Page 98 of The Playbook

He gave me a pointed look that said he meant business and strode away in the direction Lana had gone.

“They’re right. You need to give Grace some time.”

“What if she doesn’t come back to me?” I whispered, the possibility of a life without her making me ill.

“Then she doesn’t come back.” He clapped me on the shoulder and bid me goodbye before heading off after Lana and Noah.

I slid down the lockers to the floor and rested my head in my hands.

Fuck. I had to make this right. I didn’t know how, but I had to. Grace deserved that.

CHAPTER45

Grace

“Grace? A word please,” Dad called up to my room.

Sighing, I went downstairs and found him in the living room.

“Sit.” He nodded to the leather recliner.

I did and fixed a smile on my face. “What’s up?”

“I had an interesting day at school today,” he said, eyeing me.

I cleared my throat but didn’t speak.

“I heard all sorts of rumors flying around. Something about Logan and you breaking up.”

I nodded as my throat tightened. “We broke up over the weekend. Things weren’t going to work out with us.”

Dad nodded. “And the video I heard about. . .?”

“Stupid things I can handle.”

“Right.” He nodded again. “Are you OK?”

“I’m fine, Dad.”

“You missed school today, so I’d say you’re not fine.”

“Things just didn’t go to plan. That’s all. I put my trust in someone who didn’t put his trust in me. It’s fine. All part of growing up and old, right?”

“Grace,” he sighed. “Boys do really stupid things. We don’t always need a reason, but sometimes our reasons make sense to us. I heard several rather nasty rumors that make me want to break someone’s neck, but I trust they’re just rumors and you know not to let them get to you.”

“I don’t care about any of them. They’re stupid. Plus, Logan and I are over. None of it matters.”

“I see. Well, as long as you’re happy.”

I nodded tightly.

“Grace. It’s OK to talk,” he said gently after a moment of silence. “Maybe you need to clear the air with Logan if you haven’t already. He played like shit in practice today, so I know this is bothering him as much as it’s bothering you. It might do both of you some good to clear the air.”

“Right.” I gave him a weak smile. “I’ll think about it.”

“OK. And remember, Mom and I are here if you need to talk.”

“Thanks, Dad. I know.”

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