Page 34 of Stick With Me
“Awesome! So, how was All-Star Weekend? Did you see Jace?” she asks, and though I’m grateful for the change of subject, this is another one I don’t really want to think about.
“Yeah, I saw him. It was… fine,” I mumble.
Her returning laugh tells me I’m not getting off the hook that easily. “C’mon, Hannah. Spill it. What happened?”
I sigh, sinking onto the bed, and tell her about the run-in, giving the ring back, and the confrontation that followed.
“Ouch.” Her voice is softer when she asks, “How do you feel about it all?”
I take a deep breath, staring at the ceiling. “Honestly? Relieved, I think. It’s funny how something can feel final and freeing, yet still hurt at the same time.”
“Well, maybe this was the closure you needed to properly move on?”
“Yeah, I hope so.” I hesitate, unsure if I want to share what’s really on my mind. “Looking back on my relationship, I can see how I ignored a lot red flags I should’ve paid attention to. People say ignorance is bliss, but I think ignorance is just complacency. I clung to the image of our future, of who I wanted him to be, and of who I thought I’d eventually become. But now I realize that none of it would have worked.”
“Yeah, I get it… Well, I don’t get it, but I can imagine getting it.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I can’t wait for the day you’re in a relationship.”
“Take that back right now! I can’t have that energy out in the universe.” Her voice is full of horror.
We chat more about her next job and her plans for visiting, and after hanging up, I check the time on my phone. I slept much longer than I planned, yet I’m still exhausted. Unpacking is definitely out of the question.
Ryan’s game should be wrapping up, so I shoot him a text, a little surprised not to already have one waiting from him.You asked him for space, I remind myself.
Me:
I missed your game. Did you win?
Ryan:
Of course we did. We played against San Jose lol
Did everything go smoothly today?
Me:
Yep! This place is incredible, Ry, and this bed…
There’s room for at least five people.
I quickly snap a selfie, the white fluffy comforter pulled up to my nose, and try to capture all the open space.
Ryan:
I’m not sure I like the idea of you in bed with four other people.
Me:
Not even if you’re one of them?
Ryan:
Uh, yeah. No, not even then. Sorry.
A smile lifts my cheeks, but it’s quickly followed by a yawn.
Me:
