Page 30 of The Love Comeback
“Smart as in smart, or—”
“It’s her last name,” I clarify, rolling my eyes. “Though it fits her pretty well.”
Cam lets out a low whistle. “Dang. Talk about full circle.”
“Yeah.”
“And you’re still hung up on her.” Cam states it as a fact, not a question.
I meet his gaze. “Is it that obvious?”
“Only to someone who’s paying attention.” He shrugs. “The guys are too focused on their own stuff to notice. But yeah, it’s pretty clear something’s up with you.”
I sigh, leaning back in my seat. Outside the window, stars pepper the endless black canvas. It’s beautiful in a lonely sort of way.
“I thought I was over her,” I admit quietly. “I mean, it’s been almost ten years. I’ve dated other people. I’ve built this whole life. But seeing her again…” I trail off, struggling to find the words.
“Brought it all back?” Cam offers.
“Yeah. But it’s more than that.” I turn the water bottle in my hands, watching the liquid swirl inside. “It’s like … all these years, I’ve been measuring everyone against her without even realizing it. And now that she’s back, I’m remembering why.”
“But?” Cam prompts, clearly sensing there’s more.
“But she’s different now. We both are.” I run a hand over my face, feeling the stubble rasp against my palm. “She’s been through so much—losing her sister and brother-in-law, her mom’s declining health, raising Colton on her own, a divorce. She’s built these walls around herself, and I get it. I understand why.”
“And you’re afraid to push,” Cam says, nodding slowly.
“I don’t want to be that guy,” I explain, frustration bleeding into my voice. “The one who doesn’t respect her boundaries. The one who tries to force his way through walls that are there for a reason.” I twist the cap off my water bottle again, more forceful this time. “I still have feelings for her, but now’s not the time to tell her. She’s made it pretty clear she’s not lookingfor anything.”
I go on to tell him about the circus, followed by the night at Ella’s house—building the bookshelf, looking through old photos, the moment we shared when she finally let her guard down, and then how quickly she shut down when we stumbled across that graduation picture. How she practically pushed me out the door afterward.
“It’s like one minute we were connecting, and the next…” I sigh. “I reminded her of the guy who broke her heart.”
“Well, you did,” Cam points out.
“Yeah, thanks for the reminder,” I mutter with sarcasm.
“Just stating facts.” He shrugs unapologetically. “You broke up with her, right? Before college?”
I nod, shame washing over me. “Biggest mistake of my life. I thought I was doing the right thing—putting hockey first, not holding her back with a long-distance relationship. Everyone told me it was the right decision.”
“Everyone except Ella, I’m guessing.”
“She never even got a say.” The admission hurts, even after all these years. “I just made the decision for both of us.”
Cam is quiet for a moment. “So now you’re afraid of making the same mistake again. Pushing what you want onto her without considering what she needs.”
“Exactly.” I’m surprised by how accurately he’s read the situation. “I won’t make the same mistake twice.”
“Hmm.” Cam leans back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. “You know what I think?”
“I have afeeling you’re gonna tell me regardless.”
He grins, unfazed by my sarcasm. “I think you’re overthinking this. It’s not about pushing through her walls or staying on your side of them. It’s about proving they’re not necessary with you.”
I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”
“Actions over words, man.” Cam taps his temple. “Don’t tell her you’re trustworthy—show her. Don’t promise you won’t bail—prove it. Be consistent. Be there. Not just for the kid’s skating lessons, but for the small stuff. The everyday things that actually matter.”
