Page 13 of The Love Comeback
“That’s Cameron Hastens,” Colton points out, waving back at him. “And I think that’s his wife or something. I only know ’cause Aaron says he’s with some redheaded chick that kind of looks like his mom—and that he wishes his mom would’ve married Cameron instead.”
“Wow, okay,” I mutter, ducking my head and guiding him toward the front doors. “You need to tell Aaron that he shouldn’t compare people like that.”
“Yeah, and Aaron’s mom iswaytoo old for him. She’s, like, thirty-five.”
“Is that when they start serving senior citizen meals?” I giggle, making Colton laugh along with me. “Maybe I’ll be on the discount menu soon.”
“You’re only twenty-seven.” Colton nudges me. “When you turn thirty, you’ll probably have to worry.”
“Good to know,” I say. “I’ll write that down.” I hold open the door for him and he slips through, his skating bag slung over his shoulder. He picks up into an excited jog, and I hang back, per usual.
By the time I’m through the doors, Colton is already fitting his rental skates to his feet while Kade leans over the rails, a grin on his face. My heart flutters in my chest, but I ignore it.It doesn’t matter how handsome Kade is, or that he’s giving Colton skating lessons that I can’t afford. Though I know I could express my gratitude better. It’s just so hard to open up to someone who hurt me so badly…
Even if it was years ago.
It’s not like I hold it over his head, and that’s what I remind myself as I take my seat on the bleachers. There’s no unforgiveness when it comes to how things went down between us. He did what was best for himself, and I can’t fault him for that. There’s just a part of me that’s worried about getting too close.
Because I might start to fall for him again.
My mind throws out the obvious answer, and I know that’s it. I’m self-aware. I’ve been through therapy, thanks to my divorce. Well, that, and I’m trying to be as best of a mother figure to Colton as I can.
Anyway, I know my limitations. I know I have trust issues.
And therefore, I know that Kade is a bad,badidea.
“Alright! Ready?” Kade’s voice booms through the rink, sending a shiver down my spine as my mind tries to remind me that I know what that voice sounds like in the dark and quiet, too.
“Let’s go!” Colton pumps his fist into the air and skates out onto the ice with a level of confidence that he didn’t have a couple of weeks ago. It makes my heart happy to see him skating with ease—and so joyfully. Despite everything he’s beenthrough, Colton has a heart of gold and joy that lights up a room.
May we all be more like Colton.
Kade cheers for him as he skids to a stop in one graceful move, and I can’t help but smile at the sound. I shout some praise as well, but Colton only sees Kade. He’s beaming down at Colton with pride written all over his face, his eyes alight with so much joy. It’s palpable, even from the stands.
He’ll make a great dad someday…
The thought comes with a startling thump in my chest, and I push it all away.Thisis exactly why I have to be careful around Kade. He’s so charming, it could be a sin. Everyone loves Kade, and if they don’t, then they’re crazy, honestly. He gives everyone everything…
Well, except for me.
I scoff at myself, ignoring the little pang of hurt that reverberates in my chest cavity. It’s unwanted, and considering how long it’s been since Kade and I broke up, it shouldn’t even be there. I should be able to see Kade and not think about what happened between us all those years ago.
But I saw forever with him … and he only saw hockey.
It’s a decision that’s clearly paid off. He’s a professional hockey player now, and can probably have just about any girl he wants…
Meanwhile, I’m a single parent—and divorced.
Ugh.
With a sigh, I dig into my bag and fish out my phone, deciding now is as good a time as ever to check in with my mom. I hit the call button and put my phone to my ear. It rings a few times, and then, as soon as her voice comes over the line, I breathe a little easier. “Hey, Mom. How’re things?”
“It’s fine and good,” she says shortly. “How’s Colton? Does he have skating lessons today?”
“Yes, he does,” I say, noting that she’s currently in her lucidness. “And I think he’s starting to like Kade more than me.”
“Well, Kade always was a charismatic kid, more so than his twin brother … Nate? I think that’s his name.”
“You’re right,” I tell her. “It’s been about a decade since we’ve even really talked about the Santos brothers, you know? And now, here I am, watching Kade Santos teach Colton how to skate.”
