Page 54 of The Comeback

"Okay. And I'm not one to give relationship advice, but if she means that much to you, try to fix it. You don't need distractions, but you've been playing great, and now." He throws his hands up in the air with a helpless look. He's completely out of his depth here. "Just think about it."

He's right. I've been happy. I've been playing better than ever, and for the first time in my life I thought maybe. Just maybe there was the smallest of chances that I could have it all. The dream, the girl. Everything. But it's not up to me. She made it very clear where she stands and I'm going to have to learn to live with it. It'd be better to start now.

Now I really want to get back on the ice. Burn off all these feelings. Erase her just for a while.

"Any chance I can..."

"Nope. Get your ass out of here. Think about your attitude and bring your A game tomorrow or don't show up at all."

I nod, and he pushes off the wall he was leaning on. "Now get out of here. I've got a team that actually wants to play to coach. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll be there."

Chapter 41

Abby

I'mnotsurethepizza guy is ever going to recover from Aurelia answering the door in her tiny pink satin shorts and cami. Maybe one day he'll look back at this moment and realize he delivered pizza to woman accepting an Oscar at the Academy’s. Maybe he won't, but he's sure going to spend the rest of the night thinking about her, judging by the stuttered thank you.

Lia drops the pizzas on the coffee table and plops down next to me on our couch. I probably should have answered the door. He wouldn't have looked twice at my hamster print flannel bottoms and the matching top that says (funny hamster saying@). It's all topped with the most glorious of messy buns, and not one of those artfully crafted ones you see people doing tutorials for on TikTok. No my messy bun is authentic, wispy strands tickling my cheeks and probably a few actual knots tucked away.

The healing scent of greasy cheese, carboard, and bacon smack me in the face when I open my box. Ree makes a face at me and opens hers. We always go for the two for one deal, because we can't agree on toppings.

"Keep that monstrosity away from me." She shoves at my poor pizza to give herself a little distance from the bacon, pineapple, and hot pepper combo.

"Look who's talking. Olives. Gross."

"Olives are one of natures most perfect foods. You are just a heathen."

"Mmmm." The first bite wipes away any care as to what she gets on her pizza. That's the beauty of the two for one deal.

"So what are we watching tonight? 13 going on 30. To All the Boys? Watcha feeling? Classic or Netflix newbie?" I ask her.

"Both." She mumbles over a delicate bite, savoring each mouthful.

Ree rarely lets herself indulge in pizza, or ice cream, or chocolate. All my favorite food groups. I frown a little. She earns her long, lean frame the same way I've earned my extra curves.

"No frowns on girls night.

Right. I've gotten way more secure with myself over the last couple of years. But with everything that's happened recently it's taken me back to my high school days which quite frankly sucked. Being an overweight girl in the drama club was never an easy place to be. High school can be such a crappy place for the oddballs. I've never felt worshipped quite the way I did when I was with Sebastian though. Connor made the odd snide comment about my body. I never should have stayed with him as long as I did, but he could also be charming and even sweet. Until he wasn't.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize." She sets her pizza down, turning to me. "Zayne broke up with me."

"Awww sweetie." That explains the drunk rampage last night. "What happened?"

She leans back into the couch. "Honestly, he was insecure. I've been killing it in rehearsal and he's been struggling to remember some of the choreography. I offered to help him with extra practice, but he got all defensive. I dunno. Sometimes I feel like some people can't stand it when you shine brighter than them, and I'm not going to dim myself for anyone."

Ree is so strong. She's so together. She knows who she is and who she wants to be and I admire that so much. I wish I had that much self assurance. "As you shouldn't. You're amazing, and honestly you deserve to be worshipped. Any guy or girl who is lucky enough to snag you should respect that. I'm talking like fanning you with palm leaves, and hand feeding you grapes kinda deal."

She laughs, slipping out of the contemplative state. "You're right. I do deserve that. Maybe one of those things to carry me around too, or an elephant. DO you think I could get my own elephant to ride around on?"

"Probably cruel to the elephant."

Her hand flies up to her mouth. "You're right. I can't believe I didn’t think of that. I guess I'll have to settle for a Ferrari. Cherry red. Or one in every color to match my lipstick."

I tidy up the pizza boxes once we've recovered from the giggling fit.

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