Page 58 of Reverse Pass
“Leaving.”
“Violet, please.”
“Cameron…” I sigh. “There is nothing to discuss. You broke things off with me. You wanted to see other people. We did, we just came to different conclusions about what it meant for us. For me, it’s over. I have zero interest in getting back together with you. I’d hoped maybe we could be friends or at least have some sort of meaningful closure after all the years we were together, but you’re making that impossible because you’re fixated on insulting Ben, and me really. And beyond the fact that he doesn’t deserve any of it, he’s a good friend of mine—and I love him and his family like they’re my own. I’m not going to sit here and listen to it. Period. I’m sorry if you were expecting something else tonight, and I truly hope you find what you’re looking for out there. I’ll have your bag by the front door. You can get it when you’re ready and stay at a hotel. Goodbye, Cameron.”
I stand and walk away. It’s harder than I thought it would be. Not because I want him back or because I think there’s anything worth salvaging between us, but because it’s years of my life I can’t have back. Years I spent loving someone who didn’t deserve it, and I’ve realized that far too late.
I hear him call after me, but I just keep walking, all the way until I hit the pavement of the sidewalk. And I keep walking, getting lost in the crowds until I finally tuck into one of the bars, so I can get on my phone and get a car.
Then I open my texts, and I see one from Joss warning me that Cam had laid into Ben and that Ben had left and hasn’t returned. I feel the twist in my chest because it means my guess was probably accurate. He was probably back with the girl from last night, or out partying with someone new.
I can only hope he doesn’t get into trouble while he’s out. I don’t want to fail him on every front. But really, he’s been good about staying on the path, and I can’t imagine this close to his first game back he would screw it up. Still. I feel like I owe him an apology on Cameron’s behalf.
I’m sorry for Cameron. He’s an ass. I don’t know exactly what he said to you, but he’s mad at me and taking it out on you. I told him not to come back to the apartment, so he won’t be there whenever you get back. I’m sorry I let him stay at all. Be safe
I hit send before I can say anything else. Because I’m tempted to beg him to come back tonight. To not hookup with whoever he’s with. And I can’t do that to him.
TWENTY
Ben
The next dayafter practice I’m exhausted and sitting in my car, trying to decide whether I’m going to head home or drive around until I find an activity that will help me avoid Violet a little longer. I still don’t have the right words. Before I know it, I’m dialing Waylon’s number, it rings a few times and then a familiar voice answers.
“Hello?” a sweet feminine voice chirps.
“Hey Mackenzie,” I greet Waylon’s girlfriend.
“Bennnn. How are you?” Her voice lights up when she realizes it’s me.
I hear a muffled male voice in the background grumping.
“Fine. Yes. I’ll tell him. Will you stop? I can talk to him for a second before you!” I hear her tussling with him in the background for a second before her voice is clear again. “You still there?”
“Yup,” I say.
“Waylon said I should tell you that I still do not and will never have a hall pass to sleep with you.”
I laugh hard, and I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I feel my muscles relax.
“Well you tell him—“ I start and then hear a click on the phone.
“Tell me what? You’re on speaker now. I don’t need you whispering in her ear Benny Boy.”
“Hey Waylon.”
I hear them both laughing on the other end of the line, and I smile, happy the two of them found each other and worked through things last year.
“Hey buddy. What’s up?” Waylon asks.
“You doing okay?” Mackenzie adds, sounding more concerned.
“Mostly yeah. I’m off suspension this week. I get to play, finally.”
“Fucking awesome man. I’m coming out there for the game. Did I tell you that? They’re having a little ceremony thing that I’m presenting.”
“No man. That’s badass. Do I get to see you?”
“I don’t know. We’ll be in and out because I’ve got a game on Monday. Maybe we can catch dinner after your game?”
