Page 27 of Stealing for Keeps
“What happened?” The fierce protectiveness in her eyes is the balm I need.
I stop my work in the closet and face her. “I was talking to Austin, and I mentioned that I used to skate. It’s the first time I’ve really talked about it in months. I thought I was…”
“Over it?” she asks, quirking one brow in disbelief.
“No,” I say quickly. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be over it, but I thought I had accepted it at least.”
“Claire…” Her voice trails off, and she smiles sadly. “I’m sorry.”
I can feel the sincerity of her words so strongly.
“Anyway, I was upset, and then I ran into Vaughn.”
The change in her expression is so swift, it pulls a laugh from me.
“He wanted to be there for me.” I scowl at the idea the same way I had earlier.
She snorts. “Too little too late, Collins.”
“Exactly. I don’t get what game he’s playing. He broke up with me because he didn’t have time for a relationship,and now he’s acting like he wants to pick up where we left off, like nothing has changed.”
“Maybe he just realized what a big mistake he made. You’re a catch, babe. I told you months ago that he would rue the day.”
“Don’t tell me that you think I should consider taking him back?” Is that even what he wants? Really? Or is it just guilt?
“Of course not, but if you do, then I’ll still be here.” She sounds mildly disgusted, but I appreciate her saying it anyway. “And there’s no shame in being upset and letting people be there for you.”
“I’m not getting back together with him.”
“I don’t just mean Vaughn. You have a tendency to keep things inside and pretend you’re okay. Everyone knows that this is hard on you. You don’t have to be so tough all the time.”
“I’m sharing with you.”
“What about Austin? Are you sharing with him?” She grins all too knowingly.
I toss a shoe at her, then get back to work, digging through the many sneakers and sandals buried at the back of my closet.
While I organize, I think about Austin. I’m not sure how I feel about him. On one hand, he seems like a good guy. It’s buried under layers of arrogance, but it’s there. On the other, am I really ready to date again? Especially someone so much like my ex?
“Hey, do you want to help me pick out fish next Monday after school?” Lacey asks from her spot on my bed. She’s started to sift through my clothes and put them in piles based on type.
“For what?”
“The Meet the Knights carnival. They’re for the fish bowl toss game. I have to pick up the fish from the store and take them to the field.”
“I have no idea where you find the time to do all these things.”
“Me either, which is why I’m begging you. Please go with me?”
“Fine.” I have plenty of time in my schedule.
She squeals with delight. “You’re the best.”
When there’s only one item left in my closet, I sit down on the floor and bring my old skate bag into my lap. The familiar weight makes goose bumps climb up my arms. I tossed it in here the day after my surgery, where I wouldn’t have to see it and be reminded that I wouldn’t be picking it up and heading to the rink any time soon. As if it being out of sight was truly going to keep it off my mind.
Unzipping the bag, I peek inside, only catching a glimpse of one white skate before I decide I’m not ready to deal with them yet. I put the bag back where it was.
One step at a time.
