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“It’s beautiful.” She said, not taking her eyes off it. “What’s the inspiration?”

I tilted my head, taking the full canvas in. It was as if someone else had painted it and I was trying to find the symbolism behind it.

“I don’t know,” I said. “It just kind of happened.”

She placed her chin in her hands and stared at me. Really stared at me. She had a look in her eyes, judging me for not figuring it out. She reached over and patted my hand before standing up. Her eyes set on the painting once more before she maneuvered to the doorway. She glanced at me over her shoulder to deliver her parting words.

“You’ll figure it out.”

??

I had no idea hockey was such a big deal in this town. I stood at the edge of the bustling rink, my heart raced with anticipation as the spectators flocked to their seats like moths to light. The familiar scent of Josh’s cologne enveloped my nostrils. I felt a surge of pride as I glanced down at the gray and white fabric adorning my body.

The rink buzzed with excitement as my mom and Mrs. Hart joined Stella and me. Around us, fans waved banners and erupted into a frenzy as the players stepped onto the ice.

I watched Josh glide along the ice. He skated around trying to rile the crowd up, but I glimpsed him scanning the crowd. With a wide smile, I raised my hand and waved it around, capturing his attention. I blew him a kiss. Even from across the rink, I could see his eyes light up as he spotted me. He raised his stick and pointed it in my direction with a wink before joining his teammates in a huddle.

“Hi, Asher.” Mrs. Hart’s voice broke me out of my stare.

I’d hardly turned my head to my right before he stole the vacant seat beside me. I could feel eyes on us and ripples of whispers, something that always seemed to follow Asher. He winked at me as we locked eyes, but I looked away and remained focused on the game. I could feel his smug grin burning into the side of my head. He leaned closer, his confidence radiating.

“Hey there, Ms. Bennet.”

I glanced at him with a polite but guarded smile.

“Are you ever going to give that nickname up?”

“I think it suits you.”

I turned away, pretending he wasn’t there. Undeterred, he leaned even closer. I could see his grin widening from the corner of my eye.

“Nice jersey.” He remarked, his tone laced with mischief.

“Thanks.”

The crowd applauded as Josh’s team scored. I clapped my hands, smiling as Josh’s eyes focused on me, beaming in excitement. But it was short-lived. Asher leaned in front of me, blocking my view of Josh. I scoffed as he wiggled his fingers at Josh in a condescending wave. I pushed Asher’s head away and shoved his hand down.

Asher chuckled, unaffected by my dismissal. His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he settled himself back in his seat.

This was going to be a long game.

??

32

“All I think about is who is next to ya.”

Jessica, girlfriends

Asher

The sight of Josh’s lovesickness made me queasy, but Sawyer wearing his jersey was even worse. We hadn’t spoken since the first period, and the third had just begun. I fixed my gaze on the ice, but my head wasn’t even in the building. Sawyer was distracting me with her mere presence, but I vowed to seem unbothered. I folded my arms across my chest and sat brooding.

A gentle touch on my shoulder startled me. I turned to see Gracie standing with a wide grin. Before I could say anything, she wrapped her arms around my neck, squeezing me into a tight embrace. I couldn’t help but smile, wrapping my arms around her.

“Hey there, bug.” I said. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

“She wanted to watch Josh play.”