Page 30 of Penalized Love

“I know, and he’s been more focused on me for whatever reason.”

“He needs to get laid,” he offers.

I scoff. “Maybe. Regardless, I should have been more in control, and it won’t happen again.” It’s a lie because if it involves Isla, all bets are off.

Blaise stands up from the chair. “Cool. Well, I’ll head back to my room because even with all the excitement tonight, I’m beat.”

“Thanks, Blaise. I appreciate you coming to talk.” I give him a half-smile.

“Anytime, bro. That’s what friends are for.” He claps me on the shoulder before heading for the door. “Try to get some rest, alright?”

“I will. Night, man.”

With a wave, Blaise leaves, closing the door behind him. I flop back onto my bed and stare at the ceiling. My mind is still reeling from everything, and I hate that. I know I need toapologize to Knox tomorrow. As much as he pissed me off, Blaise was right that I overreacted.

Suddenly, my phone vibrates in my pocket, and my mouth drops open when I see a text from Isla.

Isla: We could meet after the team meeting tomorrow if you’re available.

I read the message three times before I stop questioning what I read. It’s straight to the point and sounds a little harsh, but I deserve that. After everything that happened, she has every right to be distant. The important thing is she’s given me an opening, and that’s more than I could have hoped for. I think of a response, and soon, my fingers fly across the screen.

Me: That should be fine, and I’ll meet you anywhere. Thanks for reaching out.

I hit send and set my phone down on my nightstand. I don’t expect an immediate response from Isla. Playing this cool is key, even though by the end of this, I’ll be opening up a gaping wound that I thought I’d healed years ago.

Good luck to me.

13

ISLA

As I open the door to Brewed Beginnings, the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the light jingle of the bell above the door greets me. I’m not a huge coffee drinker, but there’s something about this place that feels like a warm hug, which I desperately need right now.

Because I’m freaking the fuck out.

I grip the strap of my book bag as I make my way to a corner table. It’s tucked away from where most of the patrons are sitting, giving us some privacy in a very public space.

Part of me wishes I had asked to have this discussion before a team meeting or practice. That way, we would have a set end time, and I could escape. However, past me wasn’t as smart as present me.

I slide into the chair, and my leg immediately bounces under the table. I check my phone for the tenth time in the last five minutes. However, it’s the first time I’ve checked it here, so I’m not being obsessive.

Girl math.

Asher isn’t late, but I’m impatient, and my brain is jumping between wanting to get this over with or bolting out of here before he shows up.

I’m being ridiculous. It’s just a conversation. A much-needed conversation, sure, but still. I’ve faced tougher challenges than this, including the one I’m battling with my PCOS. There’s no doubt in my mind that I can do this.

As I wait for Asher to arrive, I check my phone and notice I have two emails. The first one is from my dad, reminding me about the team get-together at our house for hockey bonding this Sunday. The second one is from Bailey, asking if I can take photos at the volunteer event on the same day.

I can go to both things, just like I can have this conversation with Asher like an adult.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t notice someone approaching my table until they’re right in front of me. I look up, expecting to see Asher, but I find a girl with brown hair in a messy bun. She’s wearing a Brewed Beginnings apron, leading me to believe that she works here.

“Hey there,” the barista says with a small smile. “You’re the new team photographer, right? I saw you at the game last night.”

I blink up at her, surprised that she recognizes me. “Yeah, that was me. I’m Isla.”

“Nice to meet you, Isla. I’m Hailey, Levi Jamison’s girlfriend.” She extends her hand, and I shake it as it clicks into place about how she recognizes me. “I was just about to clock out, but I can grab you something quick.”

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