Page 34 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“You’re easy?” She laughs.

“That’s not what I meant. You’re a brat,” I tell her playfully.

She laughs some more and starts the movie.

“Oh, it’s kind of like she’s going to fake date him for her sister,” I say.

“He’s cute,” she notes.

“You think he’s cute?”

“That’s what I just said,” she retorts.

“You’re a little abrasive, like the actress.”

She grunts. “I’m definitely not abrasive. I’m pure sunshine, Cade.”

“No, I wouldn’t say that. You’re a pessimist,” I note.

“What?” Her head whips around and she gives me an astonished look.

“You heard me.” I hold my ground.

“I’m absolutely not,” she insists.

“Really, well, you had one bad relationship and you’ve written off relationships entirely.” I bring to her attention.

“It’s more than one bad relationship, Cade. I also dated a guy my freshman year and I kept excusing his behaviors,” she confesses.

Her statement causes a feeling of recognition inside me. “I did the same thing with Scarlett. The warning signs were there. I chose to ignore them. I don’t know why I kept trying to fix her.” I have never said those words out loud and, in some way, it feels cleansing.

Annie watches me transfixed. “I’m broken. That’s my conclusion. It’s why I can’t date anyone else.”

“That can’t be right. Can it?” I ask. My mind is reeling from the emotions this conversation is invoking inside me. Am I broken too?

“Look, maybe I’m being a bit of a drama queen. I’ve gone for therapy and my therapist thinks I’m so conciliatory because I see my parents behaving that way. They’ve clearly decided to stay in a bad marriage. My life at home is borderline hostile.”

I huff, “I know something about that.”

“Can I tell you something without you getting offended or judging?” she asks.

“Of course.” My response is automatic. I’ve never had such an intense talk with anyone before. I’ve never laid all my faults out for someone to witness and judge, but Annie isn’t like that. We are two peas in a pod.

“When I met your parents for breakfast, your dad was kind of being a jerk and your mom was trying to laugh it off and cover it up, she reminded me of myself,” she confesses and she bites into her lip.

Her words blow me away. I know my parents have a dysfunctional relationship, and they like to act as if their problems don’t exist. Was I somehow mirroring that with Scarlett? Was I putting up with her shit because that’s what I’ve been taught to do? To accept another human walking all over me?

“I feel like such a fool.” I cover my hands over my face.

Annie shifts and she reaches over and hugs me. She smells like a fresh summer day. I move my hands off my face and hug her back.

“You’re not a fool, Cade. You’re a good person. Maybe too good.”

“You don’t know me, Annie,” I reply.

“I know you love your mom a lot. I know your dad rides you hard and has questionable morals when it comes to family. I know you’re a good friend, and I’ve heard you’re one heck of a hockey player. I know you’re kind and caring and you’re one hell of a good kisser.”

At her last words, I pull my head back and look into her eyes before my gaze drops to her lips. “I want to kiss you right now, but I’m not in the right headspace.”

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