Page 96 of Facing the Line

“But—”

“But nothing. She has hearts in her eyes, staring at you across the apartment when she thinks no one sees. Her face gets all soft and happy when you talk. She might not know it yet, but she loves you back.”

He swigs some water while I ponder his words. Do I make Hadley happy? I think so. But is it enough to convince her to keep seeing me after the summer is over? I’m not sure.

“I don’t know.”

“Tell her, man. Tell her you love her and want to keep being with her. Shoot your shot. Don’t let fear hold you back.”

I sigh. He’s right. I don’t want fear to define me, whether it’s fear of rejection or fear about the coming hockey season.

“Thanks, man. I’ll do my best.”

“Your best is awesome.” Evan smiles and winks, settling back into his normal joking persona.

“I hope it’s champion caliber this year.” I hold out my fist for a bump across our treadmills and he obliges, knocking his knuckles against mine.

“We got this,” he says, panting, and slows his pace.

I decrease my speed, too, but I’m not tired. I could do this all day.

“We’re seniors this year.” I gulp water from my Gatorade bottle. “Team leaders. It’s all on our shoulders.”

Stopping his treadmill, he steps off and puts his hands on his knees, sucking in air. “Kinda, but also not.”

Ah, Evan. So eloquent.

“What do you mean?” I ask, grabbing paper towels and sanitizer to wipe our machines.

He shrugs, stretching out his calves. “We’re leaders, yeah, but it’s not all on us. We’re a team. We share the responsibility for our season.”

That sounds good. I wish I could believe it.

He smirks. “Besides, Coach is going to name you as Captain. I just have to stand next to you and look hot.”

I shove his shoulder, responding to his playful tone. But dread settles like a rock in my stomach.

Captain? I hadn’t considered that. Without sounding cocky, I can admit I’m an excellent candidate. Senior, solid player, and I love my team. It’d be a huge honor, but Captain? All the pressure on my shoulders? All eyes on me? No matter what, I can’t let them down.

Chapter

Forty-Three

JONAS

Evan: Sorry I couldn’t be there to help with Hadley’s stuff. My advisor scheduled a meeting.

Jonas: No problem, I got it.

Evan: You gonna tell her?

Jonas: We’ll see.

Evan: Whenever my mom said that when I was a kid, it meant “No.”

Evan: You can do this. I have faith in you. And faith in love.

Jonas: Thanks, man.

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