Page 82 of Always Yours

“Yeah, but most guys wouldn’t wait this long for a girl to notice them or accept that she notices you.”

I shrug at that. “But I like her.”

“Exactly,” he says, pointing to me. “That’s how I know you won’t blame her or resent anything. I think you’ll go along with whatever because you’ll be with her.”

I look back down at the pillow, digging my face into it. “I don’t know. I really want to play for the Assassins, but I also really want her.”

“I get it. I understand. And both are a risk.”

When did this kid get so smart? “Yeah, they are.”

“Both can break your heart.”

“Exactly.”

“But for me, what brings you more joy?”

Austen.

Whoa. I wasn’t expecting that.

Flynn clears his throat. “A hockey career can end in an instant. One bad hit, one puck to the face, anything—but real love is forever.”

“Whoa, slow your roll there, kid. No one said anything about love.”

He just looks at me and shakes his head. “You don’t have to say anything about it. It’s like a flashing turn signal. She makes you laugh, and I like how much you laugh with her. I don’t remember that you ever laughed like that with a girl. Even your one-night stands or hookups.”

I think that over. I didn’t laugh with Emery that first night I was back; I only laughed at her with Stella. Maybe he’s right.

“But hockey is all we know. We’ve been skating since before we walked. We only know hockey, so I get it, Blake. I know it’s a hard choice, but I don’t know if you have to make it. Why can’t you just keep going until something comes up and decide then?”

He has a point, but I’m still struggling. “Because I’ll fall for her, dude. Like hard.”

Flynn shrugs. “What’s wrong with that? Could do you some good.”

“What does that mean?”

“I just think she’s good for you, and as I said, I like that she makes you laugh. For me, I feel like she’s worth all the trouble it’ll cause.”

She is, but it’s hard for me to admit that. I eye him. “You like Austen or something?”

“Do I look like I have a death wish?” he taunts.

We laugh at that. “She is worth the trouble,” I say softly. “But am I?”

Flynn makes a face. “Ew, don’t get all insecure now. You know who you are. You know you’re a great dude. Don’t second-guess that, assfuck.”

I shake my head laughing. “You insulted me and lifted me up all in three sentences.”

He nods. “I’m very talented.”

I push off the bed to get up. “You’re a jackass.”

“Takes one to know one.”

I roll my eyes as I cross the room for my bag. I gotta get out of here. I don’t know if I care for his advice right now. “I’m gonna go skate.”

“Smart. Clear your mind.”

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