Page 178 of Between the Blue

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HIM, ELEVEN YEARS EARLIER

The door slams behind me as I step out of my car.

I don’t mean for it to happen, but it still does.

Seems that’s the case for a lot in life.

Especially for me.

I slip my bag over my shoulder, then head up my driveway.

I have to pack all evening. I’m leaving tomorrow to coach a hockey camp. One of several for the remainder of this summer. It’s only the beginning of what my life will entail as an NHL player.

I know that.

I signed up for it though.

I wanted it.

I haven’t wanted much in life.

Really, just that.

And her.

I blink, a blur of red coming into my peripheral vision.

I raise my head, and there she is. Sitting on my porch.

My bag slips right off my shoulder. Falls to the asphalt at my feet.

“Jules.”

I haven’t seen her.

We haven’t spoken.

Not since my surprise party a week ago.

After our conversation, after I got called away, I got swept up in everything else. Everyone else.

And she disappeared.

I haven’t known what to think.

Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Because the thought of the alternative isn’t something I’ve been willing to bear.

“Hey, Ben,” she says.

Her voice sounds different.

Weak, almost. Not like Jules.

No, the opposite of her.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

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