Page 114 of Bitter Sweet Heart

“Is this a polite way of telling me I should step back?” I arch a brow.

“I don’t want Maverick to get sidetracked by a fling and throw his entire future away. And some of the things he’s said recently concern me, and they very conveniently coincide with his relationship with you.”

“I don’t want to get in the middle of you and your family, but I also won’t minimize my relationship with Maverick. He’s far too important to me, and I understand if this is difficult for you, but at least try to see it from his perspective.” I hold up a hand before she has a chance to interrupt. “Maverick is incredibly selfless. He puts everyone else’s needs ahead of his own. Particularly when it involves the people he loves, and that includes but isn’t limited to his family, his friends, and his teammates. This year hasn’t been easy for him.” I want his mother to understand that there’s more to this than just my relationship with her son, and that blaming it on me is convenient.

“Because of contract talks?” It’s a question, not a statement.

“Among other things. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and the path he’s on is a challenging one. He has some big shoes to fill. Look, I won’t betray Maverick’s confidence, but know he’s grappling with a lot. Our life circumstances and what we’ve both been going through brought us together in ways neither of us expected. I didn’t intend to fall in love with him, no more than he intended to fall in love with me. But it happened. You don’t have to like our relationship, but it seems a lot like you’ve already condemned it.”

“His life is just starting.”

“I know. And I won’t get in the way of that. Whatever he wants, I will support and encourage, because that’s what partners do. I know this is unconventional, but I would have walked away long before now if I didn’t think our relationship was worth the challenges. He’s under a lot of pressure. Feel however you want to feel about me but stand beside him. He’s already fighting enough demons. He needs your love right now more than anything.”

I turn and walk out of the room, hoping I haven’t done more damage than good.

Thirty-Six

Rough Road Ahead

Maverick

Ilose track of Clover sometime after the convocation, but it’s not as though I’m going to make idle chitchat with her in front of her colleagues and my peers.

Since Lavender and Kody are leaving for New York this afternoon, we’re under a bit of a time constraint, but his parents and my parents have still managed to put together a combined graduation and going-away party. They rented out an entire restaurant and invited all their hockey friends and our cousins and friends.

Of course, my dad and his buddies are all about discussing the coming contract talks, and this year’s draft class and how they think things are going to go. Our school team ended up in first place overall, which is great, but my stats this year are slightly lower than they were last year. Kody, on the other hand, has had his best year yet.

My dad keeps reassuring me, telling me it wasn’t until he was on the farm team that he really found his groove. I nod and agree, even though I’m worried I’ve already peaked. That the only reason I was drafted in the first place is because of my last name. And there are loads of players who make the pros, but never get a chance to play, and I don’t know how I’ll feel if I’m one of those.

At three, Kody and Lavender have to leave to catch their flight. There’s a flurry of hugs and goodbyes, and because Mom is always emotional when it comes to Lavender, she starts crying.

Kody pulls me in for a hug, which isn’t something he would usually do, so it takes me off guard. “Thanks for everything this year.”

“You know I always have your back.”

He steps back and nods, blowing out a breath. “I’ll see you in a few weeks. We’ll get some bro time when I’m back in Chicago in a few weeks, okay?”

He’s coming back the weekend of the draft because it’s what we always do. “For sure. Take care of my sister, okay?”

He gives me a wry smile. “Eh, it’s more her taking care of me than the other way around these days, but I promise I’ll keep her safe.”

“I know you will. You always have, even when it was hard on you.”

Lavender squeezes her way between us and wraps her arms around me. She’s wearing a dress she most definitely made and is the same color as her name. She’s so short, her face is in my armpit. “I’m gonna miss you, even though you were basically a ghost this semester.” She lets me go and tips her head up so she can meet my eyes. I think she’s a little drunk. I’m guessing she had Kody sneak her champagne on the sly, or my mom gave it to her. Either option is possible. “I hope whoever she is, I get to meet her one day.”

I roll my eyes. “How are you fishing when you’re about to get on a plane?”

“That was not a no, which is as good as a yes.” She pats my cheek. “I love you. Thank you—for everything. I know it hasn’t always been easy to be my brother.”

“Don’t.” I shake my head. “Do not get emotional on me.” I pull her in for another hug and bend down until I’m close enough to her ear that I can whisper. “I’m always on your side, Lavender. Always. You taught me what strength is. I’m so fucking proud of you.”

I don’t know why I’m suddenly all choked up, but I’m grateful when my mom pushes her way between us again and basically sobs all over Lavender. My dad gives Kody one last be-responsible lecture, which is pointless since they’re driving them to the airport, along with Kody’s parents, and they’ll have at least forty minutes for be-safe lectures on the way.

Mom threads her arm through mine on the way out to our cars. “When are you coming to Lake Geneva for a visit?”

I guide us around a sewer grate, because my mom could trip over a toothpick. “I’m basically full-time at the gym now until training camp starts. I can check the schedule and see about an overnight, but I’m not coming up to visit if all you’re gonna do is lecture me on my life choices.” Nashville is out of the playoffs, which buys me some time, and it’s the same for Kody.

She makes a face. “I’m worried about you.”

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