Page 122 of Ice Darling
“Why not?”
“It’s not about me anyway. The team manager set it up to get his players back in line.”
I frown. Something about his tone rubs me the wrong way. “I heard Renthrow invited you.”
“Even more reason not to go. That guy hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you,” I argue, turning to lock my door with the key.
Brennon’s voice goes flat. “You two a thing now?”
“Huh?” I notice that he’s staring at Renthrow’s name on the sweatshirt.
Before I can defend myself, Brennon laughs, and there’s an edge of annoyance to it. “It’s a good thing I’m not going. You wouldn’t have been cheering for me anyway.”
“Renthrow and I are just friends.” I slip the key into my pocket.
“Look, Dee-Dee. It’s pretty dang obvious when a man is interested in a woman. The guy just can’t help himself. Trust me. He’s into you.”
“I told you. It’s not like that. We’re just?—”
“Friends? Right, well, one of you is lying.” He checks his watch. “But I’m not here to talk about that. I’m here to say goodbye.”
My eyebrows climb. “Are you leaving already? What about your work with the team?”
“Your mom gave me a new assignment, and if I ace this, I get the promotion.”
“Congratulations, Brennon. That’s great.”
“Thanks.” He pauses and studies me like he wants to say something more.
But I don’t have time for a stare-down.
“Take care then.” I offer my hand for him to shake just as Brennon moves in for a hug.
He notices my outstretched hand and freezes. Sheepishly, he shakes my hand. I give him a firm shake, one that Mom would be proud of, and then I let him go.
Time to hurry to the stadium.
“Hey, Dee-Dee?”
I stop in my tracks.
Brennon pulls his lips into his mouth and glances away from me. “I, uh, I don’t know if you remember or if I should bring this up.”
“Then don’t.” I check my phone screen. The game’s probably already started, and I’m late.
“About that day you told me you had feelings for me…”
Surprise roots me in place.
“…I’m sorry for the way I reacted.”
Images of my younger self handing him that journal, a physical symbol of her entire heart, rolls out in my head. Funny enough, I don’t feel anything but amusement now. That memory used to keep me up at night and make me burn with embarrassment, hurt, and anger.
Now, it has no hold on me.
A smile blooms in an instant. Wow. It feels amazing to be free of that weight.
