Page 73 of Broken Like This by Bethany

“You might be right about that.” He pauses and looks at me seriously. “You’re gonna be amazing. I’d wish you luck, but you don’t need it. This is the stuff you were made to do. You’re gonna nail it.”

I try to stop the pink from creeping into my cheeks, but I can’t. “Thanks, Ace.”

“Always.”

“What are you gonna do today?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know exactly. I might head to the ball field. Maybe talk to Coach M. I’ve gotta start somewhere, right?”

I lean over and kiss his cheek. “You’ll figure it out.” I take his hands in mine and stare at him for a moment. “I love you,” I say softly.

“I love you too, Rae. Always.”

One soft, chaste,friendlykiss and I’m out the door.

I sneak into my room, trying not to wake Joel and Miles, who are sleeping on our couches. Sarah sleeps like the dead unless she hears an alarm or someone saying her name. I grab my clothes and everything else I need and head for our en suite bathroom.

After a long shower, I take the time to blow-dry my hair and put on a bit of makeup. Then I twist my hair back into a low bun so I won’t fuss with it. I’m surprised how relaxed I feel this morning. Last night was heavy and painful, but I think we both needed that weight off us. I was worrying about him constantly. Knowing that he finally let me in makes a big difference.

After getting dressed, I stop in the common room and write out a couple of notes.

First, one to Sarah.

Baby,

Thank you for having my back. I’ll text you after the interview. Love you. P.S. Aaron is doing better, I think.

Second, to Miles and Joel.

Boys,

I love you. I love you so, so much. But if you don’t start being nicer to A, I’m going to personally kick both of your asses. I’m taking self-defense now, I can do that. Ask Mands if you don’t believe me. But seriously, HE NEEDS YOU. Not your bullshit, your support. Don’t make me say it again. Kthxbye.

I stop by the dining hall and grab my favorite breakfast sandwich, forgoing coffee until after my interview is done. Then I put my game face on. Aaron is right. I’m gonna nail this.

Aaron

I couldn’t fall back to sleep after Rae left this morning. I still feel like an ass for keeping her up, but she seemed genuinely happy when she left. I feel like I have a hangover. Well, I do. But it’s an emotional one. Or maybe I feel like I’m finally waking up from a nightmare and trying to adjust to the real world again.

I’m calmer, more relaxed, and seeing things clearer. Still, it’s hard not to feel like a jackass for not letting all of this out sooner. But I can’t change the past. I have to move forward now.

Which is why I’m walking across campus in the cold morning air. My stomach twists with nerves and anticipation. Though a piece of me would like to go crawl back in bed rather than face this, deal with the embarrassment I feel over how I’ve handled this. But I focus on my strength and quiet that voice. For so many reasons, Ineedto do this.

Glass doors loom in front of me, but I don’t stop. Pulling one open, I force myself into the building and go to the elevator, heading up to the third floor. I’ve only been here once before, but it’s ingrained in my memory.

Finally, on the third floor, I weave down hallways until I’m standing outside a door I should’ve come to a lot sooner. My cheeks heat with embarrassment, but I push past it, reaching forward and knocking on the door before I chicken out.

“Come in.”

Deep breath. You can do this.

Grabbing the handle, I push the door open and step into the room.

His eyes lift from his desk and drift over me. His head cocks slightly, then a wry smile crosses his lips, and he stands.

“Well, well. Aaron Cooper gracing my office,” Coach M says. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Swallowing hard, I meet his eyes. “You told me to come see you if I ever changed my mind about being involved with the team. That’s why I’m here. If the offer still stands.”

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