Chapter 33 #2
“You made me look like an idiot. I’ve been defending Jameson to everyone, talking about how in love they looked together.
The twin switch? Really?” Her voice wavers slightly, and I catch a glimpse of her hurt beneath the anger.
“But I guess I should thank you because you’re, like, the only person who’s ever made her this happy. ”
She steps aside and lets me in.
The apartment smells like the apple-scented candle Addison always burns.
A single lamp glows in the corner, casting soft shadows across the exposed brick walls.
Kendall is curled up on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, knees pulled to her chest. Her makeup is smeared, and her eyes are swollen from crying.
“Aw,” I say, giving her a sweet smile.
She looks up at me.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hi.”
I cross the room, and she watches me approach, but doesn’t move, like she’s bracing for more bad news. I kneel in front of her so we’re eye level.
“Did he make you choose?” she asks. “Between me and hockey?”
“Yes,” I say with a smile.
Her eyes look sad. “And?”
“I choose you, babe.”
“Patterson.” Her eyes well up with tears again. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”
“Oh, come on.” I give her a small smile, wiping her cheek with my thumb. “Now we get to spend more time together. Want to travel somewhere?”
“But your record. If I’d stayed away from you—”
“Then I’d still be miserable and alone, pretending I didn’t spend every day and night thinking about you.” I take her hands in mine. “I don’t care about any of it. Just you.”
“I can’t let you throw your career away.”
“It will all work out.” I squeeze her fingers. “Like my sister used to say …”
“All turds float to the top,” Addison finishes the sentence from the kitchen.
Kendall makes a face. “Gross. I’ve never heard her say that.”
“I was, like, eight!” Addison drops onto the couch next to Kendall and glances between us, shaking her head. In her arms is a bowl of popcorn. “Wow. This is so weird, seeing you two … lovey.”
I glance down at it. “Really?”
“I’m watching my favorite show right now,” she says, staring at us. “Go on. Pretend I’m not here.”
Kendall lets out a laugh. It sounds fragile, but it’s something. I bring her hands to my lips and kiss her knuckles.
“I may have told your dad to go fuck himself,” I admit.
Her bottom lip quivers.
“Stop, Ken Doll. He’ll get over it. You know how I know? Because he loves you. He’s pissed. I’ve seen him pretty livid over the years, and it takes him a while, but he eventually forgives.”
“You’re giving me pointers about my dad?” she asks.
Addison chomps down on some more popcorn. “She has a point.”
I roll my eyes at her.
“I mean, put yourself in Coach Hart’s shoes. He watched his star player, who he absolutely needs, with his precious baby girl, who does no wrong in his eyes,” Addison says.
Kendall glares at her.
“Think about if it were your daughter,” she says.
I try to imagine that. It’s not hard for me to understand why he’s upset. He wants the best for Kendall, but doesn’t see me as that.
“Oh, he’s very pissed. I think that’s why he said he would ruin my reputation so I’ll never play again.” I shrug. “Let him try.”
Kendall wraps her arms around me and buries her face in my shoulder, apologizing. I hold her and let her get it all out while Addison squeezes my shoulder once, then slips out of the room to give us space.
When Kendall takes in a deep breath, I press my lips to her hair.
“There’s no crying in hockey,” I tell her.
“You’re not worried?” She pulls away, studying me with stars in her eyes.
I grin and shake my head. “No. Not even a little bit. Let’s go home.”
Her brows rise at the word.
“I mean, unless you changed your mind about moving in with me. But know that I selfishly want you in my bed every morning and night, starting now. Your dad knows, so there’s no reason to sneak around or hide us anymore.
I want to take you out. I want to wake up next to you.
I want to come home to you. I want to stop pretending in public that you belong to Jamie.
” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I’m ready to scream it from the rooftops right now. ”
“Really?”
I stand up and walk to my sister’s window, glancing back at Kendall before I slide it open.
“New York City!” I yell out into the street. “I love Kendall Hart! She’s the love of my life.”
It echoes off the building across the way.
“No one cares!” someone screams back.
“Fuck you,” I mutter, shutting the window with a snap.
When I turn back, my girl is smiling widely. It’s the first real one I’ve seen since her father walked in on us.
“There you are,” I say, crossing back to her. “We’ll get through this. Together.”
“Thank you,” she whispers.
“For what?”
“For choosing me,” she says.
“No, no, no. Thank you. The pleasure is literally mine. I’ve already experienced what feels like a lifetime without you. And it really sucks. I will choose you, us, and this every day of the week.”
“Aw,” Addison calls from her bedroom.
Kendall laughs again, the sound stronger this time.
“Sorry, I’m really trying to pretend I can’t hear you. Please continue your romantic moment. It’s sweet. Kinda gross. And I’m a little jealous.”
This is what I fought for. This is what I risked everything for—making her happy.
When I kiss Kendall, I can taste salt on her lips. When I meet her eyes, there’s something else behind them. Hope.
“I’m so lucky,” she whispers.
I press my forehead to hers. “We both are.”