Page 32 of Final Score

“Hi Kat. Listen. Everything you think you know right now is wrong. I can’t excuse my actions last night, only apologize for them. You are the only one I want.” Jenner’s voice sounds tired, like he hasn’t slept. He sighs and I know without having to see that he’s running a hand through his hair. “I’ve tried to prove that time and time again. Damn it Kat, just let me love you. How hard is that?” He asks, his voice softening with every word. “I’m downstairs. I don’t expect you to come see me, but I’ll be here when you decide you’re ready. You’re my best friend, Kit Kat.” His voice breaks at my nickname. “I miss you.” He finishes, before static overtakes Oliver’s phone.

Tears threaten to spill as I look at the ceiling. I want to listen to that recording over and over until it’s burned into my memory. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed his voice until now.

“He’s miserable without you, and from the looks of it, you aren’t doing much better.”

I shake my head, prepared to say I’m fine, as a single traitorous tear falls down my cheek. I wipe it away quickly, but not before Oliver sees. Handing me a tissue, he speaks, sliding two tickets across the table.

“Come to the game tonight. Work things out afterward. It won’t be the same without either of you there. Besides, I think we could all use a little luck right about now.”

“I’ll think about it.” I respond as Fallon says, “We’ll be there.”

Oliver stands, motioning for me to stand as well. The second I do; he pulls me into a hug. “Don’t worry darling, it’s all going to be ok. Call me if you need anything.” He winks.

The second the door shuts behind him, Fallon starts talking. “So, what are you going to do?” She asks, sticking one ticket into the pocket of her jeans before holding the other out to me.

Over the past six months, Jenner and I had both made wrong decisions. But we had also formed a bond, I wasn’t ready to let go of just yet. He had waited five years to find me again and six months for me to love him back. It was well past time for him to stop waiting and time for me to stop running.

I was in love with Jenner Blackwell. The boy who held my hand during the worst moment of my life and the man who’d picked up all my broken pieces years later, carefully putting them back together.

“I’m getting him back.” I answered. I just wasn’t sure exactly how that would work yet.

.

CHAPTER 21

Here’s a little piece of advice. If you’re ever thinking about getting drunk the night before a big game. Don’t. No amount of Tylenol, greasy breakfast, or hair of the dog could fight off this monstrosity of a hangover.

Stumbling down the stairs, I thanked God that the sun had yet to rise before walking into the kitchen to face my teammates. Judging by the disapproving glares they tossed my way it wasn’t just my head that was about to hurt.

“Morning Sunshine.” Oliver greeted. As he leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping a hot cup of coffee. “Get your head out of your ass yet?”

“Really Cap, the night before a big game?” Ronnie mumbled unhappily.

“Sorry.” I snapped pouring myself a large cup of coffee, wishing none of them had spoken at all.

“Don’t apologize, just pull yourself together before the game. We need our Capitan.” Ronnie answered.

“You look like you forgot. I don’t lose.” I tease, hoping to break the ice.

“You really can’t say that anymore.” Oliver shoved a piece of burnt toast into Ronnie’s mouth. “Shush kid. I have a plan.”

“Oh?” I ask.

“Yes, but it requires you to stop being an idiot for the rest of the day. Think you can manage that?”

I listened intently to every word of Oliver’s plan. If anything would work, it would be this.

“Do you think she’s going to come to the game?” I ask lacing my skates before warmups. The Championship Game was finally here.

“I hope so. I texted Fallon asking what they’re decision was but got no response. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.” Oliver responded.

At least we had tried. I appreciated Oliver’s help more than he knew. Especially since I had been a raging asshole and a horrible friend the past month and a half.

“Let’s go bring home another championship boys!” Coach yelled, shaking each player’s hand as they made their way onto the ice.

“You ready?” Oliver asks.

“As I’ll ever be.” I answer, “Let’s go kick some ass.”