His eyes widened in shock like he couldn’t believe I wouldn’t forgive him that easily over what happened.
Look, forgiveness was mine to give. Zane might’ve felt sorry (maybe), but I could choose when and if I wanted to forgive him.
“I just humbled myself more than I’ve ever been humbled,” he said.
“Yeah, I know. No, wait; I do think the time I punched you out at The Colter Bay Grill was much more humbling.”
“Okay, so this would be the second most humbling experience of my life. Thank you so much for pointing that out. That’s hard for someone as seriously incredible and awesome as me. A hockey player of my caliber can only?—”
I fanned my hand over my mouth in a yawning gesture.
“These pain meds are making me sleepy,” I said, “don’t mind me if I have a little snooze.”
“Can you just be serious for a moment?”
“I thought I was being serious.”
“Look, I know I’m probably the last person you want to see?—”
“Actually, you’re the person I’ve beenwantingto see—for days now.”
“I know, I know, cut me some slack, would you? I wouldn’t even have come here except for the fact that I love you.”
Silence intruded on us. He wanted me to take this seriously, and now I felt more serious than I had in a long time.
“Did you hear me?” he asked. “I said I love you.”
I pointed to my ears.
“Oh, right, I didn’t injure your eardrums. I forgot.”
He tossed his hands up and let them drop in surrender.
“Listen,” he said, “if you won’t accept my apology, and there’s nothing I can do for you, I’m just going to go.”
He rose from his chair, but I stopped him halfway.
“Not so fast, bub.”
“What?”
“There technicallyissomething you can do for me… You know, if you think you’re man enough for it.”
“Seriously?”
The way he rubbed his hands together made him look like a praying mantis.
“Not like that,” I said. “It’ll be a while before I’m ready to get funky with anyone again. The doctors have said I’ll need someone to help me at home, though. My parents want me to come back and live with them for a while, but I fucking hate that idea.”
“So, what are you saying? You want me to be your slave or something?”
“I didn’t say slave.”
“Servant then?”
“You’re the one that wants forgiveness so badly. And I wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for you. I figure it’s the least you can do.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll do it.”
