Page 54 of Don't Leave
Especially after that game.
It’s obvious that Cole is in a bad mood, and I know it has everything to do with what transpired at the library.
Plus, his parents and ex-girlfriend will probably hang around to talk with him. For all I know, they could have plans to grab something to eat. And then there’s Luke. I don’t want any further issues arising between them because of me.
But still, leaving without at least saying hello seems wrong. I nibble at my lower lip with indecision.
For better or worse, I decide to stick around. Brooklyn and I are one of the last stragglers to make our way to where the locker rooms are located. We keep to ourselves on the perimeter of the group. The last thing I want is to get sucked into an awkward conversation with Cole’s parents or his ex.
“Cassidy?”
Damn.
My heart flips over as I inwardly flinch. It takes effort to plaster a tight smile across my face as I swing around to face her with as much dignity as I can muster. Considering that I’ve spent the last ten minutes using my friend as a human shield, that’s not saying much.
“Hi, Dr. Thompson.” Then I nod towards Thomas, Cole’s stepfather. “And Dr. Thompson.”
Eyes twinkling, he smiles in response. Even though I’m racked with nerves, his easy demeanor manages to ease the thick tension crackling in the air that surrounds us. “Or you could just call us, Dr. Thompson squared.”
My lips lift.
He’s such a nice man, and yet, all I can focus on is whether he knows that his wife was my therapist and knows all my deep dark secrets.
“That was a pretty rough game,” Thomas comments. “Cole usually plays with a lot more control and finesse. I’m not sure what was going on with him tonight.”
I clear my throat. “The whole team seemed to be having issues.”
Thomas makes a noncommittal noise in his throat but doesn’t say anything more. Since Brooklyn only knows that hockey is played by hot guys, wearing massive shoulder pads and hopefully extra-large jocks, she can’t contribute anything to the conversation, which has become painful.
I’m about to make up an excuse as to why Brooklyn and I have to flee to the bathroom when Cole’s mother asks, “Cassidy, could we talk for a moment?”
Everything inside me freezes. I’d rather gouge my eyes out than have a private conversation with Cole’s mother.
“What’s up, docs?”
I swing around, never so thrilled to see Austin in my life. I want to jump into his arms and kiss him senseless.
Thomas claps him on the shoulder and tells him that it was a tough game. The rest of us vehemently agree as Brooklyn studiously avoids Austin’s gaze. It doesn’t look like anything has changed since I last saw them.
At this point, I’m desperately trying to manufacture an excuse so to why we need to make a hasty getaway.
“Where’s Cole?”
My heart plummets as my gaze lands on Jackie, who has joined the group.
“Coach wanted to ream his,” Austin’s gaze catches Dr. Thompson’s, “um, talk privately with him. I wouldn’t be expecting him anytime soon.”
There’s no way in hell I’m going to stick around with his parents and ex. Maybe it’s better to let everything settle between us and talk in the morning.
Even though I know Brooklyn will probably end up killing me, I don’t see any other choice in the matter. We Ubered it here for the game and I don’t want to wait around for another ride. “Austin, would you mind dropping us off at the dorms?”
His gaze slides to Brooklyn as her narrowed one darts to mine.
“Sure, no problem. You ready to take off?”
Relief floods through me.
More than ready.
