Page 50 of Breakaway to You

Which…didn’t that mean I wanted more than a platonic relationship with her? A relationship I’d said I didn’t want? I mean, the answer was yes, I wanted to be with her. But it wasn’t that simple. When I played it all out in my head, no matter what route I went down, it never ended well.

If we got together, when it ended, she’d be right back in the same situation of having to work for a team with her ex on it. She had promised herself she would never do that again. I would hate myself for putting her in that position and feeling like I’d ruined her job for her.

Then again, I’d probably be getting traded soon anyway, so it wouldn’t be a forever problem.

And then there was my career to think about. If we got together and I was traded, could a long-distance relationship really work for two people who didn’t believe in love and relationships? So again, it would end.

Then another path: we got together and things went great. At least for a little while. They always did in the beginning. But eventually she would find someone else who was more interesting, and she’d leave. Just like the last girl I’d given my heart to. Because let’s be honest. A girl like Piper? She could have anyone she wanted. Why would she ever be satisfied with a washed-up has-been hockey player who would eventually be forced into retirement some way or another?

So no matter what way you looked at it, Piper and me getting together only had one outcome. Me ending up alone. Like always.

I set my phone down beside me on the couch cushion, looking out the floor to ceiling window as snow slowly fell. Yeah, texting her was definitely a bad idea.

But…just because I texted her didn’t mean that we would necessarily jump into a relationship. We could just be two people hanging out, enjoying each other’s company.

I nodded at my own thoughts as I sat alone in my living room. Picking up my phone, I pushed send before I could talk myself out of it again.

Zeke

Do you want to come over? I’ll make dinner.

Last time I’d had her here, she’d had to do most of the work because of my knee, but this time, I would cook for her.

Her reply came quickly, and I hoped her response was a yes.

Piper

Do I get to help?

I smiled. That was a yes. Hallelujah.

Zeke

Do you want to help?

Piper

Yeah, it sounds fun. Should I come over now?

I wasn’t going to tell her I’d been debating with myself for half the day about whether to text her and that I wished she had come over hours ago.

Zeke

Yeah, sounds good.

Piper

Do you need me to bring anything?

Zeke

No, I already have everything.

I might have gone shopping this morning with Piper on my mind.

Piper

Okay, see you soon.

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