Page 128 of I'm Gonna Get You Back
We both notice that Reid is hovering just out of earshot, handsshoved in his pockets, waiting. She’s never liked that I got involved with him, and I’m afraid of what she’s going to say.
“I love him,” I blurt, cutting her off before she can. Pleading for her to understand. I can’t believe how easy that is to say after reading his card, knowing the words on my skin arehis.
Mom’s expression softens with surprise.
“I’m still making my own path,” I reassure her. “But… I want him beside me while I do it.”
If he’ll have me.
She glances over at him again, then turns to me and says seriously, “Sweetie, there is such a narrow window for happiness in this life. If you found yourself some, don’t let it go too easily.”
I nod and clutch my rib cage where my tattoo lives.
No matter what it takes, I will never make that mistake again.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVENREID
@haikuforyou
If love means chasing
fading light, I’ll run, chest burning
into your night
WHEN CLARA’S DONE TALKINGto her mom, I waste no time. I wrap my hand around hers, desperate to get her alone.
“Can we—”
A stern voice cuts me off. “Reid.”
Damn it.It’s my dad. Impeccable timing as always.
“We can talk after,” Clara says with a reassuring squeeze of my hand. But I don’t let her pull away.
“Come with me?”
She looks at my dad over my shoulder, uncertain. “You sure?”
I nod. It’s the only thing I am sure about.
Watching her documentary confirmed what I’ve long known. That despite so many people judging her and accusing her of being a bad influence on me, she is actually the one person who makes me want to be better.
We walk across the Lodge, the event clearly over. Most people haveleft, and the tables are scattered with discarded napkins, wineglasses, and utensils.
I lead her to the table where my dad and stepmom are sitting. Coach Andrews is gone, and Dad looks more stressed than ever, a wounded expression on his face as we get seated across from them. “How could you not tell us about all this, Reid? How—” He clears his throat. “How could you not tellme?”
I look down at the table. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how,” I admit. “And with the bills and everything, I didn’t want to worry you.”
Dad’s eyes go wide. “Kiddo, believe me, I’ve already been worried.”
That hits me square in the chest and I snap my gaze up, breathing out a light laugh. “You haven’t called me ‘kiddo’ since I was little.”
“Probably because that’s how it’s feeling right now. You aren’t sleeping again?” His eyes are red and full of dismay.
I swallow and shake my head.
“You’ve been in pain,” Dad states.
