Page 71 of The Flirty Forward

“Okay. I’ll try calling her next. Thanks, Keith. Give my niece and nephew a kiss for me.”

“Will do. Be safe.”

I hang up and pull up Stephanie’s number. It rings several times before her voice comes across the line. I swallow my disappointment when I realize I’m not going to get to talk to her. I wait for the beep. “Hey, it’s Sebastian. I just wanted to check inwith you. Keith said you said yes to going to my parents’ house for brunch. I’m glad.” I pause. “Listen, Keith also said he thinks you only said yes because you feel guilty. You have nothing to feel guilty about. You saved Kayla’s life. My family and I will forever be grateful. Anyway,” I take a breath. “I hope you’re doing well. I miss you and hope I can see you when I get back.” My voice is quiet, and I feel sad at the emptiness I feel in my chest from missing her. “Take care of yourself. I’ll talk to you soon. Call Aiden’s phone if you need me.” I feel hollow as I hang up, and I rub my chest again. I shouldn’t feel this way. We’re on our way to one of my favorite restaurants after a crushing win; yet all I feel is an ache to see my girl. I think I’m in way over my head.

Chapter 27

Stephanie

The week at school drags, which is both bad and good. It’s bad because I’m having a hard time focusing on teaching. It’s good because each day that passes brings me a day closer to Sunday, the day I agreed to go to Sebastian’s parents’ house. I’m thankful I at least have my car back. I don’t know how Sebastian managed to do it, but my car was delivered sometime early Wednesday morning. That helped me tremendously during the week.

Friday finally comes, and I’m glad Bri’s already planning on having me over. I think I would have begged her at this point; I don’t want to spend all weekend by myself at home. I don’t know what’s gotten into me; it’s never bothered me before.

I show up at her house a little after six with a bag loaded with snacks for the night. I knock, and she lets me in a minute later. “Hey, come on in. Ooo, you brought snacks. I was hoping you would.”

“Have we ever had a get-together without snacks?” I ask.

“Good point.” She closes the door behind me and follows me into the living room where she’s already set us up with pillows and soft blankets, as well as sparkling waters.

“I shouldn’t have gone to the store when I was hungry.” I start pulling snacks out. “I’ve got beef sticks, cheese sticks, bbq Doritos, kettle corn, a veggie tray with hummus dip, and these new veggie crisps I've been dying to try.” Once everything is set out on the coffee table, I kick off my shoes and join her on the couch. “So, what’s the plan for tonight?”

“I pulled up a few movies I thought we might enjoy.” She rattles off a few; I don’t recognize any of them. I’m not much of a movie watcher; I’m more of a reader...hence the author side-gig.

She fiddles around with the controls, pulling up several movies. I pull out a cheese stick and some of the veggie crisps. “When is the game tonight?” I ask casually.

Bri turns towards me immediately. “Why?”

I shrug. “I was just curious.”

She stares at me with her wide eyes, missing nothing. “You want to watch the game?”

“Do you?” I turn the question on her.

“I always want to watch Aiden play; I just felt bad making you watch it because I know you’re not really into hockey all that much.”

“I don’t mind as much as I used to,” I manage to say calmly. A slow smile builds and grows on Bri’s face. And because I know her so well, I know I’m not going to want to hear what she has to say. “Don’t.”

“But—”

“Nope.”

“But you—”

“Bri, don’t.”

“YouwanttowatchSebastianplay!” She manages to say it all in one breath.

I sigh, trying to decide if I want to do this tonight. “You know what? It’s been a long week. Fine. You’re right. I want to watch Sebastian play. I miss him. All right? Is that what you want to hear?”

Bri stares at me, wide-eyed. “I can’t believe you just admitted that.”

I grab a pillow and pull it close to my chest. “Me neither.”

Her face falls. “Stephanie, what’s going on? I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have pushed,” she says gently as she sits next to me.

“I don’t even know. I’m a mess. I don’t know what’s the matter with me. I’ve never been like this before. I’ve never minded going home to my empty house before; now it’s too quiet. I feel lost and completely unsettled.” I stand to my feet, needing to move. “I think I’m hormonal or maybe I need to cut out caffeine. I just feel so off.” I wring my hands. “Why do I feel this way? What’s wrong with me?”

“You’re in love.”

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