Page 56 of The Love Comeback
I stop in front of the wall where I’ve hung the best student work from the semester. Colorful graphs and neatly solved equations stare back at me. I’ve worked so hard to be self-sufficient, to prove to myself and everyone else that I can handle anything life throws at me. After losing Katie and Brett, after Landon left us, after moving to a new city and starting over, I’ve survived it all on my own terms.
And yet…
The memory of Kade’s lips on mine sends an electric current through my body. Where, during those few stolen moments in the trainer’s room, everything felt right. Like the universehad finally clicked back into place after years of being slightly off-kilter.
I shake my head, trying to dislodge the traitorous thought. One good kiss doesn’t erase the past or solve the problems of the present. He hurt me once before, choosing his hockey career over our relationship. What happens now, when the novelty of coaching Colton wears off? Or when he decides that dating a single mom with financial struggles and trust issues is too much work?
I’d be left picking up the pieces. Again. But this time, it wouldn’t just be my heart on the line—it would be Colton’s too. He’s already getting attached to Kade, looking up to him with stars in his eyes.
The thought of Colton getting hurt makes my stomach twist into knots.
“It’s exactly why I don’t date,” I mutter.
“Ah, are you having a nice conversation with yourself?” Valerie’s voice startles me from my spiral. She’s standing in the doorway of my classroom, her copper curls haloed by the hallway light. “You look … miserable.”
I sigh, feeling like I’ve been caught red-handed. “There’s just a lot going on.”
Valerie steps into the room, dropping her oversized tote bag onto one of the student desks. “And what’s going on, exactly?” She tilts her head, studying me. “Because I assumed you’d be oncloud nine after that surprise announcement about the Glaciers covering our hockey fees.”
I sigh, collapsing back into my chair. “That’s actually why I’m upset.”
“Huh?” Valerie looks genuinely confused.
“Kade went behind my back, Val. He knew I didn’t want his help, but he arranged for the Glaciers to sponsor the whole team anyway.” I groan, dropping my head into my hands. “He should’ve talked to me first. Instead, he just fixed it. Like I couldn’t handle it myself.”
Valerie is quiet for a moment, letting my words hang in the air. “Okay, I hear you. But can I offer a different perspective?”
I wave a hand, giving her permission she doesn’t need to ask for.
“The sponsorship isn’t just helping you and Colton. It’s helpingdozensof families, including mine.” She leans forward, her expression earnest. “Aaron’s dad has been complaining about the travel team fees for weeks, using it as another excuse to be late with child support. This sponsorship means I don’t have to fight that battle anymore.”
I feel a flush of shame creep up my neck. I’ve been so focused on how this affects me that I hadn’t even considered the bigger picture.
“I mean, it was such a nice surprise,” she adds. “I know there are many other parents that live on a tight budgetto afford for their kids to play hockey. It gave everyone some breathing room.”
I let out a sigh. She’sright.Kade and his teammates just helped a lot of people in the community.
And maybe I wasn’t fair to him when he tried to explain that…
“You know what,” I say, giving her a look. “You’re right. I haven’t been very clear-headed with this whole thing.”
“It happens to the best of us.” She flashes a knowing smile.
“But in my defense, I was already emotionally compromised,” I mutter.
Valerie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Emotionally compromised? What does that mean? What happened before the sponsorship announcement?”
The heat in my cheeks intensifies. “We … kind of … kissed.”
“YOU WHAT?” Valerie’s shriek could probably be heard three classrooms away. “And you’re just now telling me this? Start from the beginning. I want details!”
Despite my turmoil, I can’t help but laugh at her reaction. “It was after Colton got hurt. We went to get ice packs from the trainer’s room, and it just … happened.” I press my palms against my hot cheeks. “Gosh, Val, it wasincredible. Like no time had passed at all.”
“I knew it!” Valerie practically bounces in her chair. “The tension between you two could power the entire city of Atlanta during a blackout.”
My eyes widen. “Wait,what?”
“I said what I said.” She smirks. “So what are you going to do now?”
