The rink was cold, loud, and chaotic, just as kids’ sports often are.
We found seats halfway up the bleachers.I threw my hood up halfway through the first period when the chill finally sank in.
Clara laughed, pulled me closer.“You’re such a wimp.”
“I run cold.”
“Sure you do.”She wrapped her arm around me anyway.“I’m sorry you’re going through something shitty,” she murmured.“But I’m really glad you came home.Have you thought about moving back?I could use my sister.”
I smiled faintly, but didn’t answer.
The truth was, I could use my sister, too.
The game ended.Jackson’s team lost by one goal, but he looked thrilled anyway.
We stood in the lobby near the exit, waiting for him to come out with the team.
My phone had been buzzing all day.I’d ignored it until now.
But standing still gave me too much space to think.
I pulled it out and scrolled through the messages.
Andrew:I miss you.
I hate how we left things last night.
Can we talk?
I want to make this right.
Let’s plan a night just for us.Or a weekend away.One where I can stay.
I’m serious about our future, Cassidy.
My stomach turned.
He was always serious when he was scared of losing me.
That was when the words came out.The plans.The promises.
And I’d always believed them.I had to, or the reality of what we wrestle would crush me.
I wish I could go back and tell the girl who changed his name in her contact fromLast First DatetoAndrewto listen to her gut, her mind and ignore her fucking heart.
I was staring at my screen, heart caught somewhere between rage, sorrow and disbelief, when Clara started talking to someone in front of us.
I looked up.
A woman was smiling at my sister.She looked to be in her late thirties, blonde and beautiful in that effortless,old-moneykind of way.Green eyes.Perfect smile.Like she was carved from privilege.
Clara smiled and introduced us.
“This is my sister Cassidy.Cass, this is...”
But I wasn’t listening.
Becausehewas walking up behind her.
