Page 61 of Sticking Around

I turn at the sound of Conner’s voice and when I find him standing there with Dani, who has a worried look on her face, my stomach tightens. Did she overhear Gunther, and if she did, does she think he was serious?

20

Melanie

It’s been one glorious month since Brady told me he loved me, and I revealed the same to him. Honestly, things have been going well with us. We haven’t talked much about my living arrangements, probably because he’s been so busy with hockey, and I’ve been trying to work and go to classes. But I still have my sublet for November and it’s probably best I keep it.

Right now, the thoughts of packing and moving sounds exhausting with this relentless headache. I haven’t been feeling all that well these last couple of weeks, and have missed far too many shifts at the bar, which isn’t going to bode well when tuition is due next month. I don’t know what is wrong with my stomach or my head. I was sick last month at the end of exams, and can only blame this new virus on the stress of a new semester and a busy fall season at the resort. Not to mention our living arrangements and our future together.

Here it is, late Friday morning, and for the first time in a while, my stomach feels a bit better, but my head, not so much. Unfortunately, I don’t have a shift at the bar tonight—the one night where I’m sure I could make it—and while making money would be nice, I’m also happy to go out to dinner with Brighton this evening. It’s been a while since we’ve had a girls night out. I’m just not sure I should eat or drink much. I don’t want to set my stomach off again.

As I glance out the patio window, I note the dark clouds overhead. It doesn’t matter. The view of the water and beach never gets old, even when it’s raining. I’ll have quite a different view when I move to the city, and that’s okay. I really enjoy being in the city and close to all the amenities. I’ll be farther away from Brady, for sure, but we can make it work. With love, anything can work, right?

I do wonder how long Brady will live here, though. At some point, won’t he want his own house? I think deep down he’s afraid to spend money, with the way his family takes advantage of him, but it’s not my place to say anything more. We’re only dating. It’s not like we’re married and I have any kind of say. I’m also not his therapist.

I check the time on my phone and throw my laptop into my backpack. I have a class after lunch, and need to get moving, although I don’t have to take the bus or train and that’s a blessing. I still can’t believe Brady went to the trouble of getting my car fixed. I haven’t paid him back yet, and he doesn’t want that, but I feel like I need to. It’s still so hard for me to let go of past trauma and realize the man wants to do nice things for me—without anything in return. How did I ever get so lucky?

I rush to the bathroom to comb my hair and groan at the dark circles under my eyes. I’ve been sleeping, a lot actually, but I can’t seem to get caught up. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was pregnant, but I’m not. I had a period a couple weeks ago. I shudder at the thoughts of pregnancy, despite the small part of me that totally adores Camryn and Gina’s daughter Zoe.

Gina and I have gotten to know each other over the past few weeks and she’s become a good friend. The trouble she went through to host a party for me touches my soul and warms my darkest corners. It’s crazy to think how far I’ve come in the last few months since meeting Brady. Other than Brighton, I really had no friends.

I pull on a nice pair of jeans, and a blouse, since I’m going out to dinner right after class and want to look nice. Once I’m satisfied with the look, I pick up my backpack and walk to the door. Just as I’m about to open it, my phone pings and my heart jumps when I see it’s a video call from Brady. I quickly pinch my cheeks to add color. He knows I haven’t been feeling all that great lately, and that I’ve been missing shifts and I don’t want him worrying about me any more than he already does. Like I’ve said, he has enough responsibility with his family as it is.

“Hey Coddy,” I tease playfully when I see that he’s in his hotel room. “Alone?”

“Yeah, Nicklas just left. Are you headed out?”

He sounds so tired. I hope I didn’t give him whatever virus I’m fighting. “On my way to class.”

“Sorry I would have called earlier, but I didn’t have any privacy.”

“Were you hoping to catch me in bed?” I tease.

His grin is wicked and playful. “Would you hold it against me if I said yes?”

“Are you talking about my body?” He laughs and runs his hands through his hair, and I can tell he’s getting into goalie mode, trying to focus his thoughts for his game today. “How do you feel? Are you ready to kick some New York butt? I really wish I could watch you. I’ve never been to New York.”

“We’ll come on vacation one of these days,” he assures me.

A little thrill goes through me. “I like the idea of that.”

“Maybe an after graduation celebration.”

I laugh at that, but the idea that he’s planning long term makes me happier than I can put into words. “You’re too much, Brady.”

His eyes narrow and I almost pull the phone away. “How are you feeling? Still tired?”

“Jeez, thanks,” I shoot back, playing it off. “Tell me I look awful without telling me I look awful.”

“I’m sorry, babe.” He frowns and blinks, looking completely sincere and apologetic for hurting my feelings.

“I’m kidding,” I hurry out, appeasing him. “I’m okay. I was just up late studying.” Not a lie. I wasn’t well enough to work last night, so I opened the books and fell asleep on them.

He eyes me like he’s not sure he believes me, then he lifts his head and glances at something in his room. He seems distracted. “I better get going.”

“Have a great game.” I blow him a kiss. “Sending all the positive vibes.”

“Love you, babe.”

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