Page 82 of Revenge Puck

Elle

“So, I’m glad things aren’t weird between us, after last night when we met and because of Christian,” I tell Maya while Preston has stepped outside to talk to his agent.

“Of course not. I don’t waste my time on thinking about that jerk anymore.”

“Were you together long?” I ask.

“We only dated a few times. Nothing serious, but I thought I was special.”

“I know the feeling. He apparently has that effect on women.”

“Yeah, and I found out the hard way. His first reaction to me telling him I was pregnant was to ask if I had been screwing around with any frat boys on campus.” She rolls her eyes. “He was my first. The only guy I’ve ever been with.”

“Ever?” I repeat, since it sounds like she means even now he’s the only one.

“Dating as a single mother isn’t easy. Or maybe I’m just too scared to put myself out there again and get hurt.”

“I’m sorry he hurt you, and that you have to raise Finley without his support.”

“It’s fine. Preston is twice the man Christian is. My brother is the only person I’ve ever been able to count on.”

“He’s a good man. I’m really glad that I met him, even if it was under unusual circumstances.”

“I’m glad you two met. It’s nice to have a female to talk to around here. I hang out with some of the other moms at Finley’s preschool sometimes, mostly at kids’ birthday parties or school events, but they’re nothing like me. They’re older with husbands and careers, while I don’t have either. I don’t have anything in common with them except a son, and I think they look down on me for being single. As if only married couples should have the right to have children. Finley is my entire world. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life, despite what those snobs all think.”

“That sounds awful. Maybe they’re just jealous of you.”

“Yeah, right,” she says with a soft laugh.

“Seriously, Maya. You’re young and beautiful without any restraints, other than raising a son. You don’t have to go to a job you hate, or deal with marital issues, cheating husbands, or whatever else. You’re lucky enough to have a sweet boy, while they’re all probably raising hellions.”

“Thanks, Elle. I never really thought about it that way. I shouldn’t envy them, not when they’re probably not happy. I am, though.”

“That’s good.”

“I get lonely sometimes, but I’m always happy to get out of bed every morning to spend as much time as possible with my amazing son and my super talented brother.”

“That’s all that really matters,” I agree with a smile.

“Soo,” she drawls. “What’s going to happen with you and Preston after the last championship game?”

Shrugging, I tell her the truth. “I don’t know yet. Preston is still waiting to hear about whether his contract will be extended. That’s probably what he’s talking to his agent about now, so until he knows for sure…”

Maya holds up her palm to stop me. “Wait, what? Are you saying that Preston’s contract with the Warhawks is in limbo?”

Oh crap.

“You…you didn’t know he hasn’t received a contract extension yet? Shit. I’m so sorry, Maya. I shouldn’t have mentioned that. Please don’t tell him. He’ll be furious.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?” she huffs. “This affects my life too!”

“I’m sure there’s a good reason. He probably didn’t want to worry you until he knew for sure if he has to relocate.”

“Preston!” Maya jumps up from the sofa and yells so loudly I wince but follow her.

Apparently, she was so loud he could even hear her from outside because Preston appears in the doorway a moment later, his phone still in his hand, looking back and forth between us with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m so, so sorry. I didn’t know that Maya didn’t know,” I tell him.

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