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I wince. "That's going to be a tough game."
"No kidding," Jessica agrees. "But the kids have come so far this season. I really think they have a shot."
"They've improved a ton," Emily chimes in. "And it's all thanks to Victor's coaching."
I feel a pang in my chest. As much as I try to steer my thoughts away from him, he keeps finding his way back in.
I take a sip of my wine, trying to drown out the sound of his voice in my head. The way he laughs. The way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles.
But it's no use. He's everywhere, even when he's not.
The conversation swirls on around me, but I'm only half-listening. My mind is a million miles away,replaying every moment we've shared. Every glance, every touch, every almost-kiss.
I know I need to let him go. I know I need to put some distance between us, for both our sakes. But it's easier said than done.
My phone buzzes in my purse, and I fish it out, my heart leaping into my throat when I see his name on the screen.
Victor
Can we talk? Please. I miss you.
I stare at the words until they blur before my eyes. My fingers hover over the screen, itching to respond.
But I can't.
I won't.
With a heavy heart, I slip the phone back into my purse and force myself to tune back into the conversation. I paste a smile on my face and nod along, even as my heart fractures a little more with every passing second.
I know what I have to do. I just hope I'm strong enough to do it.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Avery
I'm staringat the wall, lost in a mess of thoughts, when Olivia bursts into the room. Her brows are stitched together in that way that means business. She's got her little hands on her hips, mirroring me when I mean business.
"Mom, why aren't you dressed yet?" she demands, eyes scanning the room like she's looking for hidden clues to my inaction.
I sigh and shake my head. "I'm not going, Liv."
Olivia's mouth drops open, and then snaps shut so fast I can almost hear it. "But you have to! You've been fighting this development forever, and now you're just gonna bail?" Her voice rises with each word, hitting me like sharp pebbles.
"Sweetie, it's complicated," I try, but even as I say it, I know it sounds like I’m making excuses.
"Complicated? Mom, this is our home! And what about everyone else? What sort of example does that set if you don't show up?" Her arms flail, punctuating each question, her passion a fiery echo of my own—once upon a time.
"Olivia..." I start, but what do I even say? My girl's right. She's so right it hurts.
"Olivia, I can't go. Victor and I..." I trail off, unable to find the right words. "It's just too complicated now. My feelings—they're messing with my judgment. It wouldn't be fair to the community."
"Mom," she says, her tone stern, hands back on her hips. "You've got to go. This isn't about you and Victor, it's about us—everyone in Worcester. You've always told me to stand up for what I believe in. So now, I'm telling you. You have to fight."
She's glaring at me with such intensity, those little embers of determination burning bright in her eyes. I see so much of myself in her, or maybe it's the other way around now.
"Fine," I relent, finally breaking under her gaze. "I'll do it. But since when did you become the parent here?"
"Since you started acting like a scaredy-cat," Olivia teases with a small, victorious smile. "Now hurry up, we don't have all day!"