Page 86 of The Golden Goalie

“It is,” Gunner agrees. “But we’ve got your back.” He puts his hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone.”

“Thanks.”

“You feel like you can sleep now?” Aiden asks.

“Yeah. Thanks for coming; you guys didn’t need to.”

Aiden claps my back. “You’re family.”

I nod and swallow hard. These guys are like brothers to me. “Thanks, Guys.”

When I get back to my room, I shower and then crash in bed. After staring up at the ceiling for a while, I pull out my phone and read her texts to me. I know it’s late, but I send a text anyway.

Me-hey amber, i don’t know what’s going on. i saw the pictures of you with adam. would you please call me or even text me? i just want to know that you’re okay.

I don’t expect to hear anything from her, especially considering it’s one in the morning her time. So when my phone dings, it startles me. I open it quickly, seeing it’s from her.

Amber-no, i'm not okay

Before I can text her, she sends another one.

Amber-please don’t keep contacting me

Amber-for what it’s worth, I’m sorry

I clench my jaw and resist the urge to text her back. I vacillate between anger and worry for her. I'm angry that she keeps trying to take control of the situation and telling me what I can and cannot do. Part of me wants to contact her and tell her just that.The other part of me is worried for her, and I want to do what I can somehow to help. I don’t understand why she’d let him back into her life, not after the way he hurt her. I try to not text back, I really do. But I fail.

Me-i'm not giving up on us. we’re going to figure this out.

Chapter 34

Amber

I cry myself to sleep after Rico’s text and only sleep for a few hours before I’m back and at it again. The next morning, I check my phone. I still have the texts from Bri that I haven’t responded to.Happy Monday.

My mom’s in the kitchen; she must be having a good day. “Morning, Mom.”

She sets down her phone. “Are you with that horrible Adam again?”

I stop. “What are you looking at?”

“I’m looking at these online places.”

I glance over her shoulder. “Mom, Bri and I tell you all the time to stay off those gossip sites.”

“But there are pictures of you with that boy and at his game?” Her eyes meet mine. “I thought you were with Rico.” His name makes my heart hurt all over again.

I look away. “I’m with Adam now.” I turn to leave the kitchen; I’m no longer hungry.

“Where are you going?”

“I have class.” I head back to my room and grab my bag and throw my hair into a braid and head to the front door. “Bye, Mom.”

“Amber, I thought...”

I turn back. “You thought what, Mom?”

“I thought we were past some of this...” she pauses.

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