Page 68 of Power Forward

Over how you ruined his fucking life.

“He was screwed over, big-time. I know we’re divorced, and while I’m not in love with him anymore, he’s still thefather of my kids, you know? I still care for him. But if I ever meet the person who could do that to Jackson… I’ll be sure to give them a piece of my mind. Whodoesthat to someone? Just cut them off like they meant nothing? And to say they never really loved him?” She exhales a sharp breath. “What a fucking asshole move. They never deserved him.”

You didn’t deserve him then, and you don’t deserve him now.

I stand up in a rush. Dizziness washes over me as all the blood goes straight to my head.

“Yeah,” I manage to croak out. “Excuse me, I need to… uhhh…” I point toward the stairs and hastily make my way up to the spare room where I’ve been staying.

The pain in my knees and hips is like fire as I take the stairs as quickly as I can. I need to get out of here. I need to go before I ruin Jackson’s life again. I don’t want to be weak. I don’t want to make the same mistakes that I made before, but Laura’s right.

I didn’t deserve him then, and clearly, I don’t deserve him now because the voices in my head are louder than my conscience.

Once I’m inside the bedroom, I fumble for my phone, and my voice is shaky as I send a voice message to Roberta.

“Roberta, I need to see you. Tomorrow. Please. I…” My voice cracks. “I’m… I’m not as strong as I thought I was… I…” I gasp for air and squeeze my eyes closed. “Tomorrow. Please.”

I hit Send, knowing she’ll be there waiting for me.

Like she always has been.

Dropping my phone on the bed, I fetch my bag andbegin throwing in my clothes and toiletries. Then my phone vibrates on the bed with a text message.

Roberta

I’ll be here, but Hayden. You’re stronger than what your mind is telling you. You are worthy. You are deserving of goodness. You are loved.

She follows it up with a video of her jellyfish tank, and I don’t know how many minutes pass while I watch the video on repeat. It’s only when I hear the front door closing that I snap back to the present.

He’s home.

Glancing to my bag on the bed, tears well in my eyes, and I let out a choked sob.

Maybe this time was all we were supposed to have. I just hope he can forgive me for what I’m about to do.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jackson

I’m working with one of the rookies and Peyton on some passing drills when Coach Harris blows his whistle so loud we all wince.

“Fuck, I hate when he does that,” Peyton groans, rubbing his ear dramatically with his glove.

“Tendy Olsen, let go of my forward, or get off my ice,” Coach calls out.

I glance up the other end of the ice to see Elliot’s holding on to Blaine’s waist from behind, in full goalie getup, while Blaine drags him around the ice.

“He’s taking me on a tour,” Elliot replies. I can hear the smile in his voice. “I’ve carried him on my back through a majority of my career. It’s only fair that he returns the favor.”

Coach blinks at him as Blaine continues to skate around, and then his head whips toward me and Peyton. “Am I having some kind of weird caffeine dream, or have I been around them for so long that it makes sense?”

I snort a laugh. “Probably the latter.”

Blaine’s skate blade gets caught, and he topples forward, causing Elliot to fall on top of him. They burst into laughter. Blaine pushes Elliot off, and then they both lie on their backs.

“Someone spin me!” Blaine shouts, his arms and legs out wide.

“Me too!” Elliot adds.

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