She looks back at me, tipping her head to the side, a lazy grin on her lips. If it weren’t for the fact that we’re surrounded by all my favoritethings, I might believe that grin is because she’s clearly had one too many ciders tonight.
“Izzy . . . what’s going on?”
Her grin kicks up higher. “Why, whatever do you mean, Odette?”
“Come on. Don’t bullshit me. I—”
“Oh, isthatthe card you’re going to play? You don’t wantmeto bullshityou? Really?”
And in that instant, I know.
“You know,” I say softly, the words nearly a whisper. She nods. “How?”
“Because you two are completely obvious, that’s how. Plus, Noah confirmed it for me this morning when I went to see him.”
She went to see him? I want to ask her how he looked. Are his eyes as tired as mine from a sleepless night? Is his hair a wreck like he’s been running his hand through it? Or was he perfectly fine, nothing out of place?
“He looked like shit, in case you were wondering.”
I exhale, though it doesn’t make me feel any better. I don’t want him to look like shit. I don’t like that he’s hurting, especially not when it’s my fault.
“Are you mad?”
She giggles. “That’s the same thing he asked.” She pinches her fingers together. “Just a teensy bit mad, but only because you didn’t tell me.”
“But you said—”
“That it would be gross if you two got together? Yeah, that’s because itisgross. But my love for both of you eclipses that. I just want you happy. That’s it. End of story.”
She beams at me, and a weight I didn’t realize I’d been carrying lifts off my shoulders.
She wants us happy. I want that too.
“Odie.”
It’s one word. Two syllables. But they send a shiver right down my spine.
I close my eyes. Not because I don’t want to see him, but because I’m scared to. I’m afraid that once I look at him, I’m going to regret walking away from him even more than I already do.
I’m scared that I might do the most reckless thing ever ... and tell him how I really feel.
When I open my eyes, Izzy is still grinning at me like a fool.
She steps toward me, taking my hands in hers. “You can do this. I know it’s scary, but I have a feeling it will be worth it.”
She’s right. It is scary. So damn scary that my knees are shaking, and I think I’m about a minute away from bolting.
But more than that, I want to turn around.
I want to see Noah.
So, with a steadying breath, I do.
He’s handsome. No, he’sbeyondhandsome.
I’ve seen him in a lot of suits over the years thanks to hockey, but he’s never looked this good before.
He’s trimmed the scruff that usually lines his face, and though his beautiful brown eyes are tired, they’re also full of hope.
