“I’m sincerely sorry. You’re only the third person who knows,” I say. “After Kendall’s dad and Jameson. Wait, you’re fourth. Forgot I told Callan. You’re absolutely top five. I was caught up, trying to figure out what this was, and I didn’t want any outside pressure, especially not during the season.”
“Yeah? How has that worked out for you?” Addison gives me pure attitude.
“Honestly? Maybe a four out of ten. Could be better,” I say, and she playfully tries to slap me.
“You made me look like an idiot. I’ve been defending Jameson to everyone, talking about how in love they looked together. The twin switch? Really?” Her voice wavers slightly, and I catch a glimpse of her hurt beneath the anger. “But I guess I should thank you because you’re, like, the only person who’s ever made her this happy.”
She steps aside and lets me in.
The apartment smells like the apple-scented candle Addison always burns. A single lamp glows in the corner, casting soft shadows across the exposed brick walls. Kendall is curled up on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, knees pulled to her chest. Her makeup is smeared, and her eyes are swollen from crying.
“Aw,” I say, giving her a sweet smile.
She looks up at me.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hi.”
I cross the room, and she watches me approach, but doesn’t move, like she’s bracing for more bad news. I kneel in front of her so we’re eye level.
“Did he make you choose?” she asks. “Between me and hockey?”
“Yes,” I say with a smile.
Her eyes look sad. “And?”
“I choose you, babe.”
“Patterson.” Her eyes well up with tears again. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”
“Oh, come on.” I give her a small smile, wiping her cheek with my thumb. “Now we get to spend more time together. Want to travel somewhere?”
“But your record. If I’d stayed away from you?—”
“Then I’d still be miserable and alone, pretending I didn’t spend every day and night thinking about you.” I take her hands in mine. “I don’t care about any of it. Just you.”
“I can’t let you throw your career away.”
“It will all work out.” I squeeze her fingers. “Like my sister used to say …”
“All turds float to the top,” Addison finishes the sentence from the kitchen.
Kendall makes a face. “Gross. I’ve never heard her say that.”
“I was, like, eight!” Addison drops onto the couch next to Kendall and glances between us, shaking her head. In her arms is a bowl of popcorn. “Wow. This is so weird, seeing you two … lovey.”
I glance down at it. “Really?”
“I’m watching my favorite show right now,” she says, staring at us. “Go on. Pretend I’m not here.”
Kendall lets out a laugh. It sounds fragile, but it’s something. I bring her hands to my lips and kiss her knuckles.
“I may have told your dad to go fuck himself,” I admit.
Her bottom lip quivers.
“Stop, Ken Doll. He’ll get over it. You know how I know? Because he loves you. He’s pissed. I’ve seen him pretty livid over the years, and it takes him a while, but he eventually forgives.”
