Page 75 of Rival Season
“I doubt you’ll be ready for what I have in store,” Chadwick says, and I snort a laugh.
We’ve kicked the Fire Cats asses the past two times we’ve played them and I’m sure we’ll do it for a third time in a few days.
“Bring it on,” I tell him, and a cruel smile flickers on his face.
“You asked for it.”
He finally lets himself out of the apartment and I’m just glad he’s gone.
The moment the door shuts, Hazel turns to me, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry about him; he’s such a jerk.”
I scrub a hand over my face, suddenly feeling drained. “Can we…just not talk about it?” Her face falls, and I force my own expression into a reassuring smile. “You made this great breakfast, and I don’t want to let him spoil it.”
“Okay,” she agrees, and we sit down to eat.
But delicious as the food must be, I can barely taste it. Before Chadwick burst in, I was on the verge of asking Hazel about the idea of continuing to be an “us” when our clock runs out…and now I don’t know if she’s feeling any of what I feel, or if I’m just a simp whostilldoesn’t know when he’s deluding himself by thinking someone could care about him in that way.
I don’t want to have to learn the same lesson twice about love. I look over at beautiful, perfect Hazel with a lump in my throat…I'm not sure I’d survive it this time.
CHAPTER 28
HAZEL
I was soexcited for my breakfast with Penn this morning, especially after missing him during his two travel days. But everything felt off. It started out perfect. I still can’t believe I kissed him like that when there was no ruse. I simply wanted to kiss him and couldn’t stop myself. I thought he liked it. He kissed me back like he was into it.
Then Chadwick had to go and ruin everything. Penn was quiet and withdrawn the rest of breakfast—a side of him I’ve never seen. Penn is usually a great conversationalist and so easy-going, it was weird to see him shut off like that. I still can’t make sense of Penn’s shift in demeanor. Was he bothered by Chadwick, or something else? Chadwick is always a jerk, so that’s nothing new.
I wonder if Chadwick announcing his quick recovery made Penn realize his duty as fake boyfriend is finally up and he can go back to his playboy ways soon. Maybe he was distancing himself so I didn’t get the wrong idea about what would happen next. Or maybe I’m a burden to him now and he’s bored with me.
Just like Chadwick got bored with me. My own parents don’t even seem to think I’m that interesting.
I mean, my mother calls my ex-boyfriend more than she callsme, apparently.
Why am I so unlovable?
Maybe if I weren’t so uptight, or if I was more smiley, or funnier. Everyone adores a person who can make them laugh. But that’s not me…I’m the one who plans my day meticulously, the one who’s always on time, the girl everyone finds reliable.
The metro screeches to a halt and I realize I’m at my stop for Safe Harbor. I was so deep in thought I’m not sure how I even made it here.
I walk through the station, down the street, and into Safe Harbor in a daze. Bertie is on the phone but waves to me as I walk by the front desk. Forcing a smile, I wave back.
When I arrive in the back, I find several large boxes of donations to sort through and get right to work. I need something to keep my hands and brain busy. Opening the first box, I find an assortment of baby items, so I drag the heavy box over to the infant section. Several soft blankets are at the top, so I shake them out and make sure they’re clean before refolding them and organizing each one on the shelf neatly.
Halfway through the items, my phone buzzes in the front pocket of my jumper dress. I pull it out quickly, hoping it’s Penn calling to say he’s sorry for being weird and explain himself.
I deflate when the name on the screen readsMomand notPenn. For a second, I stare at the phone and consider if I want to answer. She doesn’t call me often, so I slide the bar on the screen to accept the call. It might be something important, she’s not one to call just to chat—unless you’re Chadwick Weatherby, apparently.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hazel,” she says. “I’m glad you picked up.”
She sounds genuinely happy, and that perks me up. I smile, feeling dumb for being dramatic earlier. “Yeah, it’s good to hear from you.”
“Are you home?”
“No, I’m volunteering at Safe Harbor today.”
“Oh.” Her voice is heavy with disappointment. “I thought you might be home with Chadwick.”
