Page 17 of Our Little Moments

Derek keeps going, “I mean that you’ve always been honest, Stella. I’ve been your friend for eight years. I know that you’re hardworking as fuck. You don’t give up on anything, but I also know that you’ve been obsessed with work for a long time. I know it because I was just as obsessed.”

I laugh so I don’t cry. “Two workaholics. What a fantastic pair,” I say sarcastically.

He laughs. “That’s exactly my point. Your career became anobsessionover the years.”

Well, that’s an exaggeration. “It wasn’t an obsession—”

“Really? Okay, then answer this,” he says, a teasing note creeping into his voice. “What did you do for fun last year?”

I stop in my tracks.

“I—” I pause, trying to think of something. “I liked taking walks in the city.”

“To stay in shape for tournaments,” he interrupts smoothly. “Try again.”

I wasn’t obsessed with work! I’m just ambitious. I set high goals, and I want to accomplish them. I don’t let myself get distracted.

“I’m still waiting,” Derek says, laughter in his voice.

“Why is it any of your business?”

I can hear the small smile in his voice when he replies, “I’m not asking because I want an answer, Stella. I’m asking because Iknowthe answer. You had no hobbies. It was wake up, train, sleep, repeat. I’ve been by your side. I’ve seen it.”

“I had dinner with my parents!”

“Do you seriously consider that a hobby?”

“Fine,” I snap, but I’m smiling. “Maybe I didn’tneedhobbies. I was focused.”

“You were obsessed,” he corrects gently.

“Ambitious.”

“Stubborn,” he shoots back. “Look, I’m just saying your break is doing you good. You’re focusing on things other than your career and . . . I wish I’d seen before how much we both needed it.”

Derek’s words bring tears to my eyes. We were rarely vulnerable together over the years. We saw each other’s every win and failure, but we never opened up.

“I wish I’d seen it too,” I whisper, a tear slipping through.

His scratchy laugh lets me know he’s crying too and I want to jump through the phone and hug him. “Well, I need to go now. Enjoy your break, Stella,” he says, his tone softening again. “You deserve it.”

He hangs up before I can say another word.

Chapter 8

Stella

My phone is practically exploding with notifications. I read through them and regret doing so immediately.

“What’s Next for Stella Brookstone After Her Last Tournament?”

“A Champion Without Magic: Can Stella Brookstone Reinvent Herself?”

“How Stella Brookstone Lost More Than Just Her Powers”

“From Glory to Insignificance: Is Stella Brookstone’s Career Over?”

I try to take a calming breath as I pace around my room.

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