Page 53 of Famous Last Words
Me: Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I know I fucked up, and no one held a gun to my head. But things would’ve been so different if Ben hadn’t been a traitorous fuck, and Macy hadn’t been a cheating whore.
Keller: Can I ask you something?
Me: Shoot.
Keller: Why didn’t you come out and tell the truth about Lola and the drugs.
I stare at her text, mulling over my response for a long moment.
Me: Lola was already so messed up. I worried if I told the truth, then it would only cause her more pain. And I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if she hurt herself because of me.
Keller: I get it. I’m so sorry that happened to you, Robbie.
Me: I can’t believe I just told you all that. You officially know more than anyone. Even Andy.
I grin as I tap out a follow up.
Me: Maybe we are friends...
Keller: Thank you for telling me. I know how hard that must have been, but I want you to know that I won’t repeat a word to anyone. I’ve got your back. I promise.
“Okay, we’re all done, Robbie,” Jace says, tapping my thigh.
I tear my focus from my phone, pushing up from the bench.
“Thanks, Jace.” I offer an apologetic smile, still feeling bad about the gay comment.
He nods, flashing me a conspiratorial wink before turning back to his station.
I hop off the bench and pull my shorts back on and head back through to the locker room to where most of my teammates are getting geared up for a skate.
Stopping at my cubby, I tap a quick reply to Fran.
Me: Thanks, Fran. I’ve gotta get on the ice. Talk later?
Her message comes through almost instantly, and it does something to my heart.
Keller: I’d like that.
CHAPTER 22
FRAN
Freshly showered, dressed in pajamas, with a big mug of the anti-inflammatory protein hot chocolate Robbie included in the grocery order, I snuggle under my covers with Tessa Bailey’s latest release, opening it right as my phone shudders from my nightstand.
I can’t help but grin because I already know it’s Robbie. We’ve been texting all day. After he confessed what happened to him with his ex-teammate and the girl he’d been dating, and with Lola Grey, my heart ached for him. But after his on-ice practice, he started back up with the text messages, and he’s well and truly back to his cocky, unapologetic self.
Robbie: How was your shower?
I don’t know why, but my cheeks flame from his question. Yes, I told him I was going to have a shower, and no, I don’t know why. He didn’t need to know that. But something has definitely shifted between us. I suddenly feel like I can tell him thingslike that. Is that weird? Probably. Do I hate it? Absolutely not.
Me: Wet.
Robbie: Jesus, Keller. Warn a guy ??
My eyes widen when I realize exactly what I just sent him.
Me: OMG I meant like literally wet. It was the first thing that came into my head. Excuse me while I quietly die.
