Her eyes went serious, considering it too long. For a moment I thought she would say no. Worry crossed her expression, like staying with me might cost her something that mattered a lot. But I couldn’t take it back, and I didn’t want to. She pushed my bangs back again, her fingertips barely brushing my forehead. “Yeah. I’ll stay. For as long as you need.”
I relaxed and smiled. Then I let go of her hands, but only so I could pull her into my arms. She laid her head against my shoulder and wrapped an arm around my back. We lay there, just breathing together, calm infusing the air around us. It felt like I’d been away for a really long time, and I’d finally come home. Somehow, deep in my gut, I just knew. Being with her must’ve been the best time of my life.
I hoped she knew what she’d agreed to. Or maybe it was better that she didn’t. ’Cause I was pretty sure I was going to need her forever.
CHAPTER 10
anna
The next afternoon, I sat on the vinyl-covered chair in the corner of the hospital room. A horde of people surrounded Blue by his bed—doctors and nurses, his family, and the UK coaches and staff. I gripped my phone in my hands, my stomach filling with dread as I waited. When it finally buzzed, I blew out my breath and turned it over.
Jonah
We’re done. I saw the videos, Anna. There’s no coming back from that. It’s clear you’re still in love with him. I just wish you’d figured it out before you dragged me through hell this past year.
It was a fist to the kidneys even if I’d earned every word. I had a hundred things I could’ve said. The game had been stressful. Singing in front of a hundred thousand people in person and millions more on TV had shot my nerves. I was hugging a friend I hadn’t seen in more than four years. But the truth was, Jonah was right. And he didn’t deserve the humiliation that had now been dumped onto his head like an unexpected cooler full of ice. Making up excuses would only hurt him more.
I’m so sorry. You’re absolutely right. Can we talk about it when I get back?
Jonah
There’s no point. It won’t change anything.
My shoulders slumped and I dropped my head into my hands. I didn’t want to grovel or fix things with Jonah. It was over. I’d known while Blue was walking me off the field. Jonah had sent me to Knoxville to find out—and, boy, did I ever. I just didn’t want to part like this.
I still had another semester and a half at James River before I’d hopefully head on to Virginia Tech for vet school. JRC was a small enough campus that we’d run into each other weekly. Possibly even daily. Plus, we had mutual friends. We didn’t need things to be awkward. Maybe if we could talk it out, it would be okay.
My phone buzzed again. I gave myself a few breaths and dove back in. But it wasn’t Jonah.
It was worse.
Duncle Silas
You need to head back to Sweet Grass with Ashton. You can’t miss classes.
I stared at his words, sick to my stomach.
But Blue…
Duncle Silas
Think grand scheme. The vet school admissions committee won't care that your ex-boyfriend got amnesia if you fail Biochem.
Aunt Lemon
But I care. You should stay.
I snickered. Lemon for the win!
Duncle Silas
BABE.
Aunt Lemon
She’s going after her heart. Good on her.
Duncle Silas
