Page 93 of Breaking Point
“I heard you the first time, I just can’t believe it came out of your mouth.” She schools her features, picking up her jaw off the floor. “Well…?”
“Well, what?”
“What did he say?”
Leaning against her car, I quickly glance toward my mom’s house, checking that she isn’t out front. “He didn’t have the reaction I expected.”
Layla makes a go-on motion with her hand. Ifshe was sitting down, she’d be on the edge of her seat. Biting my lower lip, the look that Grayson gave me pops into my mind. “He was a little hurt that I asked.”
Layla’s brows shoot up. “He was?”
I nod. “He said he wouldn’t embarrass me like that and would never put me in such an uncomfortable situation considering the lengths I’m going to help him stay on the team.”
She blows out a breath as she leans against her car with me. It’s saying something that we’re both motionless in the cold November air. The weatherman is forecasting snow this week.
“That’s…very sweet of him,” Layla whispers.
“Extremely,” I agree. “I felt horrible after and today is one of my first days scheduled off so I can’t apologize to him now that I’m sober.” Or write out a note full of sincerity.
“Did you apologize when it happened?”
“Of course! But I could tell he was still hurt by it.”
Layla lays a hand on my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. “Don’t beat yourself up over it, B. He’s a hockey player. Professional athletes are notorious for cheating. I would have asked the same considering the circumstances.”
I know what she’s saying is true but the hurt that flickered across his gaze, the way his smile fell, gutted me. I don’t ever want to put such a sad look in his eyes again.
Layla pushes off the car. “How did it go by the way? The game?”
I shrug. “Went as well as to be expected. One of the player’s girlfriends, Cindy, is really nice. You’d love her.”
She throws her hands in the air. “Of course I have to leave town just as your life is getting entertaining.” She points an accusing finger my way as she walks backwards up the driveway. “I want details while I’m gone. Lengthy paragraph details.”
I snort. “Layla, we haven’t gone a day without talking since middle school. I’m not going to start now.”
“Good, and speaking of the game, how did your mom take the news?”
At my slight grimace, Layla pauses, her eyes widening. “Please tell me you told your mom.” When I don’t correct her, herjaw drops. “Bella! How does she think you’re paying for her treatment?”
Before she can protest, I open the door, saying as I pass, “You’re helping me tell her tonight.” At her stunned gasp, I rush inside, calling for my mom so Layla can’t leave or scold me. “Mom! Layla’s here!”
Layla comes up behind me, mumbling under her breath, “You owe me for this.”
My smile is forced as my mom rounds the corner, shuffling in her pajamas. She’s deteriorating every day. I should have told her sooner, but I wanted to wait until the money hit my account. A part of me was also being selfish.
I’mterrifiedof her reaction.
Even more terrified at the thought that she’ll refuse treatment and I’ll have to continue to watch her die before my very eyes.
Mom spreads out her arms, a genuine smile touching her cheeks. “Layla, are you joining us tonight?”
Layla hugs my mom but it’s softer than usual, more careful with her fragile frame. “Of course, Trisha.” She pulls back, keeping an arm wrapped around my mom as she steers her toward the living room. “Which documentary are we watching tonight?”
My mom perks up at that. “Well, there is a new tell-all about Jack the Ripper. Did you know they finally identified him?”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and pulling it out, I’m not at all prepared to see what I do. A hiss of breath leaves me as I open my phone to a photo of Grayson,shirtless.
Granted, I can’t see much besides the glimmering skin of his chest as it peeks out behind the takeout containers he’s got sitting in front of him. I don’t realize I’m smiling until my cheeks begin to ache.
