Page 154 of From Now On

Rather than heading straight home, I drive to the rink. Skating’s never failed to make me feel better.

I still have the key from the last time Hart left it with me. And I realize why he never asked for it back when I step inside.

They melted the ice.

I’ve never been in here this far past the season. The rink is basically boarded up. The only lights on are the emergency ones, illuminating the giant slab of cement that’s replaced the smooth stretch of white.

Another reminder of how quickly things can change.

CHAPTER FORTY

EVE

Itear the strip of tape off the canvas slowly, balling it up and tossing it in the trash. Right as I’m dabbing my paintbrush in linseed oil to start on the lower half, there’s a knock on the door.

I freeze, a cold fist of fear tightening around my windpipe. When I got here fifteen minutes ago, the entire building was silent and empty. The exact solitude I was craving to worry about Hunter. But now, the silence seems menacing.

“Eve? You in there?”

I recognize his voice and relax.

Then tense again, because I have no idea what him taking off earlier means. Hunterdoesn’ttake off. He shows up.

Conor was clearly worried about him. Harlow had to talk him into going to the event celebrating the championship that the team won. That was almost as concerning as Hunter’s choice not to go.

“Eve?” Hunter says again.

I slide off my stool and walk to the door.

When I open it, Hunter has one hand braced on the doorframe, right next to the plaque with my name on it.

He looks…devastated. His eyes are red-rimmed and his hair is a chaotic mess that looks like it’s had hands run through it repeatedly. He’s wearing a dress shirt and slacks, but no tie or jacket. Like he started getting ready for tonight and suddenly stopped.

“Sean overdosed,” he states before I can say a word.

I clap a hand to my mouth. “Oh my God. Is he…okay?”

“He’s awake. My mom called a little while ago with that update. But when she first called…” He swallows. “They found him unconscious.”

“I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

Hunter shakes his head, then glances down. “Nothing I can do either. My mom told me not to come, and I just—” He blows out a long breath. “I feel so fucking helpless.”

I step into Hunter’s chest, wrapping my arms around his waist.

He hugs me back instantly, like he needs the contact. “I drove around for a while. Then I went to the rink for…habit, I guess. Skating helps when I’m upset. But they melted the ice. I was leaving campus and it occurred to me you might be here.” He exhales. “Glad I was right.”

“Painting helps when I’m upset,” I tell him.

His arms tighten around me. “I know. I’m so sorry about earlier. I would have called or texted to explain but I just—I was in shock.”

“Don’t apologize. I was just worried about you. I knew you wouldn’t miss the dinner unless it was important.”

Hunter rests his chin on the top of my head.

And we just stand like that, holding each other.

“I told him not to call.”

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