Page 158 of Treacherous
Coach West doesn’t keep us much longer after going over a couple of errors we made during the game. I was relieved when he let us go. All I want to do is shower, go home, and sleep.
I walk out of Lakewood Arena towards my car. The bright overhead lights contrast the night sky, bringing my attention to a tall figure leaning against my car.
The parking lot is empty, besides from mine and Jayden’s vehicles, so it doesn’t take a genius to deduce who it is.
“Jayden, I’m really not in the mood.”
The streetlights allow me to take in Jayden’s face, his expression the same as it was during our post-game debrief. Yay, that means angry Jayden. I don’t have the energy to put up with him right now, or ever, to be honest.
“I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
A shard from my broken heart falls back into place at his words.No.That is not what I need. We’ve had this friends–or–enemies–with–benefits thing going on for a week, and my heart already wants to mend itself.
I was already swooning after Jayden helped me coach the girls on Thursday–anyone with ovaries would be weeping from seeing a man help young girls fall in love with sport.
“You don’t need to worry about me, I’m fine,” I say, reaching out to grab my car door. “Actually, while we are on the topic, I don’t need you rushing to my rescue on the ice. I’m not your girlfriend, you don’t need to scare people off for me. I can stand up for myself.”
I don’t wait for his reply, jumping into my car. I drive off, leaving Jayden and any thoughts of him in the rearview.
He is already taking up too much space in my head. I don’t need him anywhere near my heart.
Chapter 21
Jayden Allen
“Are yousureyou are doing okay?” Mum asks for the third time.
I’ve been back in Meadow Beach for an hour, and she has bombarded me with questions about everything. My mother, Ashley Allen, is the mayor of Meadow Beach, yet she is never afraid to put her children first.
Though I do believe her motherly instincts were the key to bringing Meadow Beach back to life. Before her, the town was just another place people disappeared to when they needed a break from day-to-day life. Now, it is fun and a prominent vacation spot for tourists. She took over after Jaz and I turned ten, and she has remained in office ever since.
A sigh leaves my throat as I reach out to grab my mum’s hand. Usually, I make my visits back home short and sweet. Being back within these walls is a reminder of the past–a shadow that follows me whenever I return.
This time, though, something has changed. My heart didn't race as I drove into the quiet main street, and Allison's sweet voice wasn't playing on my mind like a soundtrack as I passed her parents' house.
The thing is, I know what is different. But saying her name aloud makes the longing associated with her real.
I clear my throat, looking into Mum's eyes. “Yes. I appreciate your concern, but I’m doing okay.”
I sip on a glass of water as Mum hums, patting my hand. “Now,” she says. “What is going on with you and Willow?”
I cough, spitting out the last mouthful of water. “Jayden!”
“Sorry.” I croak. Inhaling, I straighten my back. “Nothing is going on. Why would you think that?”
Of course, this is happening.
A knowing smile pulls on her lips. “Good to know you are thinking about being with Willow.”
I groan, rubbing my face. I really walked into that one. “I’m not.”
“Then why did you ask for the blueberry pancake recipe?”
“That was months ago. How do you even remember that?
Mum glares at me. “I’m not that old. Besides, your sister told me you were asking where the best place to buy matcha powder is, and I know for a fact you hate it.” I sigh, but she continues. “I believe your words were:It tastes like grass, mum. It’s disgusting.”
A loud laugh breaks out of my throat. “Have you been practising that impression for this moment?”
