Page 4 of Pucking Forbidden

At last, my phone buzzes with his reply.

Julian: Then why are you still there?

I blink, a little caught off guard by the blunt question, but then I remind myself that this isn’t just anyone I’m talking to. This is Julian, the most straightforward person I know. Still, I’m momentarily at a loss for words. How do I even begin to explain how complicated things are?

Dad pays for everything. School, my housing…my entire life. I’m completely dependent on him, and I’m not an idiot. Only twenty, with no degree and no extensive work experience, I wouldn’t make it on my own. Not yet. As much as I hate to admit it, walking away from my dad, his support, and the security he provides me would put more than my education at risk.

Swallowing, I type out:

Hadley: It’s complicated.

What a lame response. What a cop-out.

Julian: I understand complicated. Don’t worry. I believe in you, Hads. You’ll figure shit out.

Sudden tears spring to my eyes, and I quickly blink them away. He has such easy confidence in me. Dad always says he has confidence in me, but if that were actually true, he’d let me make my own decisions and plan my own future. Julian trusts me to know my own mind, and it makes me realize just how much I’ve wanted someone to do that.

Hadley: Well, if worst comes to worst, I could always drop out and become a lollipop lady.

Julian: What the fuck is a lollipop lady?

I giggle, imagining his brow scrunched up in confusion.

Hadley: That’s what they call crossing guards over here. Women crossing guards, anyway.

Julian: What kind of Willy Wonka bullshit is that?

Hadley: I think it’s charming.

Julian: I thought you hated it there.

Hadley: I hate being here for school, but England’s cool. Takes some adjusting. Did you know they call eggplants aubergines?

Julian: Well, that explains the American Revolution, doesn’t it?

That makes me laugh. I didn’t expect him to be so funny when we first met. He seemed like the kind of guy that only ever snarled and grumbled under his breath…like Wolverine from X–Men. He’s actually pretty hilarious in a kind of sneaky way…also like Wolverine.

Hadley: Lol, it was the aubergines!

Julian: Makes so much sense.

Hadley: You’re ridiculous

Julian: Don’t tell anyone. I’ve got a rep to protect.

I’m grinning from ear-to-ear now, feeling almost giddy. Julian has that effect on me, and it’s a relief to have a few moments where I don’t feel like I’m drowning.

Hadley: How are things going for you? Feeling good about the new season?

Julian: Feeling solid. The team hit its stride, and I think we could make a third attempt at the cup.

Hadley: Damn, that would be impressive. Grandpa would lose his mind if you guys pulled that off.

Julian: Yeah, pretty sure he wouldn’t be the only one.

Pretty sure all of Colorado would go crazy.

Hadley: It’s your birthday this weekend, right? Any big plans?