Page 93 of A Game as Old as Time

“I guess I just had a bad day yesterday. I shouldn’t have taken it out on my family and, and you.” He looked down, now avoiding her eyes.

Stop that, Gunner.

She could not explain how, but her insides actually got hot. The fact that he was blaming himself, again, was something she could not bear.

Help him.

Hailey grabbed his hand again, moving her thumb over a fresh scar---one he must have picked up in the last game. Her worries from last night were gone. He was asking for help. And while he might not be particularly good at it, he was opening up to her and being vulnerable.

Do something.

“I know what it is like. To have bad days.” His eyes returned to her. “You will have more, but it gets easier.”

He stared for a few seconds before grabbing both her hands. He squeezed tightly, and she felt a warmth wash across her body.

“Well.” He came almost nose to nose with her. “They have gotten a lot easier since I met you.”

Oh boy, he’s smooth, even when he’s being authentic.

Her cheeks went hot, and she felt like she had just stepped out into a humid summer day.

There was no denying what he was saying to her at that moment, and as he squeezed her hand tighter, she felt the butterflies take over her body.

I know what that look is.

She had finally figured it out. What had pulled her in right away when they had met.

He has so much strength.

It was crystal clear now, and she could not believe she had missed it. She would do anything for him to see it himself, no matter how long it would take or how much he would fight it.

“I’m sick of playing this game, Hailey.” His face was determined, making her palms sweat. “I can’t do this anymore, and I’m too all over the place to be any good at it.” Hailey could feel her heart pumping faster. “I struggle each day to figure out what my next steps are and where I’m supposed to go. But as long as they lead to you, I know it’ll be a great day.”

He lied; he is great at this.

“If it’s friends that you want to be, I can be friends. I can be a great friend, and I can listen to you. I can be there for you when you get on that stage. I know how hard that is going to be, and I will not leave your side---”

She stopped him with another squeeze. And while her face was scorching hot, the butterflies pushed the words up her throat.

“Any day that I get to see you is a great day for me too, Gunner. However long it takes, I promise I will be here to help you figure everything out.”

Wow, that was intense.

It was as if the room stood still. He appeared to need time to take in what she had just said.

Was that not right?

She was about to adjust in her seat when he began to smile. His body relaxed, and at least for a few seconds, she felt like she was able to help with some of his pain.

Wait!?

Her head twisted as the next song started to play. She had beenlistening to this song on repeat for months, practicing.

“Did you do this?” she asked him, her cheeks burning.

The grin did not leave his face as he pointed to the DJ booth.

“No, but I have an idea who did.”

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