“Mm, is it, though? Because if you were as happy to see me as you claimed to be, you would be smiling at me. Maybe even getting up to hug me.” She lifted the sunglasses she wore to look me in the eye. “What’s his name?”
I snorted. “What makes you so sure it’s a boy?”
“Because, little brother, I know you. I know that you’re sitting here pretending to be something you’re not. And Dad might have told me there’s a certain someone living next door who has your heart twisted into parts and pieces.” Hazel raised her brows. “Do I need to go talk some sense into this guy or what? Because you know I will.” She slapped her fist against her palm.
I slipped into the lake and dunked my head in the cool water. When I popped back up, Hazel was staring at me.
“You remember that summer? The one when I was sixteen and I fell for that boy from Boston?”
Hazel nodded. “You were a mess for months.”
“Well, it’s him. Cole Whitaker. His dads bought the house next door, and well, we’ve reconnected.” I dragged a hand through my wet hair.
My sister sighed. “You’re in love with him.”
“I’m not—” I stared at her in surprise. Was I in love with Cole? Was that possible? It seemed too much, too soon. Too fucking crazy.
She raised her hand. “It’s written all over your pretty face. It doesn’t matter that you haven’t seen or spoken to him in years. It’s more than obvious that you fell for Cole when you were kids, barely even the legal age to drive a car. If you like him—hell, if you love him—then you need to tell him to his face.”
“Are you telling me or yourself?” I splashed water at her, and she squealed with laughter. “What’s his name?” When Hazel didn’t answer, I pulled myself back up onto the dock. “Hazy, what’s his name?”
Hazel flipped her glasses back down onto her face. “Who said it was a he?”
“Hazel Kelly!” I gasped. “Are you telling me it’s a girl? And you didn’t tell me? I need all the deets. Who is she? When did you meet her? Do you love her? Does she love you? Oh, I need to hear all about this girl so I can decide if she’s good enough for you.”
Hazel gave me a faint smile. “She doesn’t feel the same. She already told me.”
“That she doesn’t love you? She’s fucking crazy. She doesn’t deserve you!” I exclaimed. “Don’t just let her get away. Prove to her that she’s the one.”
Hazel shook her head. “This isn’t about me. I’m here for you.”
“And I appreciate that, but if you want to help me, I want to help you.” I kicked at the water beneath my feet.
Hazel shrugged. “Being here helps me. I think I need to be with you, Mom, Dad, and the other two spawns for a while. And help you get your man.” She dragged her toe through the lake. “When do I get to meet him?”
“I don’t know. We’re supposed to hang out tomorrow night, but I haven’t heard a word from him at all today. I’m starting to think he’s changed his mind. Or just likes me as a friend.” I glanced up at the clear blue sky. Those words tasted bitter on my tongue.
Hazel nudged my side. “You could reach out to him. Tell him you’re thinking about him.”
“I don’t think so.” The thought made me sick to my stomach. “Back at school, that’s different. The guys I’ve been...I couldn’t see a future with them. Cole’s...Cole’s special.”
Hazel hummed softly. “I get that.”
We sat in silence for a while until it felt like the sun was baking me from the outside in. And when we finally went into the house, I found a text message from Cole that made me smile so hard I thought my face would crack into two pieces. Maybe things would work out the way I wanted for once.
Chapter Seven
Cole
Icould barely control my excitement. I got up at the crack of dawn the next morning, Monster energy drink in hand, and drove to the Carolina Panthers stadium. When Jackson asked me if I wanted to come and play some hockey with him and some of the other players, I nearly cried with happiness. This was what dreams were made of. Getting actual ice time with Wyatt Murray and Tom Olson? Sign me up! Yes, please! Jackson was waiting for me when I pulled into the parking lot, a smile on his face and Maverick by his side.
“Good morning.” Jackson gave me a side hug, then Maverick moved in to grab me tightly. “Find the place okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, sure, it was pretty easy.” I didn’t want to mention that I had been up an hour before I needed to be. Searching my maps app, making sure I didn’t get lost and embarrass myself.
“Here.” Maverick thrust a shaker bottle at me. “Don’t look at me like that, Cole. I make them for the boys all the time. I call it the banana split. You’re going to need it for the workout you’re going to get today.”
I took a tentative sip and nearly moaned as the flavor hit my taste buds. Banana, coconut, and pineapple exploded against my tongue. “Okay, wow, can you make this for me every morning? This slaps.” I grinned.