Page 13 of Sticks & Serpents

You’re going to regret that smile, little lamb.

I hit send and watched the screen for a moment, half-expecting her to reply. But nothing came back. Not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

She didn’t have to respond; I knew that silence would gnaw at her all night long. I relished it.

The clock on my wall ticked away the seconds while I leaned back against the wall, letting my mind drift to tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow she wouldn’t be able to avoid me anymore. The charity game was just around the corner, and we’d be thrust into each other’s paths. She might think she could play it safe with Logan, but I’d make sure that illusion shattered faster than he could pick himself up off that ice.

I smiled at the thought as I tossed my phone onto the bed and lay back, staring at the ceiling above me. The room felt too quiet, too still—like everything was waiting for what came next.

And deep down? I knew Holly would soon remember why she couldn’t just walk away from me—not now, not ever.

Chapter5

Holly

Iwanted tonight to be normal. Just a casual date—drinks, maybe dinner, something easy. I had to remind myself this was the right move. Logan was safe. Logan was not Damien.

As I stood in my bedroom, the faint scent of lavender from the candle flickered around me, but it couldn’t chase away the tension coiling in my stomach. The way Damien had waved at me during the scrimmage haunted me. That slow, deliberate gesture felt like a brand against my skin, igniting all those feelings I thought I had buried.

I pushed it aside and opened my closet door. A jumble of clothes greeted me—dresses and tops all crammed together like my thoughts. I rifled through them, searching for something that would convey casual yet cute without screaming desperation.

A soft blue top caught my eye. It hung delicately on its hanger, just loose enough to be comfortable but still flattering. I pulled it out and held it against myself in front of the mirror. It felt right.

But then doubt crept in. What if Logan didn’t think I looked good enough? What if he compared me to someone else?

I tossed the shirt back into the closet and grabbed a fitted black dress instead. It hugged my figure perfectly and made me feel confident—or at least it used to before everything with Damien unraveled.

The thought of calling Everly flitted through my mind, but she was off with Cooper, chasing dreams that weren’t mine while I stayed stuck here. Besides, Cooper was Damien's older brother; any conversation about tonight could wind its way back to him, and I couldn't let that happen.

Not that I didn't trust Everly, but still.

I sighed as I pulled on the black dress, adjusting it carefully before glancing in the mirror again. My hair fell in waves over my shoulders—a familiar sight that felt almost comforting.

Tonight would be fine, I told myself as I fastened a simple necklace around my neck. Logan wouldn’t be anything like Damien; he wouldn’t send me spiraling into memories of pain and confusion.

I took a deep breath and gave myself one last look in the mirror before stepping away from its reflection—a new resolve blossoming within me as I headed for the door.

This is what moving on looks like, I reminded myself.This is what empowering yourself feels like.

I hope if I said it enough times, I would actually believe myself.

I arrived at The Pour House ten minutes early, my heart drumming in my chest as I stepped inside. The place buzzed with life—laughter and chatter floated through the air, mixing with the rich scent of roasted malt and hops. The ambiance struck a balance between rustic charm and modern elegance, with exposed brick walls adorned by local art and vintage brewery paraphernalia.

Warm light glowed from hanging Edison bulbs, casting a golden hue over the polished wood tables. I scanned the room, spotting clusters of people at the bar, their glasses clinking together in a celebratory toast. In one corner, a couple laughed over shared plates of artisanal pretzels and gourmet cheese.

I felt a pang of envy. Those couples seemed so at ease, completely unburdened by shadows of past relationships. I shook my head, trying to clear the memories of Damien that still lingered in the corners of my mind.

The bar stretched out like an inviting centerpiece, gleaming under the lights. Rows of craft beers lined up on tap showcased an impressive selection—each label more intriguing than the last. I caught sight of a chalkboard near the entrance listing their seasonal brews. My stomach growled; even though I wasn't here for dinner just yet, I could already imagine myself sampling a flight of local dips.

I took a deep breath and headed toward a cozy table by the window, its view offering glimpses of the bustling street outside. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but notice how perfectly this spot aligned with what I wanted tonight: an escape from reality wrapped in warm wood and laughter.

As I glanced at my phone for what felt like the hundredth time, anticipation mingled with anxiety in my stomach. Was this really going to work? Did I want it too? I hated I kept thinking about Damien. I hated that he lived rent free in my thoughts.

I settled into my chair, scanning the bar again for any sign of Logan. Maybe he was caught in traffic. Or maybe he had to park further away.

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