Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
From the first night I met him to now, everything has been go, go, go.
After a late night last night, we were up early this morning, and Aiden was off to the arena for a one o’clock game.
I wasn’t able to go, too much to do before uprooting my life to go with him to Ohio, but they won.
I caught a few glimpses on the TV as I packed up everything. Well, I packed up my new stuff. I assumed that since I was taking on a role as his personal assistant, I’d have to pack for him too, but he beat me to it. Every one of his shirts and pants were already in the suitcase and color-coordinated.
I make a mental note of the way he organizes his stuff. If I’m to be helpful to him in the future, I need to know how he likes things.
The little glimpses I caught of him playing were exhilarating. Game two was a blowout. The Saints move into game three with a two-zero lead.
I have no idea how the team even drank last night; today’s game was insane.
Hockey is brutal.
From what I’ve learned via Google since agreeing to this crazy plan is that the hours of training are long, then every few days, they have a game, followed by after-hour commitments.
How they have the energy for that is beyond me.
But the team is known for being generous with their time in the community. Giving back to the city that has given them a home.
Watching Aiden in his element is nothing like the past. Sure, he was motivated. Determined. But he grew up. And he surely proved that he was more than good enough. No matter what his horrible mom tried to feed him.
Being near him again is crazy, but the thought of going to his home, the place he’s made roots, is surreal. We always talked about what it would be like to get away one day, and now I’m headed to see how close to reality he was back in those days of dreaming under the oak tree.
It’s a bit terrifying, if I’m being honest with myself.
Will there be anything that reminds me of our time together? If there is, can I pretend it’s not there? On the flip side, if there’s nothing, can I handle that? It’s obvious he doesn’t recognize me, but does he even think of the girl he once knew?
My breathing becomes heavy as my anxiety builds.
What the hell am I doing? I’ve allowed this whole thing to go too far.
I’m going to walk into his home because I lied. Not because he missed me or because he wants me there. Nope, it’s all because I’m not ready to let him go. That’s the truth. The ugly truth I try to pretend isn’t there. But it is there. It hovers on the surface of every word I say, every look I give him.
I missed Aiden Slate, and I’m not ready to say goodbye.
If that makes me a selfish liar, so be it.
In my life, Aiden is the only person who makes me feel safe.
I need more time.
“You okay?” Aiden asks, side-eyeing me. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
He sees too much.
Or you’re just a shit liar.
“I’m fine. Just a little hungry.”
Not a complete lie. I could eat. I can always eat.
“We’ll grab something on the way. My car’s just over there.” He points off into the distance to where he must have parked. I’m still shocked that he offered to pick me up rather than just send a car service.
I crane my neck, trying to determine which is his. The BMW? Or something fancier. What has all this talent and money afforded him?
I’m actually kind of giddy. Why? Because despite the time that’s gone by, I’m happy for my friend. The boy who saved me on numerous occasions. The one who sat for hours with me, talking about life and our individual futures, outside the dingy trailer park.
He pulls out his keys and hits a button. There’s a beep signaling he’s unlocked the car. I look up to find a white Jeep.
I swallow, emotion coming over me like a freight train. My heart thumps rapidly in my chest, and I’m practically in a daze as I jump into the passenger seat.
“What’s wrong, Pip?” I hear Aiden’s voice from behind me, but I don’t bother to look up. Today’s been a bad day. Worse than normal, and that’s saying a lot.
When I got home from school, I found that the lights were off.
A side effect of Dad losing his latest job. Not showing up will do that.
They’re still off, but at least now I have the money to turn them back on.
A trip to the pawn shop will do that.
But it was the last piece of jewelry I had of my mom’s.