Page 25 of Checking All Her Notes
The crowd quiets. Listening.
“I got in my head about dating the coach’s daughter.” He looks at my dad, who’s standing near the donation table lookingsurprised. “Worried people would think there was favoritism. Worried I’d mess up the team dynamic.”
My dad starts to say something but Jude holds up a hand.
“But then I realized something,” Jude says, looking back at me. “I’ve been so worried about being the guy who wrecks things that I almost wrecked the best thing that’s happened to me.”
My heart is hammering so hard I can feel it in my throat.
“Sophie taught me that rhythm isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up. Listening. Being willing to try even when you’re scared you’ll mess it up.” He sets the microphone down on the stand and walks toward me. “So I’m here. Showing up. Hoping I didn’t miss my chance.”
The crowd is silent now. Waiting.
I can’t find words. Can’t think past the rushing in my ears.
“You didn’t,” I finally whisper.
“Yeah?” His voice is rough. Uncertain.
“Yeah.”
The crowd explodes again. Cheering and clapping.
People start dispersing eventually, lingering to chat and congratulate the kids. Parents taking photos. Dad collecting donations with a huge grin on his face.
I’m backstage gathering instruments when Jude finds me.
“You’re mad,” he says.
I don’t look up from the box of bells I’m organizing. “You hijacked a children’s concert.”
“You’re still mad.”
“You disappeared for three days!”
“I know.” He moves closer. “I’m sorry.”
I finally look at him. He’s leaning against the doorframe, but there’s no smugness now. Just honest regret.
“You could have talked to me,” I say quietly. “Instead of deciding for both of us that this was too complicated.”
“I know,” he says again. “I got scared. Heard those guys talking about team dynamics and your dad making jokes and I just...” He runs a hand through his hair. “I convinced myself I was protecting you. Protecting the team.”
“By pushing me away?”
“By being an idiot.” He walks over. Stands close enough that I have to tilt my head back to look at him. “I wasn’t running from you. I was running from the fear that I’m not good enough. That I’d mess this up and lose you anyway.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m done running.” His voice is low. Serious. “If people want to talk, let them talk. If your dad wants to bench me for dating his daughter, I’ll deal with it. I just don’t want to lose you because I’m too scared to try.”
My throat is tight. “You played the triangle.”
He laughs. Soft and surprised. “Perfectly.”
“You did.” I set down the box of bells. “You really did.”
He cups my face, thumb brushing across my cheek. Gentle. Careful. Like I’m something precious.
