Page 123 of Stick Side

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Ben:Because you and I are together?

Melody:. . .

Ben:We are still together, right?

Melody:. . .

Ben:Please tell me you aren’t giving up on us.

Melody:I’m sorry, but I’m confused. I don’t know if I can do this.

Ben:You don’t know if you can do what? Be my girlfriend?

Melody:I’m sorry, but yes. I don’t know if I’m cut out for a life in the public eye.

Melody:. . .

Melody:I think we should consider taking a step back.

Ben:Taking a step back is the last thing I want.

Ben:In all my years of playing professional hockey, this is the first time something like this has happened to me. Surely, lightning won’t strike twice.

Melody:But it could. We can’t know for certain that this isn’t just the first of multiple upsets to come.

Ben:I suppose that’s true. One can never know definitively, but I really don’t think that’s what’s going to happen.

Ben:Can I see you when I get back? We need to talk this out. And not just via text.

Melody:I know. We do. I just need some time to sort out my own thoughts and feelings.

Ben:I really wish you didn’t.

Melody:I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t feel this way, either, but I do. And I don’t think there’s any point denying it.

Ben:I suspect you’re right about that. Hiding from our feelings rarely helps.

Ben:Can you promise me something, though?

Melody:What?

Ben:If you have to see Nolan, can you at least remind him that you have a boyfriend who is crazy about you and won’t let the first signs of trouble destroy a great thing?

Melody:Nolan knows we’ve been seeing each other. And not just casually.

Ben:But does he know I’m head over heels for you?

Melody:. . .

Ben:You don’t have to say anything to that. Just promise me we’ll talk this out when I get back and we’ll kibosh all talk of taking a break.

Melody:We’ll talk. Then . . . We’ll see.

Ben:Don’t give up on us, Melody. Please.

Chapter 62

Ben

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