Page 112 of Puck Fest

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The folder Sam gave me is sitting on the passenger seat. Contract work. Project-based. A chance to rebuild.

But all I can think about is Danny’s voice sayingyou chose everyone except me.

He’s right. I did.

And now I’m sitting with a job offer I should be grateful for and the certainty that I made the biggest mistake of my life.

Not getting involved with Danny.

Not falling in love with him.

But giving up on him when things got hard.

Choosing control over courage.

Choosing protection over fighting for what mattered.

My phone’s on the kitchen counter. I could call him. Could try to explain. Could tell him he’s right and I’m sorry and I wish I’d fought harder.

But he told me to stay away.

And maybe that’s what he needs.

Or maybe I’m doing it again. Choosing the safe option. The one where I don’t have to risk getting hurt again.

Later that night, I sit in the dark and wonder if I’m ever going to be okay without fixing what I broke.

CHAPTER 28

DANNY

I makeit to my truck before the anger turns into something else.

Regret. Guilt. The realization that I just said things I can’t take back.

You’re too scared to fight for what you want.

We’re done.

Stay away from me.

I sit in the driver’s seat, gripping the steering wheel, trying to catch my breath.

The clinic. I’m supposed to be at a clinic right now teaching kids hockey. Acting like my life isn’t falling apart.

I was already late.

And now that I’m sitting here, I know can’t do it.

I pull out my phone to text Tate.

Can’t make the clinic. Sorry.

His response comes immediately.

What happened?

Ran into Noah. It went badly.

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