Page 78 of Icy Pucking Play

Finally:You're right. I should have told you. About everything.

His response is immediate:Start with Sophie. She's the one who deserves answers.

"He's right, you know." Coach is still watching me. "That girl deserves the truth."

"The truth?" I laugh harshly. "That I let Clark Ellis destroy my marriage? That I trusted him with my family, and he…" I cut myself off, the old pain still too raw.

"No. The truth that you're pushing her away because you're scared. Because it's easier than admitting she might be different."

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes one last time.

Sophie:Don't worry about the feature. I'll have someone else finish it. Someone more...professional.

The word hits like a slapshot to the chest.

Because this is what I wanted, right? Distance. Clear boundaries. No complications.

So why does it feel like I just lost everything that matters?

"You know what your problem is?" Coach says, gathering his clipboard. "You're so busy protecting yourself from getting hurt that you don't see when you're the one doing the hurting."

He leaves me there, standing on melting ice, surrounded by the wreckage of my own fears.

Because he's right. They're all right.

I'm pushing away the best thing that's happened to me in years because I'm afraid it might end badly. Which is guaranteeing itwillend badly.

My phone buzzes again. Natalia this time:

Dad? Is Sophie mad at us? She didn't answer when I texted her...

The guilt is immediate and crushing.

Because it's not just me I'm hurting, is it? It's everyone who's come to count on Sophie's presence in our lives.

Everyone who's started to think of her as...as family.

The answer whispers through my head in Sophie's voice:

Because some things are worth complicating.

Too bad I realized it too late.

Or maybe...

I look at the exit where she just disappeared, then at my phone. At all the people telling me I'm making a mistake.

Maybe it's not too late.

Maybe there's still time to…

"Uncle Evan?" Ryland's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Got a minute?"

I turn to find him changed back into street clothes, looking more serious than I've ever seen him.

"About Clark…"

"No." He holds up a hand. "First, you're going to tell me everything. About him, about Aunt Chelsea, about why you're really pushing Sophie away."

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