I take the next five minutes to wrestle over what I want from the vending machine, and I settle on a water—boring—and a bag of Dot’s Pretzels. When I reach my room again, I kick off my sandals, lie down on my bed, and pick up my phone to see another text from Penny.
I swipe my phone open and read it.
Penny:I’m sorry to keep bothering you, but I just want to make sure we’re okay.
Just what I thought, she’s worried.
But I don’t know how to respond to her. I don’t know how to act other than fucking pine over the damn girl. I can’t leave her hanging, though. So, I send her a quick text back.
Eli:Sorry, busy prepping for tomorrow. Trying to focus.
I feel bad. Every other away game, I’ve always talked to her, but I’m the jackass who can’t seem to make sense of things, despite trying to work through them with my therapist.Heagrees with me: trying something new with someone important isn’t the best idea.
My phone beeps.
Penny:Oh, sure. Sorry. I’ll leave you alone. Good luck with the end of the series.
Groaning, I toss my phone to the side and push my hands through my hair in pure irritation.
Why is this so damn difficult?
Probably because you have abandonment issues and refuse to let anyone else in your life that you could lose.
Yup, that seems accurate.
ChapterTwenty-Eight
ELI
Blakely:You’re an asshole.
I stare at my phone, wholeheartedly agreeing with her text.
I am an asshole.
I ended the conversation with Penny last night rather abruptly and haven’t texted her since, and the text from Blakely tells me Penny was affected.
I text her back.
Eli:I know.
I scoop a pile of eggs into my mouth while I watch the three dots on the screen, taunting me, preparing me for a response.
Blakely:Going dark on her, especially now. You’re all kinds of messed up, Hornsby. Don’t worry, I’m picking up the pieces you keep breaking off her.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a heavy breath.
Fuck.
Eli:It’s not what you think.
Blakely:You don’t WANT to know what I think, especially about you. I should never have left her alone with you on your birthday. I’ll forever regret that.
Eli:Probably the right verdict.
Blakely:Seriously, what’s wrong with you?
Eli:Still trying to figure that out.
