Page 88 of When the Ice Melts

Darius felt his face turning bright red. “Well—not good.” He looked at Terry apologetically. “Turns out she had another boyfriend.”

“Really?” Terry cocked his head.

“Yeah.” Even after his newfound hope, the thought of Addisyn still stung the tender places of his soul. Briefly he told Terry about meeting Brian. “She came to see me at work the next day, but by then I knew everything.” He shrugged sadly. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

“Hmm.” Terry rubbed his chin. “So what did she come to the center to tell you?”

Darius opened his mouth, then closed it again. “I—” For the first time, it struck him. What had Addisyn come to tell him?

He’d never given her a chance to say. He’d had his mind made up, been determined he knew all the facts. She’d come to tell him something, and she’d run into his walls.

He hung his head. “I don’t know.” The admission seemed so incredible now. “I never asked.”

The knowledge stung like salt in a wound. He’d been so consumed in his own pain, he’d lashed out—ushering her out of his life before she could come any closer to his dark secrets.

Terry nodded. “I guess when you live within a wall of shame, nobody can get too close, can they?”

“No.” Darius shook his head. A short laugh of disbelief slipped out as he looked at Terry. “I’ve—I’ve been an idiot.”

“Not an idiot. Just a learner. Like us all. But after you talk to the Lord, I think you have some other unfinished business to take care of.” Terry clapped Darius on the back. “Brother, I’m so proud of you for talking to me today. Thank you.”

“No, thank you.” Darius wiped his eyes and waved again as Terry headed back inside the center. Then he slowly opened his car door and sank into the seat.

It was time to finally talk to the One he’d been avoiding for all these years. The God Who had never, ever stopped loving him.

And right after that, he had a journey to take. A wry half smile tugged his lips at the echo of Brian’s boastful swagger.

Chicago...Wednesday...Rayard Arena.

Darius turned the key, and the Traverse roared to life. He needed to find the girl who’d come too close. He needed to hear what she had to tell him. And he needed to share what was on his heart.

Because now he knew—love was stronger than secrets.