Page 96 of The Echo of Regret

I turn, but he calls my name.

“And hey, Bishop?”

I look back at him.

“I’m sorry, man. I really am.”

I nod, giving him a tight smile, then shut the door and head inside. I don’t doubt he has more questions, has more to say, and part of me knows I’ll hear it from him at some point over the next few weeks as more time passes and he realizes I really am staying.

But today, I don’t want to hear it, so I’m thankful he keeps his thoughts to himself.

When I get inside, I head through the house and straight out onto the back deck, looking at the long grassy knoll behind the house and the dock that stretches into the lake.

I love Cedar Point. I always have.

The woman I love is here. So is my family.

That should be more than enough.

chapter twenty-six

Gabi

When Sam Rush walks into my classroom about thirty minutes before my first class of the new semester, I can’t help the bit of surprise I feel. We haven’t been alone together since I stormed away from him when he asked me out a few months ago, and I’ve always meant to apologize for that.

But when I see the pinched, concerned look on his face, I think maybe my apology will have to wait for another time.

“Hey, I know you’re probably getting ready for class, but…do you have a minute?” he asks, crossing toward where I’m rearranging some of the supplies on a shelf along the wall.

I nod. “Sure. What’s up?”

He lets out a long sigh. “Did Bishop talk to you already about getting released from his team?”

The hairs along the back of my neck stand up, shock rolling its way through my body. I turn toward Sam.

“What?” I ask, my question more of a gasp than a word.

Sam nods. “He mentioned it to me on Sunday. He hasn’t talked to you about it?”

I shake my head. “No. I didn’t even… God, he must be devastated.” I pause. “Why wouldn’t he tell me?” I say out loud, more to myself than to Sam.

I thought we told each other everything. I thought we’d gotten back into a place where we would share big things like this, the good and the bad. The idea that he would get released from his team—his dream—and not say anything to me? I can barely believe it.

“Look, I just wanted to let you know because…” Sam pauses, his jaw shifting slightly, almost like he doesn’t want to say whatever he was planning to. “Because he said he’s planning to stay in town. Permanently.”

My head jerks back.

“Said he’s actually a little relieved and wants to stay here and coach, be here with his family. And you.”

I blink a few times, feeling like I keep getting hit over the head with new information.

“I only wanted to tell you because I know you care about him and, well, I’d wanna know. You know?”

I nod. “Thanks, Sam. I really appreciate you telling me.”

He gives me a tight smile and then a wave before heading back outside, probably over to the weight room where the guys will be spending the first month or so of the semester.

I just stand there, glancing around, trying to remember what it was I was doing. All I can think about is the fact that Bishop got cut from his team and is now suddenly staying in Cedar Point. Like, forever?

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