First and Forever (Heartache Duet #2) - Jay McLean Page 0,1
you talked about it?”
“I don’t think there’s anything to say.”
“Well, what happened with you guys? What changed?”
“I don’t know…” I find a loose rock and flip it in my hands. “Her mom happened, and my basketball took over any free time we had. We just never seemed to be on the same page at the same time.”
“That sucks and all, but it’s kind of unavoidable, no?”
I sniff away the memories flooding my mind and ask, “You know what the worst part is?”
“What?”
I look up at her and give her a truth I’ve kept only for myself. “I was doing it all for her.”
Her brow lifts. “What do you mean?”
“My plan was always four years at a D1 college and then hopefully go pro. But then I met Ava and her mom and… and they’re struggling so much with everything. I just… I thought if I put in the work now, then I could get the offer I need, do my one year and then declare for the draft and hopefully get a decent enough contract that I could… I could take care of them, you know?”
Karen’s quiet as she stares at me, right into my eyes, and I don’t look away because I have nothing to hide. Barely a whisper, she asks, “Does she know any of this?”
I shake my head
“Why not?”
“Because I didn’t tell her,” I sigh out.
“Why?”
I suck in a heavy breath. “Because what if I don’t make it? What if all her hopes for her future relied on me and I couldn’t follow through?” I throw the rock across the road. “What if I fail?”
Karen’s throat moves with her swallow, and she breaks her stare, looks down at her lap. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself, Connor.”
“But it’s not just that,” I continue, feeling the weight of my words release the pressure in my chest. “I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want her to feel obligated to stay with me if or when she ever stopped loving me.”
Karen’s gaze meets mine again, her eyebrows raised. “She said she loves you?”
I nod.
“And you… do you love her?”
“My heart beats for her.”
Ava
Mr. Ledger opens his door, his eyes widening when he sees me. “Hey, Ava. Connor’s not home right now.”
Good. “Actually, I came to see you.”
“Sure,” he says, nodding. “Do you want to come in?”
I look over his shoulder to the open door of Connor’s bedroom and push away the memories. “I’d prefer to stay out here if that’s okay?”
He offers a smile before flicking on the porch light. “What can I help you with?”
“You mentioned before that if I ever needed help with anything I could come to you… and I know that Connor and I are no longer together, but I was hoping your offer still stands?”
“Of course,” he says, concern filling his eyes as his gaze flicks to our house. “Is everything okay with your mom?” He moves back a step and starts slipping on his shoes, adding, “Should I get my medical—”
“No!” I rush out, waving a hand in front of me. “No, she’s fine. Sorry.” I shake my head. “I didn’t mean to scare you. She’s… she’s okay.” Physically. I raise the stack of papers between us, still warm from the printer. “Trevor and I—we got this letter from our insurance about Mom’s care, and I don’t understand much of it, or any of it really, but I think they want to make changes and—”
“And you want me to have a look over it?” he interrupts.
“Yes, please,” I breathe out. “Whenever you have time. I know you’re busy.”
“I have time now,” he says with a reassuring smile. He takes the papers from me and motions to his porch steps.
I nod, grateful. “Thank you so much, sir,” I tell him, sitting down. “You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
He settles in next to me, his eyes holding mine. “It’s no problem, Ava. I’ll do what I can.”
Before he can read the first line, a car pulls into his driveway, and my breath catches. I know the car. I know the girl. I thought I knew the boy sitting beside her. “Thanks for the ride,” he calls out over his shoulder as he steps out, then shuts the car door. He starts heading toward us, not once looking up. He hasn’t seen me yet, and I wish he wouldn’t see me at all. I wish it were as easy to hide here as it is at school. My heartache forces