Page 28 of Broken Hearts

“I’m happy you decided to come,” Poppy says, linking her arm with mine on one side, Nessa on the other. “I feel better with you around.”

“I’m happy to be here.”

I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for being here, not just to support Poppy but also to thwart any further harm Cole might inflict on my family.

As we find our seats, I settle in with a sense of reluctant anticipation. My eyes involuntarily dart to the field, and my scowl deepens when I catch him glancing in my direction.

“Huh…” I start, looking at the giant screen showing the players’ positions.

“What?” Poppy leans in, her voice laced with curiosity.

“They went for a 4-2-3-1 formation,” I comment, my focus completely shifting to the game’s strategy.

“Okay?” Poppy sounds unsure but interested.

I find myself momentarily forgetting about Cole as I explain, “The 4-2-3-1 formation consists of four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one striker.” I point at the screen. “It’s about balance, offering solid defense and creative attack. The midfielders can shift the game’s dynamic, especially when one pairs up closely with the striker. In this case, it’s Ethan and Cole.” Saying his name still sends an involuntary shiver down my spine.

Poppy whistles. “You really know your soccer.”

“My father is a coach at Crescent Academy,” I reply, a hint of pride in my voice. “I was raised breathing soccer.”

As the game progresses, I can’t help but admire the fluidity of the players on the field. The Lions play with a precision and energy that’s captivating, and even if I hate to admit it, Cole is a beast on that field—one of the best strikers I’ve ever seen. He eventually scores the winning goal, and the crowd erupts into cheers. He turns his smug smile right toward me, and I don’t know if he’s actually looking for me or pacifying his adoring fans with a little attention, but I look down at my feet and glower.

Ethan jogs over to us, his face flushed with victory. Poppy’s eyes light up, and the way they share a look full of unspoken words and emotions makes my heart squeeze with happiness for her and aching memories of high school.

Trying to distract myself from the bittersweet feelings, my gaze wanders over the stands. My eyes lock onto Jenny’s figure in the crowd, and it feels like the air is sucked out of my lungs. My grip on the cup of soda tightens, causing the plastic to creak. Jenny, Cole’s ex-girlfriend, was the one who had warned me that they were “endgame.” The memory of her shouting at Derek to follow me, to make me pay on Cole’s behalf, sends a wave of nausea through me.

I look at her, barely wearing any clothes despite the coolness of the stadium.

She saunters down, and as soon as she jumps on him, kissing his cheek, I turn away.

For once, none of Max’s words of wisdom or reassurances can quell the pain and echo of fear rising in my throat. The sight of her, a ghost from a past I’ve been trying to escape, reignites old anxieties and doubts. She’s a harsh reminder of a time when I was vulnerable, easily manipulated, and utterly lost in the chaos of Cole’s world.

Is this why he wanted me to come? To flaunt his life at me? How nothing has changed for him, and how he’s still always on top while he managed to take almost everything from me?

I say almost because I still have my life, despite what I thought at the time, and I am doing my best to rebuild.

“You’re staying?” I ask Poppy far more sharply than I intend once Ethan disappears down the stairs and into the internal hall.

She jerks back at the sharpness of my tone, and Nessa frowns, probably sensing the switch in me.

She stands up. “I-well… I was planning to, but if you want me to come home with you, I can.”

That drains all my anger and frustration, only leaving guilt for doing that to my friend. The last thing I want to do is dim her joy. I want her to be so happy.

I smile. “No! Oh, Poppy, I’m sorry. I’m just distracted right now.” I pull her into a hug. “No, please go be with your man. He’s waiting for you.”

“Yeah, he’s gonna hammer down,” Nessa adds, and I laugh.

“I’ll see you later!” Poppy calls with a wave before going down the stairs and to the player tunnel.

“We’re not going to see her later,” Nessa says, standing beside me.

Turning toward her, I sign, “No, we won’t.”

Her eyes light up like I have given her the best present. “You know how to sign?”

A shrug accompanies the response. “I’m learning online. It’s not great yet, but—”

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