Page 98 of Taking Sides

“Wait. People were mean to you?” My gaze narrows into slits.

Sloane’s laughter grows louder. “No. It was a hypothetical. Mostly people didn’t realize I existed.”

“Yeah, same.”

“I have my five-year reunion coming up.” Her face scrunches up.

“Are you going?”

“No. Maybe. I don’t know. I thought I would have more to show for my life by now.”

“Didn’t we all?” It’s amazing how fast time goes and how I can feel like the same person and completely different all at once.

We fall quiet, and I think about what it’d be like if I had to go back to face my old classmates. It would be uncomfortable, at best. And even if I weren’t dreading running into anyone specific, I know I’d feel better if I had someone by my side. But maybe that’s just me. I love a partner in crime.

“Conrad will be fine, right? He’s a professional hockey player. He’s more than proven himself.”

She hums a sound that might be agreement.

“You don’t think so?”

“I mean, I agree that he has, but whether or not he feels like it is a completely different thing. What’s the saying? Old wounds never heal.”

A cinder block of unease drops in my stomach. She’s right. I know how badly they hurt him and how he still carries the insecurities with him.

“I should have offered to go with him,” I say.

She shrugs one shoulder. “He could have asked.”

He wouldn’t though. He’d worry about it messing up my own schedule or plans, he’d stress about me saying no, or maybe he would struggle with the literal words to pose the question. He’s way more comfortable with me than in the beginning, but there are still moments I can tell he’s nervous.

“I’m the worst girlfriend ever.” I bring both palms to my head and continue to chastise myself.

“You’re not,” Sloane says, trying to reassure me.

I groan in response. Maybe not, but I should have thought about how big of a deal it would be before now.

Sloane speaks in a soft, hopeful tone. “What time is the award ceremony?”

The additional unspoken question is: Can you still make it?

“He didn’t say.” I’m not even positive when it is. Tonight? Tomorrow? “Will it be weird if I just show up unannounced?”

She hesitates before she shakes her head. “No.”

“You’re sure?”

“I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to do it if I were in your shoes, but you should go. He surprised you in Houston and that was so romantic. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled.”

That night was magical. “Why is it always romantic when men make big gestures and slightly stalkerish when women attempt them?”

“Stop procrastinating and book the flight,” she says in a stern voice I’ve only heard her use on kids running in the hallway.

“Okay, Ms. Wingrove.”

I search for flights, and when I do the mental math and determine I can make the very last one going out today, I’m filled with such a sense of relief, I know I have to go. Romantic? I’m not sure, but it feels like the right thing, anyway.

Sloane’s lips curl into a knowing smirk. “Need a ride to the airport?”