I smile, understanding dawning. Little scam artist. “Would you like me to teach you?”
“You’d do that?” she asks in genuine awe.
A laugh bubbles out of me. “If your dad is okay with it, yeah. There’s nothing I’d love more.”
She yawns. “I’d like that.”
“Okay. Why don’t you close your eyes and picture the two of us on the ice, skating in pretty circles?”
“And my daddy?”
I bite down on my lip again. “Yeah, and your daddy.” Those words come out a little harder. But I know JJ wouldn’t miss Avery out on skates, so he’d be there.
“That sounds really fun. Thanks for picking up.”
“Always, Avey girl. You can call me anytime.”
I won’t be someone else who lets her down. “Now go to sleep, sweet girl.”
“Night, Addie.”
“Night, Avey.”
I hang up and am still staring at the dark screen when it lights up and another message appears.
Unknown number: Thanks for calling. It really meant a lot to her.
Me: No problem. But how’d you get my number?
Unknown number: I’ve always had it. Wait, you didn’t know this was me?
I stare at the phone and blow out a breath before making the decision to add him as a contact again.
Me: No, I didn’t have your number.
JJ: It’s the same number I’ve always had.
Me: Oh. Okay.
JJ: You deleted my number?
Me: I guess so.
I don’t guess so. I remember the night I did it very distinctly. Knowing if I didn’t, I’d be tempted to text him. It was before he got married but after she’d announced the engagement. He was no longer mine to text. He’d never really been mine.
Three dots appear, then disappear again and again. Still, I don’t put the phone down. I can’t. It’s an addiction. To what, I don’t know. Whatever it is we’re doing is unhealthy. Just as unhealthy as it was before. And yet here we are again.
JJ: I wish you’d tell me what I did to make you hate me.
I don’t delete his number, but I don’t respond. It’s better this way.
TEN
JJ
“How arethings going with your coach?” Bray leans against the wall waiting while I finish dressing for practice.
I eye him, rolling my socks up. Adeline has managed to avoid being alone with me for almost a week. When I do see her, she’s closed off. Shut down. Making it no fun to push her buttons.
