Part 24 (2/2)

Avery: Dying in this music theory cla.s.s. Wish I was with you tho.

Me: Me too.

Avery: Give me about twenty minutes and I could be.

Me: Promise?

Avery: Yeah, I'll come to you. If you aren't busy. Not sure if you're still a one-woman kinda guy or if you're ready for that player game.

I smirk as I lean back against my pillows.

Me: I'm pretty sure I've made it well known that I'm a one-woman guy, but someone is dragging their feet on the commitment. Not naming names. coughAVERYcough.

Avery: Well maybe, coughAVERYcough likes Javery the way it is?

Me: Then don't a.s.sume I want the game when I'm wanting more from you.

Avery: Jesus, that got deep quick.

Me: You started it.

Avery: Touche. Can we pause and carry on when I get there?

Me: Only if you come out with me tonight.

Avery: I already have you penciled in.

Me: Good, you like karaoke?

Avery: Kinda. I mean, I do like to sing a bit.

Me: Yeah, just a little, huh?

Avery: Yeah, and you know I can carry a tune, but can you?

Me: Duh, I'm amazing.

Avery: Of course, you are. You're amazing at life.

Me: Preach it, baby.

Avery: Okay, so...I'll see you soon?

Me: Yeah, I'm counting the seconds.

Avery: ...

Avery: You're corny as h.e.l.l.

Me: But yet, you still swoon over me.

Avery: Every day.

Grinning at that, I click off my messages and check my Facebook.

I want to say I'm cool with Javery, as we've been calling it, but I want more. I want to be able to say she's mine without her giving me that look. That ”don't label us” look. I kind of hate that look. A lot. But I can't make her feel what I feel. I can't rush her into this, I know that. But still, I want more. I want all of her, but it's obvious she's holding back. I'm pretty sure it has to do with that douche who hurt her. I get it, heartbreak sucks-I've been witness to it. But I don't know how to be patient.

I've never been one of those guys who sits back and waits. I'm an all-in kind of person; I fight for what I want. Work for it. And I feel like I'm putting in extra hours with this girl and only getting half of her. Sometimes I think, why am I even doing that? I could have anyone I want. Or at least, I think I could, but I'm putting all my eggs in Avery's basket, hoping she'll feel it too.

It feels right, though.

And I can't fight that. I'd be stupid to, but something's got to give.

I've got to know she feels the same.

When my phone rings, I realize I wasn't really looking at Facebook because I don't even answer the phone right away. I'm too consumed by my feelings for her. By my confusion and uncertainty.

s.h.i.+t, it's my dad.

”Hey.”

”Hey, are you in cla.s.s?”

”No, just woke up. Had to work early.”

He pauses. ”You're working?”

”Yeah, at the coffee shop.”

”Why?” he asks, and I can tell he's confused. ”Do you need more money?”

”No,” I say quickly. ”I'm just bored.”

”So focus on hockey. You don't need to work. I'll support you.”

”I know, but I need to-”

”You've been talking to your brothers, I'm guessing, and they are the ones pus.h.i.+ng this?”

”No,” I say even though they kind of are, but I agree with them. I'm not a spoiled brat anymore-I'm a man. Or at least, a man-child who is too insanely spoiled by my mommy. Not that I would ever admit that to anyone else. ”I like it.”

”You like it?”

”Yeah.”

”Your main goal is the NHL. Focus on that. Don't let your brothers outdo you.”

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