Page 60 of The Love Comeback
And he makes it.
“Way to go, Colton!” I find myself shouting and clapping as the rest of the crowd erupts in wild cheers. However, no one is as loud and proud as Kade, who gives a freaking caveman celebratory yell.
Colton lifts his head in Kade’s direction, and I can see his grin beneath the face guard. He’s proud of himself, and I’m pretty sure Kade’s support means everything to him—even more so than my own. It makes sense, though, because everything he’s learned about the game at this point has come from Kade, not me.
And for that reason, I hope Kade continues to be involved and doesn’t phase out just because I told him I needed some space.
“They’re going to win the game,” Valerie says. “I just know it. They’rereallygood. I think they put all the best players on our team.”
“I hope so,” I say, trying to gather my thoughts as the players huddle for a timeout. “I think I’m gonna go grab something from the concession stand. Do you want anything?”
She nods. “If you don’t mind, could you grab me a coke? I haven’t had one of those in a while, and it sounds pretty good right now.”
I give her a lame thumbs-up and make my way toward the concession stand at the back of the rink. My eyes flicker toward Colton, who’s caught up in the game and not remotely in what I’m up to. I smile at his focus. Hockey is a good avenue for him to build his self-confidence, and based on the way he’s playing, I have a feeling he might turn into the star of the team.
And that would make his parents so proud.
Honestly, just him playing hockeyat allwould do that. The bittersweet feeling takes over my chest as I find my place in the line with a sigh. There’s a solid seven to ten people in front of me, and I hope I don’t miss too much of the game.
I rock back onto my heels, my mind swirling from everything from the robotics team, to my mom’s health, to Colton, and to Kade. I know better than to dwell on things too much. Ijust need to take life one day at a time. If I focus too much on everything, it’ll just reiterate the fact that maybe I’m … secretly drowning.
I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the voices coming from a few people behind me in line.
“He’s playing really well,” Kade’s deep voice booms. “I’m so proud of him.”
“You were the one giving him lessons,” a voice that I assume to be Dylan’s replies, letting out a chuckle. “Most kids only dream of getting lessons from someone like you.”
“Yeah, but I’m the goalie, and the fact that he’s killing it at center really says a lot about his athletic capabilities. I think that’s something that can’t be taught. He’s just really talented.” Kade’s tone is oozing with a pride that reaches into my chest and squeezes my heart. It’s so endearing, and I’m not even sure he knows that I’m standing just a few feet in front of him.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if the whole team came out to support Colton? Then we could all have signs and stuff.”
“Yeah. But maybe since we’re supporting the entire team, weshouldn’t just show support for Colton.”
“That’s true,” Dylan agrees. “I guess we could split up our support and make signs for the other kids, too, to make it more fair, but still … I want to hold Colton’s sign!”
I smile to myself at the enthusiasm even Dylan has when it comes to Colton. If Colton knew what was being said about him, he’d be on cloud nine. I’ll have to tell him about this after the game.
“What can I get for you?” The teenager at the counter brings me back to reality, and I flash her a smile.
“Can I get two cokes?” I ask, trying to ignore the heated gaze I suddenly feel boring into my skull. If Kade didn’t know I was in front of him, I’m certain that he knows now.
“Of course,” the girl says. “That’ll be five dollars.”
I nod, pull out a five-dollar bill and lay it on the counter, as she returns with the drinks. “Thank you,” I say, taking one in each hand. I spin around and head back for the stands, unable to avoid walking past Kade and Dylan.
Kade is staring at me, his gaze holding mine. All the while, Dylan appears to be looking at anythingbutme. It makes me wonder if they’ve talked about me since I asked for space…
“I just had to grab a couple of drinks,” I say stupidly as I approach them, swallowing the nerves that are now pumping against my ribcage.
“Yeah, I see that.” Kade chuckles, eyeing the two cokes in my hands. “Colton is playing really well tonight for his first game. If he’s nervous, you can’t even tell. It’s awesome.”
“Yeah,” I choke out, keeping a smile on my face. “I agree. Brett and Katie would besoproud of him. I know it.”
He nods. “Yeah, absolutely.”
With that, he gives me another nod and ushers Dylan forward, leaving me standing there facing no one. A pang ofrejection hits my chest, but I have to remind myself thatI’mthe one who asked for space, and Kade is simply respecting me by putting the distance there.
I asked him to do it.
