Chapter 26
26
Torrin
“H ey, Torre!”
Sophie’s soft voice weeds through the wreckage of my thoughts, forcing me to open my eyes. I’ve been an awful friend. Sneaking around and lying to her when she opened up and poured her heart out to me, telling me everything that happened to her in the past. Things she never wanted to face. And I cowardly hid in my little bubble of love, rationalizing that every lie would keep that bubble from popping, but it just burst. And now my friend knows that I lied to her.
I clear the crud from my eyes, struggling to keep them open from the swelling. Forcing myself to sit up and face what’s coming.
“Are you okay?”
I shake my head, feeling like the dam on my emotions is about to break again.
“I know your parents are mad. It was a shock to them, but I think they’ll come around.”
That’s not what I expected her to say. I thought she’d be asking me why and how, and whether Lukas somehow groomed me. That’s what our parents think. That Lukas is a monster. He would never fathom to do such a thing. He was trying so hard to keep this from happening. He tried to keep his distance, but our hearts wouldn’t let it happen.
“They got what they wanted.” I wipe the tears. “It’s over between us. He ended it.”
“I’m so sorry, Torre. Maybe he just needs time to think. Maybe he’ll wake up in the morning and realize he made a mistake.”
Maybe. Maybe once the dust settles, he’ll come running back.
“So, you’re not upset with me?” I ask.
“Why would I be upset with you?”
“Because I’ve been lying to you for months.”
“But I understand why. I get that this wasn’t something you wanted to talk about. People can be cruel.” And she of all people knows that firsthand. “But I would never judge you, Torre. You’ve been such a good friend to me, and all I want is for you to be happy. And Lukas made you happy. You’ve been glowing these past few months, and now I know why.”
He made me so happy. I need to tell him that. I need him to know how much I love him. He made his choice, but he was under pressure and being called a predator. I can’t blame him for his reaction. I think anyone would’ve reacted that way.
But when I find the courage to pick up the phone and make the call, he doesn’t answer. And when I text him, he doesn’t respond. And the days go by. And the hope fades. And my heart gets crushed under the weight of the truth that deep down this is what he wants. It’s always been football. And it always will be.