Page 104 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
"Was my best friend."
She's quiet for a moment. "It's my fault."
"It's not your fault. It's just complicated."
"Maybe it doesn't have to be."
But it does. Because no matter how much time passes or how happy Harper and I are, there's always going to be this history. This knowledge that she could have chosen him, that maybe part of her wanted to.
I push the thought away and focus on what's in front of me. Harper, here, now, choosing me every single day.
That's what matters.
That's all that matters.
41
History Lessons
Harper
Thepartyisinfull swing by the time we arrive. The house is packed with students celebrating the team's win—their seventh straight, which apparently is a big deal. Cole's hand is warm in mine as we navigate through the crowd, people congratulating him left and right.
"There's the man of the hour!" Sirus shouts, pulling Cole into a hug that nearly lifts him off his feet. "Two goals, baby! Two goals!"
"Team effort," Cole says, but he's grinning.
Maddie hugs me, already a few drinks in based on the flush in her cheeks. "Your boyfriend is amazing!"
"I know," I say, watching Cole get pulled into conversation with some of his teammates. He looks happy, relaxed, and I feel that familiar warmth in my chest. This is my life now. Standing at parties with my boyfriend's jersey on, surrounded by people who've become my friends too.
I'm comfortable here in a way I never expected to be. The hockey world doesn't intimidate me anymore. These parties don't make me want to run. I belong here.
Cole catches my eye from across the room and winks. I blow him a kiss, which makes Maddie laugh.
"I knew it from the beginning," she says.
"Stop," I tease.
"He’s going to be your husband and your children’s father, watch."
I shake my head, loving the thought bouncing around my head.
I'm smiling when I notice Liam, standing near the kitchen, swaying slightly as he talks to some girl I don't recognize. Even from here, I can tell something's off. His movements are too loose, his laugh too loud, and when the girl walks away, he nearly stumbles reaching for another drink.
My stomach tightens.
"Is Liam okay?" I ask Maddie.
She follows my gaze and frowns. "He's been like that a lot lately. All the guys are worried about him."
I watch as Liam downs whatever's in his cup and immediately reaches for a refill. Cole is still talking to his teammates, oblivious to what's happening across the room.
"Should we do something?" I ask.
"Like what? Stage an intervention?" Maddie shakes her head. "He's an adult. He can make his own choices."
But it doesn't feel right, watching him spiral like this. Even after everything that happened between us, I don't want to see him destroy himself.
