Page 117 of Burn

‘Colton is on hisway.’

I sit in one of the seats at the top of the darkened section, hugging my arms around my midsection and staring at the empty ice. He thought I left, and I did. The thought lands with more impact than I expect. The image of him broken on the couch flashes in my mind, and I picture him in that same position here, feeling abandoned after such a bold gesture.

The idea of people seeing him search for me. It fills me with the most intense sadness. This guy, who maintains such a tough, strong disposition, putting himself out there, only for thousands of people to watch it fall apart. In the moments I needed him most, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t run away when things got tough.

But, I did.

I close my eyes and breathe deeply.

I’m not ready to forgive everything, but my feet feel solid when I’m near him, as if I’m stronger simply by being near his strength. I shoot up, overcome by the need to find him. To tell him I didn’t run. I spin on my heels and bump straight into Colton.

“Whoa!” he exclaims, catching me by my shoulders. “Hey, Lex! Sorry, it took so long. I ran into a couple of fans who wanted autographs. I swear, I’ll never get used to that.”

His smile is so warm and genuine. The guy is just so genuinelygood. He could have made things so awkward, but he continually treats me with kindness. I understand why Rosie would consider a career change for this ‘non-serious’ situation.

“Hey, Colton. Congrats on the win,” I say as I try to catch my breath from the surprise of bumping into him. “Where’s Adrian?”

He nods toward the exit. “Come on. Not sure where he is, but he’s still in his full gear, so he couldn’t have gone far. His keys are in the change room.”

I trail behind him silently, and after a few minutes, he says, “He’s been feeling pretty low, you know?”

I know, but I’m so curious to hear Colton’s view on the situation, so I say, “Oh?”

He stops abruptly, turning to face me. His expression is calm but serious. He doesn’t speak for a moment. He stares at me with a quiet intensity; his mouth pressed into a straight line that makes my chest pull tight. His usual playful demeanor is missing; there’s no teasing, no softness, just something sincere — painfully so.

“Not gonna make excuses for him,” he sighs. “I’ve known him almost my entire life, so I guess I got used to his harebrained ideas. The cameras were just another wild Liberty idea that I laughed about.” His honesty shocks me. He doesn’t try to pretend he didn’t know. “When he called me that last day you were at his place, I’ve never heard him like that.”He called Colton?“I think he knew he was fucking up and needed someone else to confirm it.” Colton slides his bottom lip between his teeth. “If you’re gonna disappear again, do it now.”

The directness of his words guts me.

“I…” I start, but my words lodge in my throat.

Colton sighs again. “He’s a good guy. He’s seen and been through shit most people never have or will. He has… baggage.” He studies my face, watching for a reaction. “He fucked up, and he’ll fuck up again, but I promise you he’s trying. If nothing else, the guy is tenacious and he’ll burn the world for you, if you’ll let him.” I open my mouth to reply, but he stops me. “We should go. I don’t need a response. I just needed you to know. We’ll pass an exit on the way to the change room. If you plan to leave again, take that exit. If you’re as willing to fight for whatever you two have as he is, come with me.”

He turns and resumes the walk. When we pass the exit and I hesitate, he stiffens a little, just enough that I notice it. I consider Colton’s words again. If I think I’ll walk away again, go now. But my feet keep moving, drawn to something I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to name, or fully understand. Adrian’s gravitational pull is quiet, but constant. He’s like the tide, the sea, and somehow, despite it all, each step closer to him feels like I’m getting closer to home. Closer to where I came from, where I belong.

When Colton realizes I’m still walking with him, he takes a deep breath, letting it whoosh out of him. The next time he turns to look at me over his shoulder, his smile is back. On a chuckle, he says, “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you giving me the chance to be the fucking hero of the night, again.”

We find Rosie leaning against the wall just outside the change room. Her face lights up when she sees us, and she throws her arms around Colton’s neck, pressing a kiss to his lips. It’s comfortable and familiar, the way they melt together. I step into the shallow alcove where the door sits back from the hall, watching them. When Rosie releases Colton and turns to face me, I can’t stop myself from smiling.

“What?” she asks, her cheeks flushed.

“Super casual. Verynotdefined.” I laugh.

Colton slings his arm over her shoulder and beams, and I take advantage of the situation, letting their heat warm me.They stare into each other’s eyes as I feel the atmosphere change. I hear the thud of footsteps down the hall, and from my current position, I can’t see him, but I don’t need to see him to know he’s there. I can feel him, feel the pull, the way the air shifts when he’s close. I pull my hood up around my ears.

Rosie drops her eyes from Colton, shifting her attention down the hall, and I watch her eyes light up in a different way.

“Bear!” she says with a grin, waving excitedly.

My heart stills as I feel him grow closer, and suddenly my bravery evades me. I stare at Rosie, wide-eyed and totally frozen. Her gaze flicks to me, and in one swift motion, her hand flies out, grabbing my hoodie and dragging me from my hiding place.

Adrian is enormous with his skates and gear on. His helmet is in his hand, and I have the pleasure of watching him see me. I knew he was coming back, but he thought I was gone, and seeing him register my presence, watching the darkness lift from his eyes feels like a gift. His mouth falls open, and I can’t stop myself from tugging at my sleeves nervously.

I want to touch him, hold him. Tell him I’m not running.

“Adrian,” Rosie says, reaching toward Adrian and taking him by the wrist. “I want to introduce you to my friend, Lex. Lex, this is Adrian. I just know you two are gonna hit it off!” She reaches for my arm, dragging it toward Adrian’s. I release the inside of my sleeve, allowing my hand to slip out and into his.

His eyes drop to where our hands connect, then back to my face. He blinks hard, as if he doesn’t believe I’mactuallyhere. His fingers go slack, and the helmet slips from his grasp, landing on the floor with a hollow thud.

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