Page 75 of Craving the Player

“Thanks for the advice.” There’sonly atiny note of appreciation in my tone. The reality of his words sit heavy on my chest, pressing down on top of me like acement block.

Iknow that my parent’smarriage screwed me up, I’ve never denied that. But my feelings towards relationships and marriage aren’tgoing to change just because of one girl. It doesn’tmatter how much Icare about her. There’sno knowing if we would even be happy together somewhere that’snot here. Iwould be risking my entire life in Vancouver over apipe dream and abeautiful woman.

We could spend years together, but once it came to marriage, Iwould never be able to give her what she wants. Iwould only be delaying the inevitable heartbreak that we would be facing years down the road.

Staying away from her is the smart thing to do. And for once, I’mgoing to do the right thing, for both of us.

“Just think about it, Braden. She doesn’tleave until tomorrow. You still have time.”

Deciding to just give him what he wants, Inod my head, clearing my throat. “Okay.”

Tyler grins and straightens his shoulders. “Okay? Like you’ll actually think about it? You're not just saying that to get me to drop it?”

“Yeah. I’ll think about it. Just for you.”

“I’ll take it.” He laughs and tosses his bag over his shoulder. “Now get dressed so we can leave.”

With afake salute, Isnicker, "Aye aye, captain.”

---