Page 43 of Just My Puck
“Totally,” Beth says. “I refused to wear James’ jersey for so long, even though he was badgering me to. I knew that the moment I conceded, it would have implications. And it did.”
I freeze. Oh no. What have I done? “So, by wearing his jersey,” I say, noting the panic in my voice, “I openly admitted I have a crush on him?”
Marissa hesitates. “Well, to be fair, your situation is pretty unique. He probably knows you had no idea what it meant when you picked his jersey.”
“Agreed.” Beth nods, and my shoulders relax. “But that doesn’t change the fact that it might have awakened something inside him, and he might view you a bit differently now.”
I chew on my bottom lip. “Oh, gosh . . .”
“Don’t worry about it,” Marissa says, rubbing my back. “It doesn’t have to be weird or awkward if you don’t want it to be. Besides, so what if he’s crushing on you too? Isn’t that the point?”
My head falls into my hands. “But I don’t know ifI’mcrushing on him. How could I think about dating anyone when I don’t even know who I am? I feel so disconnected from myself and my feelings. My body, my face—everything feels foreign. I didn’t even choose this haircut, you know?” I hear myself rambling, so I stop, rubbing my face.
“I understand,” Beth says, her voice soothing. She takes my hand, and Marissa does the same. “We’re here for you.”
“And if it’s bothering you, why not change your haircut?” Marissa asks.
I shake my head. “No, it’s—I was just saying.”
“She has a point, though,” Beth says. “It might help you take back some control. Build the new you.”
“Aria 2.0.” Marissa nods. “I like it. Let us treat you.”
“Susan—she works in the salon next to the coffee shop—is wonderful,” Beth says. “I’m sure she can fit you in.”
As tempting as the offer is, I don’t want them to spend money on me. “No, really. That’s kind of you, but—”
“What if it’s your birthday?” Marissa asks, a glint in her eye. “Then we’d be obligated to treat you.”
I shake my head with a chuckle. “It’s not.”
“How do you know?” Beth asks, a grin flashing across her face.
I give them both a pointed look.
“Come on,” Marissa says, a chuckle bubbling out. She takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze. “There’s no reason it can’t be.”
“Aaron actually does that for Marissa every year. He finds a random day on the calendar, decides it’s going to be her birthday, then treats her for the day.”
My eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yep.” Marissa smiles, her eyes sparkling. “And I hereby declare that today is your birthday. Your rebirth.”
Beth claps her hands. “I love it. And imagine the look on Caleb’s face when he comes back tomorrow, and you look like a million bucks.”
I’m struggling to hide my smile, but they’re seeing right through my attempt. “Fine.” I roll my eyes. “I guess it’s my birthday.”
“Yes! I’ll text Susan now,” Marissa says, grabbing her phone. “Oh, we’ll need to have a party too!”
Beth nods. “Absolutely.”
“Really?” I ask with a grimace. I know arguing with them won’t help, but I still try, saying, “But it’s Christmas.”
“We could do it the day after,” Beth offers. “The guys are all doing the Polar Plunge, right?”
“True.” Marissa nods. “Our whole group’s doing it, except Wally who’s going back to England.”
“I’m sure he’ll bethrilledto miss the party,” Beth chuckles. “We can ask Deacon for the bar. Or James and I could host it at our place.”
