Page 74 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“I’m fine, Mom. I promise.”

“One day,” she whispered. “One day you’ll have a family of your own and you’ll know what it’s like.”

“Sure thing, Mom. When we’re older. Much, much older.” I grinned at Sofia but she didn’t return it.

Guess I hadn’t done such a good job of lying as I’d first thought.

Dad climbed out and came around to open Sofia’s door, and I slipped out behind her.

“Straight to bed for you,” he said.

“Dad—”

“No, sweetheart. You gave us quite the scare and like Aaron said, humor us.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her toward the house.

“Aaron?” Mom called and I lingered back.

“Yeah?”

“About earlier—”

“I was out of line.”

“A little.” Her lips twisted. “But I get it. And I want you to know I’m proud of you, Son.” She laid her hand on my cheek. “I am so damn proud, and no matter what happens, I believe in you, Aaron. And I truly believe that if it doesn’t work out with Connecticut or Iowa it’s because there’s something better waiting for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I forced the words out over the lump in my throat.

“I know you want to have your best season ever, but don’t forget to enjoy it, sweetheart. You don’t get this time back.” She leaned up and kissed my cheek before taking off after Dad and Sofia.

I blew out a strained breath, running a hand over my jaw. Senior year was supposed to be my year. My time to shine. To make all my fucking dreams come true. But so far it had been nothing but disappointment and regret.

I needed to pull myself together and get my head back in the game.

It wasn’t over yet.

I still had a shot at getting a scholarship.

Even if every day it slipped through my fingers a little more.

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