Page 45 of Weak Side

“I see what you’re saying, Claire.” Chad took a step toward me, and if I weren’t already sitting on Theo’s bed, I would have moved back to get away from him. “Maybe we should just consider this a little break, then?”

My eyebrows raised. “A break?”

His hands went into his pockets as he peered down at me on Theo’s bed. “I don’t want to regret spending my entire college experience studying my ass off and not doing what guys do, babe. Tell me you understand and that you won’t force me into a bad position. Tell me you’ll be waiting for me after graduation.” My heart was racing through my chest, and if I couldn’t feel it ramming against my ribs, I would have thought it had stopped beating altogether. I felt nothing but unwanted and used as I gazed up at someone I used to feel comforted by. I used to feel safe with him. “Tell me, and I won’t say anything to my parents. Your mom’s job is safe. The money she owes is just that. Owed.”

I knew I didn’t have much of a choice—not at this moment, at least. But I wasn’t going to be the dutiful girlfriend he could keep on a leash while he was out doing his own thing with the safety blanket of knowing I’d be there in the end.

“Fine,” I said softly. When his face relaxed and his shoulders dropped, I slowly stood up and put my hand on his chest to push him away. “But if you’re on a break, then I am too.”

He frowned as I walked past him and grabbed my dance bag. “What does that mean?”

“I won’t sit in my room each night, waiting for you to call me after you've been with other girls.” I shook my head. “So, if you’re on a break, then I am too.”

“Are you saying you’re gonna go out with guys?” He scoffed as he put his hands on his hips.

I didn’t answer him because that wasn’t my plan. My plan was to focus solely on school, take as many shifts at The Bex as I could to save more money, and work my ass off to get the lead part in the spring showcase so I could win the full scholarship for my senior year.

Chad laughed under his breath as I held the door open for him with my dance bag slung over my shoulder. Before he walked past me, his hand wrapped around my waist, and he leaned in close. His breath tickled my ear, but what used to make me feel calm felt like a storm brewing. “You talk a big game, Claire Bear. But you and I both know that isn’t you. You don’t have time for me, let alone anyone else.” The breath in my lungs left with him after he kissed my cheek.

The second the door shut was the second I let my guard fall.

21

Theo

“Extra fries.”Claire dropped a basket of fries in the center of the table, and everyone dove in except me. Her smile was misplaced because it didn’t reach her eyes, and the second she turned away, I slipped out of the booth and followed her over to the bar. I caught the eye of her boss, and she gave me a little wave before glancing at her employee who she was obviously worried about.

I wouldn’t admit this to anyone, but I was worried too.

Claire had been quieter than normal. I’d hardly seen her since last weekend, when I had spent the night curled around her as she mended a broken heart. I didn’t ask her what Chad had said to her after Aasher pulled me away and nearly slapped me for getting so worked up.

Our one-sided exchange worked, and I’d been more focused on our game schedule and practices than usual—throwing myself into my driven, high-focused mindset and thinking of nothing but proving myself to Tom Gardini.

“Ready for the game tomorrow?” Angie came over and leaned against the bar, right beside Claire as she was putting something into the computer. Claire’s eyes sliced to mine for a second, finally spotting me, before she went back to the computer screen. I couldn’t help but notice the way the light from the screen enhanced the dark bags underneath her bottom lashes.

“Yeah.” I grinned, pulling one side of my mouth up. “I’m not worried. We’ve had some good practices this week.”

Angie nodded. “I’ll be there with my son again. He still isn’t over the puck you threw him. He sleeps with it.”

My chest rumbled with laughter. “Sounds like me at that age.”

“Well, I can only hope he turns out like you.”

Claire was still standing by the computer, but I knew her attention was on me. I looked up at her for a split second, catching the blue in her eyes, and turned back to Angie. “Is he coming to the winter day camp?”

Angie blew out a breath. “Are you kidding? He’d never forgive me if I didn’t sign him up.”

I nodded. “Tell him I’ll see him there. I’ll slip him another puck.”

Angie walked past me and patted my shoulder. “You’re a good one, Theo. Never lose that part of yourself when you make it big.”

“If,” I corrected. “If I make it big.”

I knew I was destined for the NHL. It had been whispered in my ear since I was young by coaches, other parents, and even other players, but I still liked to remain humble.

Angie laughed me off as she walked away, leaving me and Claire alone at the bar area.

“Not busy on Thursdays, I see.”

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