I turn, expecting to see a friend or acquaintance.
But no one is looking at me—more like they are looking but pretending not to.
That’s when I figure it out—they’re talking about me.
Oh shit.
Declan and I.
Rumors of our breakup have been circulating for the last few days. I knew it was only a matter of time before they figured it out.
Instead of going for my usual coffee, I decide now is a good time to save some money and make my own at home.
I’m rushing toward the parking lot and run into Ashton.
“Why, God, why? What the hell did I do?” I mutter and pretend I don’t see him, but it’s too late. We make eye contact.
He doesn't say anything right away.
"Hey," I say.
"Hey." He nods. "You got a minute?"
I almost say I don't. I could tell him I have to be somewhere. But Ashton has never been anything but decent to me, through everything. Through all the back-and-forth and the drama and the times when taking my side probably cost him something with Declan. I can't lie to his face.
"Yeah," I say. "Sure."
“Come on, I’ll buy you a coffee. I know it’s afternoon coffee time.
I smile. “It is. I was going to go home and make some.”
“Nah. I’ll buy you your favorite.”
“People are talking,” I say.
I don’t have to get specific. He knows.
We order and walk away from the crowded quad.
"He's not sleeping," Ashton says. "Like, at all. Holden says he can hear him at two or three in the morning. Walking around." He looks at the floor, then back at me. "He's not eating much either. Which, if you know Declan, that’s not normal."
I sigh.
"He's skating recklessly. Not out of control, but he’s just all over the ice. He’s skating like he’s twelve and never played before." He pauses and takes a drink. "Like he's not protecting himself the way he normally would. Coach pulled him aside after Tuesday."
Something tightens in my chest. I breathe through it.
"I'm not telling you this so you'll take it back," Ashton says, quickly, like he anticipated the way my expression shifted. "I'm not here to guilt you into anything. You made your call. That's your choice. Your life."
He stops walking and turns to face me. "I get it, actually. I understand why you did it."
"I still love him, Ashton.”
“I know you do, and you know how I feel about the situation. I wish there were a magic solution, but we both know that’s not how life works.”
“Did he get an offer?” I ask quietly.
“Not yet.”
