Page 97 of Match Penalty

He let me win, sacrificing everything he ever wanted, and then walked away because he thought it was best for me. Just like he did for Angelica—always protecting others he cares about before himself.

A sharp knock interrupts my thoughts, and Brynn bursts in with Penelope right behind her, both still in their workout clothes. Brynn's carrying coffee while Penelope clutches what looks like a file folder.

"You're really doing this?" Brynn asks, setting a coffee cup on my counter. "Going after him?"

"I have to." I stuff my phone charger into the bag. "After everything Angelica told me about what happened that night in San Diego…"

"What happened in San Diego?" Penelope asks, her eyes bulging with new information.

I bite on my lip, realizing that I have a year and a half to hold onto this secret now, too. "Sorry, I can't say. I was sworn to secrecy. It's practically a blood oath, but it connected all the dots for me and explained everything and why he left that night."

I pause, holding JP's note from his apartment. "He thinks he's protecting me by leaving. Just like he protected Angelica. But I don't need protection—I need him."

"Seven's going to lose it when he finds out you're chasing after JP," Brynn warns.

"Dad's part of why JP left in the first place," I say, zipping my bag closed. "That bet he made with JP is why I'm packing a bag to find him."

"That bet we'll get to when you get back," Penelope says with a stern lifted brow. "Coach Haynes wasn't happy with Seven when he found out the real reason JP left last night. Hopefully, you can get JP back before Everett finds out about all of this. Everett has been very vocal about making JP a franchise player. He wants us to sign him right away."

"Then I guess I have my work cut out for me," I say, zipping up my bag.

Brynn steps forward, her expression serious. "Your dad was trying to protect you. Try not to be too hard on him, okay?"

I nod. "I know. But I'm done letting other people decide what's best for me—JP or my father."

Brynn rubs my arm. "I know you are. And what about Thanksgiving? It's in two days."

"I'll be there," I promise, though my voice wavers slightly. "With or without JP. But I have to try."

"Your Dad is counting on you being in Minnesota with us," Brynn reminds me. "It's our first holiday with the Wrenley family back together and though he won't say it, I think your dad needs you as a buffer."

I chuckle. "I know." I shoulder my bag. "I'll text my mom and grandma that I'll be there Thursday. I just... I have to do this first."

They walk me to the door, and Brynn pulls me into a tight hug. "Go get him."

The airport bustles with early morning travelers, but I barely notice them. My mind is focused on JP, on everything I need to tell him. About knowing the truth about San Diego. About understanding why he protected Angelica. About how he doesn't need to protect me from himself.

As I move through the terminal, I pull out his note one last time.You're going to do amazing things, and I don't want to be the reason you don't, it reads.

No, JP. We’ll do amazing things together. And I'm going to prove it.

The airport terminal buzzes, people’s excited chatter a stark contrast to the knot in my stomach. As I wait in the security line, my phone vibrates.

Coach Haynes:Just spoke with Coach Miller at the farm team. Thought you should know—JP's spot here is still his if he wants it. I've got paperwork to sign him with the team, officially.

My heart skips. I type back quickly.

Me:What do you mean?

Coach Haynes:Never officially processed the transfer. Called in a favor with Miller instead. He owes Slade Matthews from when Slade played for them. Said JP could come up and skate with them for a week or two until he "comes to his senses."

Relief floods through me. JP hasn't lost his spot. He hasn't thrown everything away yet.

Me:Thank you. When does he start?

Coach Haynes:Morning skate. 9 a.m. Miller's expecting him.

Coach Haynes:Cammy? Bring our goalie home.

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