Page 56 of Triple Play
I stand in the kitchen alone with my coffee going cold and her words echoing in my head.
She’s right.
I should’ve cared two years ago. Should’ve texted her back. Called her. Explained why I ran.
But I was too busy drowning in grief and guilt to see that she was drowning too.
And now Jordie’s there. Offering her everything I’m too chickenshit to give.
I down my coffee in three swallows and head to the shower.
I stand under water hot enough to hurt.
But it doesn’t wash away the image of her in my hoodie. Or the memory of her voice cracking when she said she wished I’d cared.
I did care.
I cared so much it terrified me.
Still does.
Which is why I’ll watch Jordie take what I’m too scared to claim.
Watch Wyatt get closer while I push her away.
Watch her slip through my fingers because I’m too fucked up to hold on.
It’s what I deserve.
So I’ll keep pretending I don’t care.
Keep punishing my team and myself.
Keep watching from the sidelines while other people get to touch her.
It’s safer this way.
For everyone.
Even if it’s killing me.
CHAPTER TEN
THE FIRST CRACK
Elise
It’s eleven PM, and I’m surrounded by anatomy textbooks, highlighters in every color, and the crushing weight of medical school applications.
This is what I do. When things get complicated, I study. When my life feels out of control, I control what I can. Right now, that’s mastering the intricate pathways of the human nervous system.
Fitting, considering mine is currently short-circuiting.
I’ve built a fortress on the living room couch: laptop, notes, textbooks arranged in careful stacks. My third coffee sits within reach, gone cold an hour ago, but I keep drinking it anyway.
The house is quiet. Jordie’s at some party. Wyatt’s been in his room since dinner, lights blazing under his door.
Grant’s been gone since six. Date night, apparently. Some girl from his extensive rotation.
