But moving on doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy making him regret breaking my heart.
Because I have moved on…haven’t I?
I can do this… I can do this. I chant on repeat, hoping my heart will adopt the same mindset as we walk up the driveway. As we pass a familiar blacked-out pickup truck, my heart begins to race faster.
We can hear the low bass of whatever Graham’s newest obsessive song is playing from outside the house. The steady beat does nothing to calm my nerves.
Carter lightly squeezes my hand, drawing my attention to him as we approach the stairs. My stomach churns with every step.
“You look gorgeous tonight, B,” he says with a soft smile.
“Thank you,” I reply sheepishly. I look down, assessing my outfit choice for what feels like the tenth time. After ripping through my closet and Bellamy’s, we landed on a pair of cut-offs, a tube top, and a pair of Bell’s cowboy boots, with my hair styled in loose waves. I feel good, confident even…especially with the tan I’m sporting.
We step through the front door, and I am immediately surprised by the size of the crowd. Leaning over to Bell, I whisper-shout, “I thought this was supposed to be a small thing.”
“Shit, I thought so too!” she laughs back, then grabs my hand. “Come on, I see Mav over by the kitchen.”
I mouth to Carter,follow meas Bellamy grabs my hand and leads us through the crowd. But as we step into the kitchen, I feel as if the wind has been knocked out of me.
Well, here goes nothing.
Four
Ishould be downstairs partying, but instead, I’m trying to get my shit together after dropping that note off at Berkley’s. I eye the playbook on my nightstand, wanting to torture myself further, but I leave it where it sits.
Fuck, I have to reel in it before our first game next weekend.
But she was right there…just a few feet away. A door was the only thing keeping me from seeing her. And now I have this unsettling need to lay my eyes on her. After Maverick told me earlier that Bellamy said she was coming solo, I’m even more upset I didn’t get to see her there.
I pull on a fresh pair of joggers, not feeling like getting dressed up tonight. When I pick up my phone, I notice a notification. My buddy, Greyson, who I used to work summers with in Nori Beach, texted me.
Greyson
I’ll be the one in the stands on Saturday, internally cheering for you.
I smile for what feels like the first time today at the image of my broody friend in the stands on Saturday. No doubt his girl will be there, too. They live about thirty minutes away on the outskirts of Richmond Hills.
Me
Glad to know I’ll have at least one fangirl in the crowd.
Me
BUT seriously, I’m happy you’ll be there. If we win, y’all should come over to The Wolves Den for the after party.
Greyson
Sounds lit. I’ll talk to Lottie.
Greyson
I know you are busy, but if you ever want a break from college life, you’re welcome out at the house anytime.
He’s reading between the lines. We haven’t talked much during my time in Texas, but his girl and Berkley have remained good friends, per Lottie’s Instagram. And besides Graham and my dad, he was the only other person who called me out, knowing there was more to me breaking up with Berkley than I had led on.
Me
Thanks brother. I might take you up on that sooner rather than later.