actual hell kind of delusion is that? Purely wishful, stupid thinking.
“I’m so happy for you.” I squeeze Grace’s hand. “That’s a huge step.”
She exhales. “I know, but it feels right. Does that sound crazy?”
Oh, if only she knew what kind of shit was circling in my own head right now.
“It absolutely does not sound crazy. You guys were friends for a while first, and whatever timeline works for you guys is what matters.”
“I love you,” she says. “I know we spend a ton of time together at practice and games, but I still feel like we never get any quality time together anymore.”
“Me too,” I sigh. “I keep thinking about what it’s going to be like to actually have free time once I graduate, but that’s all an illusion because then there will be grown-up jobs and responsibilities, and then I’ll probably miss this time in my life instead.”
“Grass is always greener,” she muses.
I grab my water bottle and raise it toward her. “Let’s make a pact now that when you get back from winter break that we’re going to make the most of our final semester together.” Grace still has one more year left, but come May, I’ll be out of here. “We’re going to win a fucking championship, and we’re going to actually make time for ourselves and to enjoy it. Deal?”
Grace clinks her cup against mine. “I’ll cheers to that!”
Our laughter mixes together, blending into the music. I clean up the dishes since she did the cooking, and Grace heads into her room to finish getting the last of her things packed. She’s driving home tonight, while I’m not getting picked up until tomorrow.
After I shower and finish my own packing, I flop onto my bed and pull out my phone.
Me: What time are you planning to come pick me up tomorrow? I’ll be ready whenever
Mom: We can come first thing. Then we could have breakfast?
Me: Depends on what you’re making
Dad: Whatever you’d like. French toast?
Me: Ugh yes please! Text me when you guys are leaving
Mom: Will do. Can’t wait to see you. Love you.
