“Of course, they’ll go through with it. Your brother is head over heels for Chloe.”
“Yeah, it’s not her I’m worried about screwing it up,” I joke. Honestly, I know my brother would gnaw off a limb before doing anything to sabotage his relationship with Chloe. And she’s awesome, so I get it. I’m happy for them.
“Oh, hush. Your brother is doing great. I’m proud of both my boys. I’m really glad you called. The house is still lonely without you. Especially at night.”
I yawn and she laughs in my ear. “Get some sleep, honey. I’ll call you this week.”
“Okay, sounds great, Mom.”
“I love you.”
I try not to react to the word, but my muscles tighten, waiting for the thing that comes next… which used to be disappointment. It doesn’t come, but it’s too many years of hurt built up. I don’t know if there’ll ever be a day it doesn’t fill me with a sense of dread coming from her lips. Or a day I’ll be able to say it to her or Ginny or anyone else. “Thanks, Mom.”
Sunday I’m practically glued to my phone waiting to hear from Ginny. I texted her as soon as I woke up, but by mid-afternoon, I’m starting to worry she’s blowing me off.
“Give me your phone,” Maverick prompts and holds out his hand.
“No way.”
“Payne, give me the fucking phone before you do something stupid.”
“Why can’t I text her again?”
“Because it’s pathetic,” Rauthruss says.
“That’s really something coming from you. You’re on your phone constantly with Carrie.”
“Yeah, but she wants to talk to me.”
Ouch, but okay, point made. I place my phone in Mav’s palm and not two seconds later, her name flashes on the screen. I swipe it back with a giant smile on my face.
“And?” Mav asks.
“She’s been at the theater all day. Apparently they asked her to do the makeup for Reagan and a few other girls at the show today.”
“Oh, right.” Adam’s in the kitchen making food. “Yeah, I think I heard them talking about that last night. Reagan looked as hot as she always does, but I guess it was too subtle for the stage or the lights or, fuck, I don’t know.”
“You’re just telling me this now?”
“I didn’t think of it until now.”
I take my phone into my bedroom and dial Ginny.
“Hey,” she answers, sounding out of breath. “I’m just now heading back to my dorm. Sorry about that. I didn’t realize that I’d need to stay through the whole performance.”
“Stage makeup, huh?”
“Yeah, they even offered me a job for future performances.”
“That’s great, Ginny. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. So, today was kind of a bust. I need to shower and then head to the library. I have a group meeting for one of my classes. I’m not sure when it’ll be done. Can we talk tomorrow?”
Tomorrow. Shit, that sounds so far away. “Breakfast?”
“Yeah, I’ll meet you at our usual time.”
“So,” Mav starts as we’re walking into the dining hall. “Which one did you decide to go with?”
“What are you talking about?” I scan the room for Ginny.
“Which big gesture is next? Rent out a theater? Dinner?”
“I decided to go with something that’s more… me.”
“You?”
I slap Mav on the back. “Yeah, but it’s not because I didn’t enjoy your suggestions. You save those for when you find the perfect girl and screw it up.”
“Good luck, buddy.” He gets in line for food.
I don’t see Ginny yet, so I head to the back where I find Brenda. She smiles when she spots me.
“How’s my favorite lunch lady?”
She snorts. Brenda is the no-nonsense lady who manages the dining hall. I won her over last year. It started with a lot of flattery. Much deserved flattery. She works hard to keep us fed and I appreciate that more than most people. Then I got to know her a little and found out she’s a huge hockey fan.
“Sam and the kids good?”
She softens at the mention of her husband and children. “Matty is graduating high school this year, and Sophia is all about boys, God help us all.”
She hands me a tray and quirks a brow. “Coach Meyers approve of this?”
“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” I wink. “Thanks, Brenda. I owe you.”
“Mhmm. How about paying me back with another win next weekend?” she calls as I walk off.
My steps are light as I head to my usual table. Ginny waits, looking around for me. When she spots me, a shy smile tips up the corners of her lips. Aaand, I’m suddenly really nervous.
“Hey,” she says tentatively. She looks as anxious as I feel.
I’d planned to say a lot of things, but fuck words. I drop the tray on the table, frame her face with both hands, and bring my lips to hers. She lets out a yelp of surprise, but then her body melts and she kisses me back. I’ve missed her so much. Not just this. Her.
I don’t want to stop kissing her, but the sound of people bustling around us going about their usual morning routines makes me pull back. That and I know there are things she needs to hear.
“I missed you so damn much, baby doll.”
“Same.”
“And I’m really sorry.”
“I know you are.”
I sit and guide her to take the seat beside me. “I want to explain, but I’m sure I’m going to say it all wrong.” I blow out a breath. The way she watches me, willing to hear me out even when I know I’ve hurt her, pushes me forward.
“The other night was six years of frustration coming out at once, but it shouldn’t have been you I was saying all that to. For a big part of my childhood, my mom used the words like a Band-Aid. Every time I took care of something for her—paid the bills or made dinner—the repayment
