Page 78 of King

I run out of steam, noting that Penn’s expression has bordered on slight boredom during my rant. I wait for him to turn around and walk away, having fulfilled his duty to do nothing more than listen as I demanded. I certainly don’t expect advice, but then he says, “Call her.”

I frown because that’s two more words than I thought I’d ever get. But it’s way too simple. “Call her?”

“Call her and explain yourself. If she won’t pick up, leave a voicemail. She’ll listen to it eventually and you’ll have had your say. Then it will be up to her to figure out what to do. You’ll at least feel better for getting all that stuff off your chest. I suggest you apologize though.”

“Do you think that will work?”

Penn shrugs noncommittally. “I don’t know, but it’s better than doing nothing. Certainly better than talking to me.”

“Yeah… okay, thanks. I’ll—”

Penn turns his back and walks away.

“—do that.”

I watch until he disappears into the hall that connects to the locker rooms and pull out my phone. I don’t have anything practiced but I know what’s in my heart. I dial Willa’s number and it’s no shock that she doesn’t answer.

So I leave her the voicemail Penn suggested. “Hey Willa… I’m really sorry about what happened and I want to talk to you about it. I know tempers were high, but I’m hoping we can put that aside. I’m so fucking sorry I didn’t tell you about Emily. I know all of this could’ve been avoided had I told you. I’m a little uncertain since Scott’s got it into your head I can’t be trusted, but I’d ask you to consider if you can trust his words or motives. I know it’s lame of me to talk about trust when I broke yours by not being open with you about Emily, but I swear I wasn’t hiding it. It truly didn’t seem important because she’s not important to me anymore.Youare.” I pause a second, collecting more thoughts. “Emily knew about you though. I told her all about you because I’m with you. I didn’t do that to hurt her or force her away, but because I’m happy and proud to be with you. I just… I really would love for you to call me. I need for you to call me and let me know this isn’t permanently broken. Okay… um… talk soon, I hope.”

I disconnect and wonder if anything I just said will make a difference. Willa’s operating on a past that has made her wary of relationships and it seems that any inroads I’ve carved over the last few weeks may have been obliterated.

All I can do now is wait.

CHAPTER 22

Willa

Sitting alone atmy kitchen table, I absently swirl the lukewarm tea in my cup. I’m taking advantage of the quiet as Brittany and Izzy had a school event tonight and were going to grab dinner on the way home. I reheated last night’s leftover pork chops, took two bites and decided I’d rather just have tea because my stomach is rolling with anxiety.

The past four days have been a tumultuous blur of emotions—anger, confusion and endless overthinking. My sister has given me space, but her concerned glances do not go unnoticed. The uncertainty is suffocating.

King’s voicemail from last Saturday replays in my mind on an endless loop. His explanation did little to soothe my racing thoughts. His words were sincere, but they couldn’t erase the image of Emily standing in his posh condo. A woman he was with for years, whereas we’ve been together for weeks.

And now, there’s only deafening silence. No calls, no texts, not even a mention of Ice Pups practice he missed on Monday. I thought at a minimum he’d send me some direction or even a reminder he wouldn’t be there since he has a home game. The decided lack of communication has me anxious that I’ve seen the end of our relationship.

The front door swings open and Izzy’s cheerful voice fills the house. Brittany’s warm tone follows. I try to muster excitement as Izzy rushes into the kitchen.

“Aunt Willa, it was so much fun! We made art and sang songs. Miss Taylor said my picture was the best!”

I force a smile and reach out to tuck a stray hair behind Izzy’s ear, her red curls soft against my fingertips. “That sounds amazing, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”

Izzy beams with joy but Brittany catches the lingering sadness in my eyes. “Izzy, why don’t you go upstairs and start your bath? I’ll be up in a minute to help you.”

“Okay, Mommy!” Izzy skips out of the kitchen, leaving us in a silence that hangs like a thick fog.

I’ve been resolutely quiet and unwilling to talk about King. Brittany has allowed me time to work through this and now I’m not sure what to say to her.

My sister glides over to the fridge and retrieves a chilled bottle of crisp white wine and pours two glasses with practiced ease. Placing one in front of me, she takes the adjacent seat, her expression serious. “Okay, spill it. It’s time for you to purge all your thoughts and feelings on me.”

I shake my head, trying to brush off her concerns. “I’m fine. Nothing to talk about.”

She scoffs, sipping her wine. “Don’t give me that bullshit. I’ve known you my whole life and I can tell when something’s eating you. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that it’s your boyfriend—”

“Ex-boyfriend—”

Brittany rolls her eyes. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that you’re having major regrets about things.”

“Am not.”

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