Page 125 of The Love You Win

Despite my nerves and the crushing regret of everything that’s happened the last week or two, I laugh.

“Yeah, and instead of moving back home, you moved in with Griffin Wright. That boy is as sweet as they come, but the two of you lead very different lives.”

Mira shrugs and gives me an exasperated look before hooking her arm in mine. The five of us weave through the growing crowds. When I asked Griffin to get tickets for us, I thought he’d get us something toward the back of the arena. But that’s not where Mira takes us.

“We’re sitting here?” I ask as she leads us into the first row of seats from the boards. My voice is squeaky. “Mira, this isn’t a good idea.”

She waves dismissively. “This is where the team wanted you. It’ll make it easier to get you on the ice after the game when they present you with one of those huge checks for your school.”

“But Maddox,” I hiss. I’m as quiet as possible so her mom doesn’t hear. “Mira, this is too close. He’ll be pissed.”

And I’ll be struggling to maintain my composure the whole game. It will be hard enough to watch him play. But to be this close? Seeing every facial expression when he skates by—every frown, sneer, and grimace—will be too much for me. I already know it.

Mira gives me a sympathetic smile. “He won’t be. Trust me. It’ll be fine.”

“I won’t be fine,” I whisper. She hears me.

“You will. Promise. You’re not alone.”

“I’m not ready to see him, Mira. I’m not…” My eyes well with tears and I have to clear my throat again. “I’m not okay.”

“Man, I want to kick my brother’s ass,” she mutters, glaring at the tunnel the guys will walk out of soon for warmups. Turning back to me, she grabs my hand once we’re settled in our seats. “Don’t be mad, but Griff told me what happened. My brother is a dumbass and I get why you’re not okay. And he may be my blood, but I’m on your side. So is Griffin. Plus, you’ve got your friends here to support you. You can do this. You’re not alone.”

“I don’t think you understand,” I say as a booming baritone announces the visiting team—the Florida Gators—and the Rogues as they skate onto the ice for warmups. My chest tightens and my hands shake as my eyes find Maddox the moment he emerges from the tunnel.

I’m going to puke.

Turning pleading eyes to Mira, I clutch at her hand. “I’m in love with him.”

Mira’s face softens. “Yeah, girl. I know. I think the only person who didn’t know was my brother. And that’s because he’s an idiot.”

“I can’t face him.” I start to rise from my seat. “This was a mistake.”

“Isla.” Mira tugs my arm, and I flop back onto my ass. “Breathe.”

But that’s the thing. I can’t. Because I can feel Maddox’s eyes on me. Hell, it feels like everyone is watching me. It’s like ants crawling over every inch of my skin. “I need to run to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

I’m fleeing before she can say a thing. The hair on the back of my neck prickles. I’m sure Maddox is watching me run from the arena with a pleased smile. He probably loves seeing me upset and broken.

Careful not to make eye contact with anyone, I hurry into the women’s bathroom and close myself in a stall. This was a mistake. I thought I could handle being in the same building as Maddox. But that was before I knew we’d be sitting right against the ice.

Leaning my forehead against the stall door, I try to slow my breathing.

In for four.

Out for four.

In for four.

Out for four.

Fans chatter all around, oblivious to the turmoil inside of me. Doors slam, toilets flush, and women laugh.

In for four.

Out for four.

Why did Trish ask me to do this? And why did I agree? Surely they could have asked someone else.

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