Page 173 of Ice Darling

Brenda: Sasha, I haven’t heard from you in a while.

Brenda: Sasha?

Brenda: If you don’t answer, I’m turning up at your house.

Sasha: Which one?

Brenda: All of them if I have to. We’re friends, not just future mother-in-laws.

Brenda: You can talk to me.

Sasha: There’s nothing to talk about.

Brenda: I heard from Renthrow’s neighbors that Cordelia’s bike was parked in their driveway all night.

Brenda: ?

Brenda: Sasha, I can tell you saw my text.

Brenda: Did you hear me? Cordelia spent the night!

Sasha: I’ll be out of Lucky Falls for a while. I might get busy so don’t be surprised if I don’t contact you again.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Renthrow

Once Gordie’s dropped off at school, I head to the stadium for the training camp.

Max takes me aside to ask if I’ve informed the guys yet, and when I tell him no, he decides to take the task on himself.

As much as I don’t want to do it, Idefinitelydon’t think Max should do it either.

But it’s no use.

He sends a cold text to the entire team. It’s about as terrible a way to tell someone bad news as any, and I’m not surprised when a flood of expletives and middle-finger emojis flood the group chat.

One by one, members leave the chat.

It’s like the Lucky Strikers are crumbling before my very eyes.

I drive to The Pink Garage at lunch, needing space from the stadium. I get where Max is coming from, but his ultimatum feels unnecessarily cruel. I wish he’d give the rest of the team some slack. And the group’s extreme reactions—though warranted—leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

This is all a big, ugly mess.

I need something sweet and beautiful to perk up my day.

I need Cordelia.

Yes, she spent the night yesterday, but it wasn’t enough.

I want more of her. I wantallof her.

Is that why you dreamed of being married to her?

That’s a secret I’m keeping deep in my heart. Cordelia is already so hesitant about us. And to make it worse, I previously told her—in no uncertain terms—that I will never get married again.

Now that I’m in love with her, my mind is starting to change about that. But it might be too much. Too soon.