‘You’ll be too focused on the game to notice whether I’m there or not,’ she teases.
‘I always look for you.’
My comment catches her off guard, and she blinks at me. ‘I’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
Warmth spreads in my chest. I don’t know what it is about her attending my games that gives me some sort of reassurance, but she’s like a confidence boost. Her absence would only distract me and leave me unfocused.
‘I’m going to leave early Saturday morning to head home. Are you coming?’
‘Yeah. Are you staying the night and coming back Sunday?’
‘That’s the plan. Do you know if Rod is going to be there?’ I ask, purposely shifting my gaze to the table as I pack away my things.
‘I believe so, why?’ she asks, looking adorably confused by the question. I never bring up the topic of her stepfather, so it makes sense for her to be thrown by it.
‘Just wondering. Zay suggested getting an Airbnb for the night.’
‘Really?’ she questions, a frown tugging at her lips. ‘Why wouldn’t we just stay with Mum?’
‘Er.’ I shrug. ‘It’s a bit crowded, I guess.’
She looks puzzled for a moment. ‘Um, well, okay then. I suppose, if that’s what you both think.’
‘Might be easier if we’re coming and going, especially if we go out on Saturday night.’
She considers this. ‘Okay. Sure.’
‘I’ll book something cheap and close to town.’
‘Sounds good.’
‘So, how are you dealing with everything?’ I ask, leaning my forearms on the table and clasping my hands together.
She’s quiet for a moment, and I wonder if she is contemplating whether to tell me the truth or not.
‘It’s been difficult,’ she admits. ‘I feel really stupid that I didn’t know it was going on right under my nose.’ Exhaling, she sinks further into the seat, a sad, faraway expression on her face. The urge to wrap my arms around her and protect her from everything is almost overwhelming. If it wasn’t for me and my stupidity, none of this would have happened. If I hadn’t run away, we could have been together. We stillwouldbe together.
‘I don’t miss him. I don’t think I was ever really happy with him,’ she continues. ‘But I miss Phoebe. She was my best friend. We did everything together. She helped me through some really hard times, and for her to betray me like this ...’ Tears fill her eyes, and my heart plummets into my stomach at the sight of it. ‘It just really sucks.’
Collecting her delicate hands in mine, I squeeze them. ‘She doesn’t deserve you or your kindness. Neither of them does.’
‘Well,’ she smiles wearily, sniffling, ‘they have each other now.’
‘Birds of a feather.’
‘Yeah.’
‘Have you spoken to her since?’ I ask, running my thumb up and down the curve in her hand.
‘No. I don’t think she can face me, but I also blocked her on everything.’
‘You know, I never really liked her.’
Anya’s eyebrows rise. ‘What? Since when?’
‘Since always.’ I press my lips into a thin line. ‘She made a pass at me once.’
Anya freezes. Her mouth drops open as she stares at me. ‘Shewhat?’
