Page 111 of For the Win

“For...?”

“I don’t know.”

“Call him.”

“I just said I don’t want to be a distraction.He’s in Vancouver.At least it’s not a do-or-die situation for them, but it is for Vancouver, so I’m sure they’ll be fighting hard.”

“Don’t leave him hanging.”

Slowly, I move my head up and down.“You’re right.I’ll text him.I need to think about what to say.”

We hang out at the Golden Fish for a while, and I drink way too many Mexican Mules and try to smile when Indigo and Arlo and Ziggy join us.Inside I’m cold and weary, with an uncomfortable heaviness in my chest.

When we get home, I make myself some tranquility tea, and holding my mug, I sit cross-legged on my bed, my phone in front of me.

I still don’t know exactly what to say.As usual, though, just being honest is the best thing, painful as it is.

I finish my tea, then tap in my message and read it about ten times.Then I send it.

24

HARRISON

Landon looksafter our travel arrangements, hotels, and meals all year long, but during the playoffs it’s even more important that everything is taken care of for us.We’re super spoiled arriving in Vancouver, being whisked to our hotel and checked in and not having to worry about bags or gear or lost reservations.

It’s also great that we’re in the same time zone.It can really mess you up, flying across the country and having to deal with a two- or three-hour time difference.

Our bus takes us to the Rogers Arena for a practice, then back to the hotel.A bunch of us go out for a walk before the team dinner.From our hotel, we can walk to Gastown.The weather is cool and damp, the area is bustling with people.We pass bars and restaurants and funky shops, meander the brick pavement of Maple Tree Square past the statue of the man this neighborhood is named for, “Gassy Jack” Deighton, and move on to the famous clock.

I don’t really hear what the guys are yammering about as we walk to the restaurant we’re meeting at for dinner, Boucher.The restaurant is kind of industrial-chic, with low lights, lots of brick, and exposed ducts.It seems appropriate to order the salmon, even though I’m not hungry at all, a cold lump amassing in my stomach.

I force myself to eat some of the salmon.I’m only drinking water tonight, and the waiter keeps refilling my glass as I guzzle it down.

Everyone’s finished dinner and chilling when my phone vibrates.I pull it out to check it.I have a text.From Arya.

Finally.

My heart bumps in my chest.I stare at my phone, then tap the icon for the message.

It’s long.My eyes skim over it and I force myself to slow down and read it all from the beginning.

Hi Harrison.I got your voice mails.I don’t want to bother you when you’re away and I know it’s a big game tomorrow but I wanted to let you know I got your voice mails and you don’t have to apologize.I’m okay and don’t let what happened with us interfere with the playoffs.I watched the win last night, congrats.I’ll be cheering for you tomorrow.I know things worked out for the best with us.What happened to me was terrible and I’m working on getting past it but I know it’s a lot for other people to deal with.I understand.Going out with you was scary for me, because you’re the first guy I’ve wanted to go out with since Lucas, but I wanted to be brave and take the risk.I’ve learned that fear means I’m doing something that matters, and even though things didn’t work out, I know I’m stronger because of it.So thank you and good luck.

I read it again.And again.

“Harry’s picking up the tab for all of us tonight.”

My head snaps up to stare at Bergie.“What?”

He grins.“What the hell, man?Pay attention.”

“Sorry.Just got a text.”

“Ah.The future wife.”

I haven’t said anything about what happened, because it’s embarrassing that I’m such an idiot, plus I know Arya wouldn’t want me telling the guys about her stalker.

Going out with me was scary for her, but she wanted to take the risk.

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