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Damn.

I’d had my texts coming in on my screen to ensure I didn’t miss anything as I worked to stay in touch with clients and staff the past few days.

I miss you.

He’d sent that at least once a day, and sometimes he’d send other news too.

Given the time, he was probably still at the arena and in the locker room. I’d kept up with the game—another win for the team, including a goal for Kyle.

God, I missed him. Missed how I felt around him.

I’d needed the break to focus though. I couldn’t allow myself to get swept up again.

My heart took over and replied even while the work-obsessed side said not to.

I miss you too.I’m sorry I disappeared.

Three dots instantly appeared, and I waited for the words to come back.

OMG! It’s so good to hear from you. I thought you might never speak to me again. Where are you?

Talking over text made this an easier conversation.

About ninety minutes out from Detroit. Flying home from NYC.

I imagined Kyle in front of his locker, sitting on the bench, fresh out of the shower and wrapped in a towel as droplets of water cascaded down his chest.

Good trip? I hit the road tomorrow for a couple days, which you probably know. Want to come over after you land? Love to see you.

You played good tonight. Congrats on the goal. I added the hockey stick and net emojis while avoiding his invitation and question about the trip.

Thanks. Want to contribute here as long as I can.

Crap. He must be resigned to the idea at this point. He’d told me the latest from his agent before I’d left on this trip.

I’d been a shit boyfriend. I’d done nothing to reach out, see how he was, how his family was. Forget being a boyfriend, I didn’t act like a good friend. Period.

Keep it up. Your biggest fan appreciates it.

My lame response got me a simple smile emoji back.

Then he launched into something longer. The dots kept going. Sometimes they’d disappear for a moment and then start again. I waited him out.

Did I do something wrong? You’ve been quiet for days. I probably shouldn’t do this over text but the silence freaked me out. We had such a good night. Can we at least talk? I’d like to figure out what we are before the trade actually happens. If you still think there’s an us. You know I’ll be up for a few hours coming off the game and honestly I can sleep on the trip tomorrow. If you don’t want to come over, meet up for a late night breakfast?

Fuck.

I’d really done a number on him. I didn’t realize that behind all the simple hello texts he felt like this. More to beat myself up about alongside everything else.

Did I put myself out there for him tonight or did I defer until he got back? That would only buy me three or four days since it was only two East Coast games.

I owed both of us to make it tonight.

Late breakfast sounds good. I can come directly to your place if you want.

Cool! Look forward to seeing you. I’ll whip up pancakes using my mom’s recipe so they’ll be hella good. Spoiler alert: there’s bacon inside. See you in a couple hours or so.

Bacon infused pancakes. Well damn.