Page 42 of Risking the Pucking Defense

Instead, I focus on my friends. On Bea’s pregnancy tales, Sutton’s hilarious stories about school and her future husband, Adrian. Casey talks about Coach and the things he’s told her he has planned for us. It’s all so normal, everything I need.

Of course, the huge, gaping hole in my heart is still there, but the pain has eased a little.

“I need to pee. Anyone fancy escorting me?” Bea asks, climbing to her feet.

“I’ll go,” I say, mindlessly reaching for my cell before hopping to my feet and catching up with her.

When I glance back, I find Rett watching us.

He catches my eye and nods, silently telling me to take care of his girl.

I nod back in agreement.

Bea’s been checking in on me daily, and I know she’s the one behind the care packages I’ve been receiving every day since I got home.

Rett is really fucking lucky to have found her.

“You’re looking good today,” Bea says once we’re away from the group. “How are you feeling?”

“It’s been a good day,’ I say honestly. “I should have told them all sooner.”

“It doesn’t matter now. They know, and they’re here for you.”

“Yeah,” I muse.

“What? What’s wrong?”

I shake my head, unsure what to say. “I…” I trail off. “Thank you for all the deliveries.”

Bea tries to hide her smile, but she fails. “You’re welcome,” she mumbles. “I hate that you’re hurting, and I want to help.”

“You are. You all are.”

She pulls me in for a quick hug before darting into the bathroom. I make the most of the facilities, and I lean my ass against the wall outside the restrooms as I wait for her.

Despite knowing I shouldn’t look, I pull my cell from my pocket and wake it up.

My heart sinks.

She hasn’t replied.

But I discover the second I unlock my cell that she’s read it. Disappointment and embarrassment crashes into me.

12

HAILEE

My heart lurches the second I see Hayden’s name flash on my screen.

It’s the first time I’ve heard from him since he dropped me off on Sunday.

Honestly, I’m amazed. I really thought he was going to be in my messages much sooner, even if it was just to say thank you again.

Was I disappointed when I crawled into bed that night without hearing from him?

I’d be lying if I said no.

But it’s been five days. Seeing his name shouldn’t make me second-guess opening it.