She leaned in. “No there isn’t. Thank you for the sunrise, it was beautiful.”
“Try to get some sleep, two rounds could do a number on a newbie.” I winked.
Part of me wanted to ask her at that moment if she knew. But if the answer wasn’t what I expected, and it all went to hell after, how could I get past hurting her?
Instead, I settled to let the conversation wait and brushed the hair from her face, leaning in for a long, sweet kiss.
21
Thehurricanewarningsandupdates were still coming in for the island but at least it was light out and I could drive myself home soon.
Troy came into my room after breakfast as I was finishing up my sketch. “Hey.” He stepped in, eyeing my work. “Is that me?”
I looked up with a perked brow. “Who else?”
He nodded and slipped his hands in his pockets uncomfortably. “It’s impressive, Harp.”
I leaned back in the chair admiring the draft myself. It was the one with the signs that cheered for him as he glided through the ice. “Thank you.”
“Can we talk for a minute?”
I pushed off the desk and stood, daunted by what this could be about. “If this is about the night you stopped by at my job drunk, don’t worry, I’m not holding it against you. You had a tough week.” I honestly felt bad for the guy. And I was slightly annoyed he was pulling August into his problems, but the more I thought about it, the more I was happy for him to be back on the ice.
“It’s not that. I’ve been wanting to apologize for what happened on Prom night. I mean I know I did that whole apology thing on national television…but I wanted to actually tell you I’m sorry.”
I didn’t think I needed this apology anymore. August had done enough for me to get past it. But this—coming from the offender himself, was somewhat freeing and I was grateful regardless. “It’s okay. I’m over it.”
“No. Harper, it was stupid and selfish and I was…well, I was an ass like Aug—I mean, like I said on the ice,” he laughed nervously.
My face dropped.So they’re still playing this game with me…
“No worries. Really.” I cleared my throat and looked away, feeling hurt that August wasn’t the one in here apologizing for lying to me about who he was. I’d thought after last night…he had to have known that I knew who he was.
I was honestly too scared to call his name out last night incase my presumption was incorrect.
“No, it wasn’t cool and I need you to know that.”
“Is there anything else?” I didn’t care for any more apologies. It was August I wanted. And I needed someone to tell me it was him all along.
“Actually, there is. Can I ask you for a favor?”
“I suppose.”
“There’s a Coach’s post-game party next Saturday. I mean the game is Friday, but the party is the next day. Will you be my date? It’s kind of black tie at the Brooklyn Park Tavern.”
I stared at him. Confusion swirling in my head.
What was I supposed to do? Was this Troy asking me out to attend with August or with him? Was he planning on all of a sudden showing up after missing weeks of games and practices?
If I said no, because there was no way I was ever attending any party as Troy’s date ever again…would August wonder why I turned him down?
“Sure, why not?” I answered meekly. One thousand percent sure I was going to regret this response that slipped out of me.
He beamed brightly. “That’s amazing. Thank you. You’ll have a great time, I promise.”
His choice of words soothed me somehow. Because he didn’t saywe’dhave a great time. Which might have implied that perhaps it was going to be August attending in his place.
I released a breath. My head starting to hurt again. “Great.”
