Page 102 of Released from the Sin Bin

Yeah, Shit.

“She almost died up there.” The reality of what Willa is fighting against sets in. “I don’t know how to help her.”

“I’m sure just being there and loving her helps.” He lies back down in his bed.

“Would you stop with that love shit.” The more he talks about it, the more uncomfortable I get.

“If Romy was in trouble, I’d plow down whoever was in my way.” He tosses the stress ball I stole from Hines that we keep in the room. Tossing it up and catching it in a steady rhythm. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Except my love is dangerous.

Willa has been through too much to deal with that. She deserves better and more than I can give.

Chapter 25

Willa

A chill runs down my spine as I look out over the rink. Being near the ice isn’t the problem. Standing on it is fine.

But putting on a pair of skates again is what set me over the edge.

I’m embarrassed by how I acted, but I’m glad Carter was with me and it was just him.

I was so lost that I thought I broke my ankle again. I’ve been pushing it all back, the same way I’ve been avoiding those skates.

Carter: How did it go?

Carter texts me to ask about my first session with Dr. Birch. It wasn’t as bad as I expected. It was more of a getting to know each other meeting, and we set goals. Our talk made me realize skates weren’t the only thing I’ve been avoiding. I haven’t driven a car since the incident either.

I wasn’t able to when I was in a cast or boot, but the doctor cleared me to drive a few weeks after being in the boot. I’d just have to take it off and put it back on to walk.

Me: It went well.

He’s been checking on me at least twice a day since the incident. I don’t blame him for being worried. I would’ve been scared if I was him, too. I freaked out. Screaming at him worse than I did when he found me in the snowbank.

Getting another chill, I lift myself off the players’ bench and head home to get ready for our double date.

Jocelyn is so excited to be going out with Carter. I really hope it works out between them. She is so happy to be going on a date with him, and Carter deserves that kind of happiness in his life.

Carter: Are you sure we shouldn’t cancel this date?

Carter texts me as I make the walk home. I could’ve asked him to pick me up, but it’s getting slightly warmer out, and I wanted the air to clear my head to get ready for tonight.

Me: You are not canceling. I’m looking forward to having a fun night. Please try to have fun.

I don’t want him to go into tonight with that same chip on his shoulder he always carries when he’s doing something he doesn’t want to.

Me: Don’t be a sour puss.

Carter: But you know how much I like pussy.

Me: If you were here, I’d smack you.

Carter: Don’t make promises of a good time if you’re not going to deliver.

I send him an eye rolling emoji, but don’t dignify him with a response. I’m too nervous to worry about Carter. I haven’t been on a proper date in years.

I try to think of it as just hanging out with friends, but I want to look good. Especially when Jocelyn comes out in a tiny black dress. She looks great. Her dress has long sleeves with a high neck, but it hugs her curves and shows off her long sturdy legs.

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