Page 115 of The Drop

"She's never really believed we are officially over, and that's on me because I should have set her straight, but believe me, I am not with her." He gets up to sit next to me, taking my hands in his, and looking at me intensely.

"I think you should talk to her," I blurt out, and he looks at me like I've grown two heads.

"What? No! I want to celebrate with you." He brushes my hair away from my face, and I lean into his hand.

"I know, but you've not been clear enough with her." Sighing, I continue. "I was so hurt when I found out about Josh, and I wish he could have just been honest with me."

"I haven't spoken to her since September. I thought I was clear when I didn't return any of her texts." He stands up to pace, and I can tell he's frustrated and doesn't want to speak with her.

"That's my point. Grace thought she was waiting for you." I stand, joining him and taking his hand again.

"You can't be serious right now." He pulls me by my hand towards him, wrapping his arms around my waist, and I let him because I need to be near him as much as I need him to go and be honest with Grace.

I can't be with him if he’s going to do the same thing Josh did. How will I trust him if he can do that to someone else? He could easily do it to me, too.

I can't go through that again, especially not with Grant. It would destroy me this time.

"I'm going to go join Cami and the guys." I brush his hair back off his forehead, and he drops it to mine, sighing.

"Brooke,"

"Please, just talk to her. I'll be there after." I run my hands through his hair and kiss his cheek.

"Brooke, please, I just want to celebrate with you."

"We will, just after." I walk out of the room and, luckily, get in the elevator right after I call it. I'm surprised Grant hadn't caught up to me, but I know he would have taken a minute to think about what he needed to do and respect what I asked him to do.

Grace is standing in the lobby with Grant's parents and sister when I walk out. Luckily, they don't see me, but I hear his mom say, "Grant, honey! Where have you been?"

I turn around as he emerges from the stairwell, and I can tell he wasn't coming down to see them but running down the stairs after me, so I haul ass out of there before he spots me.

I need a drink.

Chapter Fifty Seven

Grant

I turn toward my family.

"Hey, guys," I say, forcing a smile as my mom hugs me tightly and my dad claps me on the back.

"We are so proud of you," my mom gushes as she lets me go, and I blush a little. My family's pride always humbles me because, as much as I play the game for myself, I also play it for them, to thank them for everything they did to get me here.

I wouldn't be the player I am today without my parents' support.

"Thanks, Mom," I say, scratching the back of my neck bashfully.

"Are you ready to head inside?" My dad gestures toward the dining room, and I nod as they start walking in that direction.

"Grace?" She stops and turns, raising her eyebrows and smiling up at me. I immediately feel guilty. "Can we talk?"

"Of course," she replies quickly, stepping toward me and reaching for my hand, but I instinctively shove mine into my pocket. I notice my sister narrowing her gaze.

I look down, embarrassed, knowing I'm about to piss her off.

"We won't be long," I say, nodding to my family as I press my lips together. My mom gives me an unsure look as they turn around.

"You were amazing!" Grace throws her arms around my neck, and I hug her loosely in return. "I knew you would do it. You've always been such an incredible hockey player, Grant."