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She looks unsure. “I understand that, honey, but after you leave tomorrow, when will you be back again? Realistically you’ll get to spend no time here.”

This is the part where I could tell her I plan to give the key over to the girl who rocked my world this summer and who I wish I’d woken up to this morning. To be honest, I’m surprised Luke hasn’t said anything about her helping me with the house. I’m pretty sure he’s been avoiding me, but I can’t say I’ve been seeking him out either. I will see him tonight at the barbecue for another awkward exchange though.

“I’m proud of you. For the way you’ve recovered and moved on with your life. What she put you through.” Mom’s grip on her cup intensifies. “That woman.”

“Yeah. It’s been easier to move on than I thought it would be.” I shrug. “I think I was so pissed at her that I didn’t feel the loss.”

“She wasn’t a loss, that’s why. Anyway, I’m just relieved she’s out of your life.”

If only that were true. Amie’s been blowing up my phone from various numbers for the past couple of weeks, and that, combined with the absence of Luna, has been tough. Every time I delete a text, another one comes through from an unknown number, but I know who it is.

Unknown

It doesn’t have to be over.

Everyone makes mistakes, and I’m sorry.

And when I don’t reply, her true colors show, reminding me of all the reasons I’m right to block her.

So, you think you’re above me now or something?

Too busy fucking someone else. Maybe I should do the same…

Go fuck yourself, Zach.

If it carries on, Mom will likely discover Amie hasn’t left me alone after all. Especially when I text her with my new number.

I slump back further onto the couch. At least I have these next few days in Seattle with Luna. Staying out of my spare bedroom and resisting the urge to pull her into my arms is going to torture me in ways that will make the end of this summer feellike a walk in the park. I wish I could bring it up with my mom, tell her everything that’s been going on between us this summer. But how am I supposed to explain something I don't understand myself?

“Are you all set to leave?”

“Yeah, all packed.” I check the time. “I have to take off to the beach.”

She smiles. “It’s fitting you end the summer in the same way you started it.”

Recalling the way Luna leaped into my arms on that first night, I smile back. “Yeah. I’ll swing by before I head to the airport tomorrow.”

“Okay,but can we talk about that hit you took last season.” Hudson shakes his head. “Fuck, that was intense. You’re all healed now though, right?”

I’d like to never talk about that hit again. I’m also way too distracted with the way Luke’s hand is curled around Luna’s shoulder to fucking think straight.

“All set for the pre-season.”All this guy seems to care about is talking to me about hockey. I’m more than just three twenty minute periods.

“Cool, cool.” He hands me another beer, and I take it, gladly. Tonight is a fucking horror show. Watching the way Luke is coming onto Luna, like he’s staking a claim or something. Any excuse to get her on her own, and I swear to God, if he leans forward and whispers in her ear one more time, I’m going to lose my shit.

Only I whisper in her ear and tell her she looks stunning.

“It’s a pity we didn’t get a chance to reconnect this summer.” Tonight just got a whole lot worse as Hayley approaches, flicking her long blonde hair to the side. She drags her long fingernails across my lower back in an inconspicuous manner designed for no one else to see.

“By reconnect I assume you mean fuck?” I say, bringing the bottle to my lips.

Her mouth hangs open like I just said something shocking to her. I’m being an asshole, but I’m so fucking tired of playing games and turning a blind eye to how I’m touched in this way. Jon was right when he lost his shit last season in Colorado.

I shrug. “Just saying it out loud.”

She twirls a piece of hair around her finger and bites down on her bottom lip. “If that’s an invite, there’s still time.”

I want to double over and laugh, but instead, I steal another glance in Luna’s direction. Torturing myself is a new hobby. Bringing my attention back to Hayley, I look her in the eyes for the first time. The buzz of the alcohol and the frustration of tonight compels me to make a claim laced with fiction. “Actually, I’m kind of seeing someone.”