Page 103 of Heart of Gold
The note is short and simple but speaks a thousand words. The picture’s symbolism is enough. She didn’t beat around the bush with a thousand words defending what happened. She didn’t try to excuse her lies, she just apologized.
Is it enough to bring my mom back?
Is it enough to change what happened with Grayson?
Is it enough to make me want to be her friend again?
No. It’s not enough, but I do appreciate it. Taking responsibility for fucking up is one thing I knew Raelynn would do. She isn’t a bad person, she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Had I not had Grayson on my ass that night, I probably would’ve been right there with her.
After everything, I don’t blame her for what happened to my mom. I was more upset about her betraying me with Grayson, which sounds absurd I know.
I don’t know what was running through her head when she was lying to me but I think it was Grayson’s manipulation. Regardless, her taking responsibility is enough for me. I don’t want to see her but I accept her apology.
I needed it and sheknewI needed it.
I fold the paper and put it back into the envelope.
“Everything okay?” Liv asks as I wipe away a tear.
“Yeah, just very Raelynn.”
She shakes her head, “Let me guess. Two or three words and pink ink?”
I laugh, “Pretty much.”
“Well, for what it’s worth. I don’t think Raelynn meant to hurt you. She might’ve made some questionable decisions with Grayson but I don’t think she went into it with bad intentions.”
“It’s over now.” I shrug. “I’m gonna do my best to move on.”
“Good call,” Liv smiles. “Plus, we will be here for you every step of the way.”
I nudge her with my elbow, “Better be.”
“So…” She drawls. “You gonna bring a date to my wedding?”
I tilt my lips upward into a smile, “I hope so.”
chapter forty-four
Gavin
Daisy greeted me like I was the best dog dad on the face of the earth. Her tail was wagging a thousand wags per minute, and she laid on my lap most of the day. It was later on Sunday when Levi and I got back so I didn’t go to the animal shelter. Well, I probably shouldn’t have gone anyway due to the concussion recovery. Now it’s Monday and I have class and practice.
I’m not cleared to practice with the team but I’ll still go and watch film or talk with our offensive coordinator. I need to get out of the house and back to doing normal things.
Class is boring and goes by as uneventful as possible and when I get out of my last one I just ride with Levi over to the field. I’m still on strict no driving orders so I was gonna have to hitch a ride anyway.
“How are you feeling,” Levi asks. “You sure you don’t need to go home and rest. You heard the doctor.”
Any other time I’d love to stay home. I could find something to clean or do that is productive enough to keep my mind off things, but not today. I need to get out and get some fresh air, because for some reason it still feels like I’m suffocating. Dealingwith all the pressure from football and the conversation I need to have with Quinn, it sort of feels like too much. I’ve never had a girl that I cared enough about to feel this way, that itself fucks with my head.
“Nah, I’m gonna go to the field and fuck around for a while. Then meet up with Quinn.”
Speaking of, I pull my phone out to text her.
Meet me at the field after practice?
Daisy
