Page 61 of Your Second Chance
“And one more thing, you better be sober and sharp for tomorrow’s game. It’s a big one, and I don’t fancy watching you ball it up because you’re too hungover to think straight.”
I huffed out a laugh, standing up and shoving my hands into my pockets. “Yeah, yeah. Cheers for the words of wisdom, Mother Will.”
He grinned. “You’re welcome, twat. Now go home and sort your shit out before I regret being nice.”
I waved him off, shaking my head as I walked out of the pub. The cool night air hit my face, sobering me further. Step by step, I made my way back to my home, Will’s words replaying in my mind.
I had a lot to figure out, but at least I wasn’t going to face it pissed. Or alone.
23
nova
“I think I really fucked up, Lune.” I let out a breath, sinking back into the couch and propping my swollen feet on the coffee table. I’d hit that stage of pregnancy where a full day of walking left them puffed up like balloons. “You should’ve seen his face.”
What I wouldn’t give for a soak in Ollie’s massive clawfoot tub...
“He was surprised. You kind of tossed the articles at him and were like, ‘Oh yeah, here.’ ”
“It’s a lot to take in,” I admitted.
“It really is.”
“All of it is,” I added with a sigh.
Luna shrugged, her hair piled high in a messy bun. She was lounging in one of her signature matching yoga sets. “It’s hard, Nova. It’s a lot to deal with, and it’s not your fault, but itishard.”
“We’ve got a big game in the morning, so I should probably get to bed.” I pushed myself upright.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you over there?” Luna offered. She was hosting some midnight yoga at a fancy hotel down in Kensington, so she was getting ready to head out. “Forcing him to grovel wouldn’t hurt, and youdidsay you slept well with him last night.”
“I’m serious.” I threw a pillow from the sofa in her direction, aiming for her smug face. “All we did was sleep.”
“Mhm.” She ducked the pillow with an exaggerated huff and grabbed her work bag. “Get a pair of clothes, loser. We’re going over there. I’m dropping you off.”
“What if he’s not home?” I countered, trying to stall.
“It’s almost midnight. He’s home.” Luna shook her head, already walking toward the door. “Come on, babe.”
I groaned, pushing myself up from the sofa and waddling after her. “You’re way too pushy for someone who’s supposed to be zen.”
She smirked over her shoulder. “It’s called balance. Go grab your stuff. We’re not debating this.”
I shouldn’t go. Apologizing was the right thing to do. Bombarding him with all that information the way I did wasn’t fair. But he still deserved to know the truth. I wasn’t an addict. Yes, I did drugs once, and I regret the hell out of it, but that horrified look on his face... I couldn’t shake it.
What if he didn’t want me there to apologize? What if I’d imagined the way he looked at me last night?
I never did this kind of thing. The demons inside me were screaming to go to bed. I had work tomorrow. I needed to sleep, not get tangled up in midnight apologies and whatever thisthingbetween us was turning into.
“I’m going to stay home, Lune.”
She shook her head. “I think you’re underestimating him.”
“I know. Maybe I am, but I don’t know how to do anything else.”
My mom left me. Austin left me—the person I thought I knew. Who was to say it wouldn’t happen again?
“I really do have work early tomorrow. And my dogs—” I wiggled my toes in her direction, the swollen lumps practically throbbing. “My feet are killing me.”
