Page 90 of Blindside Me
“So anyway,” Amanda continues, completely unaware of my internal struggle, “we’re thinking about hitting that new place downtown after the tournament. You two should come! The whole team will be there.”
Callie jumps in, giving me a second to pull it together. “Sounds fun! Right, Jade?”
I look up, forcing a smile. “Absolutely.”
Callie shoots me a look.
Please don’t ask.
I thought maybe she had read my mind, but the tremble in my hand betrays me.
“Jade, you’re coming to the game Friday, right?” Amanda asks.
“I … I had planned on it,” I say, glancing at Callie. “But now, I’m not so sure.”
Callie’s eyes narrow. “Okay, you’re acting weird. Who was that last text from?”
I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I told you?—”
“Yeah, but you were all about going to the game. Was that Roman?”
All eyes zero in on me. My heart pounds. Fuck it. I am not bottling this up.
“Yes, I think so.”
“Unbelievable.” Callie says, voice sharp. “God, he’s worse than Easton ever was. At least my ex had the decency to stay gone after we crashed and burned.” Her tone’s casual, but there’s a bite to it, like Easton’s name still stings, a reminder of a breakup that left scars she doesn’t talk about.
I raise an eyebrow, tucking my phone away. “You and Easton? That’s a story I need.”
She snorts, but her fingers tighten on the cup’s handle. “Not worth telling. Let’s just say he’s better at hockey than commitment.” Her smirk doesn’t reach her eyes, and I know there’s more she’s not saying.
“We so need to hear that story, but who’s Roman?” Amanda asks.
“Roman Beaulier. Her ex,” Callie says.
Maddy nearly spits her coffee. “Your ex is Roman Beaulier.”
“Yes.”
“Wait, did he send a threatening text?” Callie asks.
I don’t speak. Only nod.
The girls gasp and exchange glances.
“Don’t let that asshole win.” Amanda’s voice is fierce. “You’ll be at that game, sitting with us.”
For the first time, I feel like I belong. Like I have backup.
But isn’t this always how it goes? Just when I start to feel something real with Drew. Just when I start to trust the flutter in my chest every time those brown eyes find me.
For once, I don’t want to look back. I want to move forward, see what this thing with Drew could be, without dragging all my baggage along. I want to be new again, unburdened.
But the past isn’t done with me yet.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Jade
