Page 73 of Broken

“Why would I? I dumped Zane months ago. It’s over. In fact, it’s a relief that he’s going out with someone else. I couldn’t think of anyone better.” I flashed her a smile and pulled my arm from her grip, leaving her confused in the middle of the bathroom.

Itwasa relief to hear that Zane was going out with someone else, but the longer I thought about it, the more nervous it made me. He hadn’t picked just anyone, and I was a little nervous to know what he might be playing at.

Forcing it from my mind, I tried to watch the game, but it was hard, my paranoia about Tucker kicking in full force when he walked right past me after the game, disappearing back into the locker rooms without another word.

I schooled my features, doing everything I could not to let myself cry.

TUCKER

“Hey! Tuckman!” Noah called out after the game when Mateo and I came out of the locker rooms. He was standing around with the rest of the guys, and I was pleased as ever-loving fuck to see that Jet was leveling me with a look.

“Hey, man. Guys.” I gave them all fist bumps as I walked up.

“Awesome game.” Corey grinned up at me. “I still can’t believe how balls out you are on that court. The rest of them better make way. And you had some awesome shots, too,” he added, turning to Mateo.

“Yeah, I got skill.” Mateo acted like he was dusting off his shoulder, and I gave a mental eye roll. He could be so over the top.

“So, bro, we were talking about grabbing a bite over at Bob’s Diner. Just us guys. You game?” Kyle cut in.

I hesitated, but Jet answered.

“How about we meet up with y’all there? Gotta go check in with the girlfriends. Make sure they have a ride home.”

“Oh, you think their whips will reach all the way over here?” Kyle laughed.

“Fuck off.” Jet shook his head.

“Alright, see y’all later.” Noah smirked with the rest of the guys as they headed toward the parking lot.

“Thanks, man. I wanna go out, but I really need to talk to Izzy first.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “She’s still here?”

“Yeah.”

“Shit. What?” I said at his tone, at the look he was still giving me.

“Nothing. You know what.”

I winced. “I take it she told you?”

“That you still won’t talk to her? Yeah, man. I know you’re trying to work through stuff in your head, but icing her out for three days?” He shook his head. “That’s not right.”

Fuck. When he puts it that way…

“Where is she?”

“Outside with Annie. I asked them to wait. Y’allneedto talk.”

“I know. I know.” I gripped the back of my neck. “Shit. I fucked up pretty good this time, huh?”

“Ya think?”

Jet shook his head in disgust. “I know the relationship thing is new to you…but take it from someone who’s been in one for almost five years. Youcan’tshut her out. You’re messing with her head, man, and while Igetthat you’re trying to process a lot, that’s ourbest friendin there that’s trying not to cry.” I winced as Jet started to walk off. “Now, fix it. And meet me at my car when you’re done.”

The clunk of the metal door being thrown open echoed in the mostly empty gym, and I followed. Because Jet was right. I had to suck it up. Izzy deserved better.

A cool, late November breeze blew over me as I stepped outside, and I found Izzy waiting for me against the wall of the gym. I went to her, and she looked up, the soft wind that was blowing making the wisps of hair around her face brush gently against her skin. Her soft features were highlighted by the parking lot lights, so much beauty in her solemn stance. I watched her timid movements, the way her shoulders slumped and her fingers fidgeted on the strap of her dance team bag. The way her gaze couldn’t quite meet mine. There was so much sadness in her eyes.

My heart ached as I watched her. It suddenly didn’t matter what my own fears and doubts were. Nothing I was feeling should have ever led to me making her feel this way.

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