I lift my hand and he flinches, but he doesn’t pull away as I press my palm against his cheek. “I’m sorry, Stephen. I’m so sorry.”
It’s all I can offer, though it’s not enough.
For a fraction of a second, his eyes soften. My heart clenches in my chest, and I hold my breath, waiting for whatever’s about to come out of his mouth next.
Please forgive me, baby.
I didn’t mean to do this.
Can’t you see that?
Don’t you see me?
Without a word, his arm cocks back and he punches me again. “For someone who tries so hard to not be like your father, you’re sure following right in his footsteps.”
Betrayal pierces my heart like an arrow. His words wound me more than his fists ever could.
I wipe my lip with the back of my hand, and blood smears across my skin.
Presley’s shoulders shake as she cries.
This is all because of me.
All I do is cause problems and pain.
I let my eyes roam over the two loves of my life one last time before I turn and walk back to my car.
Leaving my bloody heart at their feet.
First Rival Game After Graduating College
I can feelhim before I spot him warming up across the rink.
It’s like my body picks up a frequency only he emits. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up; my skin buzzes; my heart thumps a furious rhythm against my chest.
I watch Stephen as he glides around, laughing with his teammates, and engaging with the crowd. The charismatic showman.
He looks happy. He should. He deserves to be.
Then he spots me, and his smile falls. I told myself I’d be fine tonight. I told myself I’d be able to act like I don’t miss the two of them every second that I’m awake, and dream of them every time I close my eyes. I told myself it’s just one game. I can survive one game.
But everything rushes at me in the instant we lock eyes; the memories, the tender moments, the laughs.
I blame Presley for breaking us. How could we beuswithout her? How could we go back to two when three was what set us on fire? But I can’t deny that I pushed Stephen away and made sure whatever we had left was destroyed. Not only did I lose the only two people I’ve ever loved, but I lost a man who had my back no matter what. I lost my best friend.
And it’s my fault. It always is.
Echoes of our last conversation on graduation night haunt me as I’m hit with Stephen’s cold stare.
“We can stay together,” Stephen pleads. “We can figure out where Presley went, and find out what happened. We don’t have to end this.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “She left us, Stephen. She made a choice. And I’m not going to let you settle for me when we both know you were happiest with her here.”
“Being with you isn’t settling.” He steps closer to me and takes my hand, unclenching my fist and pressing my palm to his face. “I love you. I don’t want to lose you.”
Emotion strangles me, lodging itself in my throat like a boulder.
“I love you,” he repeats. “We can figure this out together.”