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I nod. “Yeah.”

“And?”

I force myself to focus. “He was impressed,” I say, making shit up as I go. “Said they’re keeping an eye on me. Said I’ve got potential.”

Dad grins, claps me on the shoulder. “Good job, kid.” Then his gaze shifts, and for the first time, he notices Maya. His brows shoot up.

“Well, damn,” he says. “Long time no see.”

Maya grins, stepping forward. “Hey, Mr. McCabe.”

Dad shakes his head, laughing a little. “You always did have the worst timing.”

Maya laughs too, but I see the flicker of something in her eyes.

Dad slaps my shoulder again. “Alright, I’ll leave you guys to it. Try not to break any more noses.”

As soon as he’s gone, Remy and Zane exchange a look.

“We’ll catch up later,” Zane says, wincing as he presses the ice harder. “Think we’ll leave you two alone for a sec.”

I don’t say anything. My throat feels tight.

They leave.

Now it’s just me and her.

Maya tilts her head, watching me. “Okay,” she says, slowly. “You’re acting fucking weird. I know we broke up, but I thought you’d be happy to see me?”

I exhale sharply, shaking my head. “It’s been a long fucking night.”

She hesitates for a second, then moves toward me. Before I know it, she’s straddling my lap, arms wrapping around my neck like nothing’s changed. “I missed you,” she murmurs, nuzzling against me. “I know you said you moved on, but I also know you, Caleb. I know you said it because I hurt you, and you thought it was for the best.”

My jaw clenches.

I shut my eyes, willing my body to relax.

This isMaya.

I’ve known her forever. She was my best friend before anything else. This should feel—

Fuck.

She pulls back, frowning slightly. “Feels like you’re not happy to see me.”

I force my arms to tighten around her, keeping her close. “That’s not true,” I say, voice rough. “You’re my girl, Maya. I’ll always want to see you.”

She studies me. Then she cups my face, thumbs brushing my cheekbones. “Then talk to me, baby.”

I swallow, hard.

How the fuck do I tell her I’m in love with someone else?

“I can’t,” I say, barely recognizing my own voice.

Maya’s fingers tighten on my jaw. “Caleb.” Her voice is quiet, searching. “What the fuck is going on?”

I exhale hard. “It’s complicated.”