Page 115 of What Are the Chances
“Why not?”
“Because you’re you. You’re not...”
I trailed off. I was starting to see where he was going with this.
“Because I’m not...” Tanner prompted.
I sighed. “You’re not like our father.”
Tanner’s response was quick. “And neither is Caufield.”
“It’s not that–”
“Itisthat simple,” Tanner interjected, breaking off my argument before I could voice it.
Was it? Had I imagined and projected something that didn’t even have a chance of happening?
I thought back to the months leading up to mine and Will’s breakup. Of the missed date nights because he’d stayed back at the rink. Of the missed events because he had away games. But were there even that many, or had it just felt that way because of the added years of dad’s cancellations?
“You need to give Caulfield the chance to prove to you that it could be different, Ri.”
Doubt danced through me. “Why are you pushing this? Are you Will’s number one fan now or something?”
“No, I’m your number one fan, and I know what he means to you.”
I swallowed thickly, suddenly feeling like I was on the cusp of crying. Whether it was from happiness or sadness, I couldn’t decide.
“I’ll make you a deal, Ri. I won’t let dad dictate my future if you don’t let him control yours.”
Before I could answer, Parker bounced into the kitchen. Her excited gaze zeroed in on my brother. It tapered down after seeing me though. Her nervous hand instantly moved to her earring, turning it in circles.
“Riley.”
She uttered my name uncertainly, as if addressing a former friend. I hated that. Parker was one of my favourite people in the world. I meant what I’d told Tanner. If they wanted to make something of this, I wasn’t standing in the way.
I met my best friend’s anxious gaze. “I’m cool with this, Parker.” I held up one finger. “So long as I don’t have to hearanynaked details.”
With a relieved grin, Parker threw her arms around me and squeezed tightly. Over her shoulder, my brother watched us with a shit-eating grin. If Parker was even partly responsible for that look on his face, and getting him to go to that lunch today, I was the one who should be hugging her.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
I want to see you
WILL
I’d just climbed into bed when my phone lit-up. It was late. Nobody called this late. Maybe one of the guys if they’d gotten themselves into a bind, but they were all currently on the couch watching a movie. I’d bailed because I’d used up all of my energy at the lunch today.
My heart faltered seeing Riley’s name on the screen. I hadn’t expected to hear from her, but I wasn’t complaining.
“Hey,” I answered.
“Hi.” She paused. “Where are you?”
“At home,” I returned. “Where are you?”
It was loud wherever she was.
“At a party in Allentown.”
