Page 29 of Your Biggest Downfall (Ravens Hockey #3)

I nodded. “He wrote me a letter,” I responded quietly. “He told me he was going to do better for me, for his family, and for the team. He was committed and thanked me for pushing him to go.”

Luna nodded a few times, seemingly digesting this new information. “Did he say he was going to do it for himself too? Did he tell you he wanted to get better to save his career, be a better friend to you, and whatnot?”

I didn’t know why she was pushing this issue so hard. I’d read the letter so many times over again. He signed it with love. Of course he was doing this because he wanted to get better.

“Yes. Obviously,” I rushed out.

“Okay, because you know an addict won’t get better unless they want to get better,” Luna said like I hadn’t been regularly attending the NA support group.

“Yes, Luna. I am aware of that.” I was getting annoyed.

She didn’t know what she was talking about.

He was in rehab for fuck’s sake, but I didn’t want to lash out at her.

She was coming from a place of concern. “He’s doing it for himself, but the benefit of having his career and not letting it tank is also pretty fucking motivating. ”

“How is that? His career and socials?” she asked.

I turned around and glanced out the window. He was still there, waiting. I still had time to decide if I wanted to meet him, to face whatever might come next.

“It’s good. The statement worked well,” I said, trying to focus on anything but the knot in my stomach. “Everyone’s moved on to the new Chicago baseball player whose wife cheated on him with his best friend.”

“Oh my god! I heard about that,” Luna exclaimed, her voice full of mock scandal. She then settled back into her seat. “I’m glad the statement worked. Iris may work you ragged, but she’s good at her job.”

“She is,” I agreed, my mind drifting back to the window.

“Go say hi, Nova,” Luna urged gently. “I’ve known you since you were a baby. I know you’re itching to see him.”

“I am,” I admitted, the truth slipping out before I could stop it.

“Go.” She encouraged me, her voice soft but firm. “I was trying to distract you by talking about work, but it’s not working, and I’m doing a shit job at it. I’ll cover the bill, and you can leave cash on the table this afternoon.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, hesitation creeping into my voice.

“Obviously.”

Without another word, I quickly got up from my chair and reached for Luna, pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you,” I whispered, the words barely audible.

She wrapped her arms around my back, holding me close. “You’re my best friend. I hope you know I would do anything for you.”

I pulled away, offering her a tight-lipped smile before slinging my cross-body bag over my shoulder and heading for the door. Adrenaline coursed through me as I stepped outside, and there he was—still standing there, waiting for me.

Seeing him for the first time after everything felt like stepping into a dream—one of those vivid, surreal moments where you’re not sure what’s real and what isn’t.

My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears as I took in the sight of him.

It was overwhelming, a confusing mix of emotions swirling inside me.

I was hesitant, almost afraid to move closer, yet I couldn’t deny the deep, aching curiosity that had been wearing on me.

I needed to know if he was different, if the person standing there was the Austin I had once known—the one who made me laugh, who felt like home.

But more than anything, I wanted my friend back.

The thought tugged at my heart, a longing so intense it nearly took my breath away.

I missed the way we used to be, before everything got so complicated, before the lines blurred and everything fell apart.

I missed the easy conversations, the way he could read my mood with just a glance.

There was so much left unsaid between us.

For a brief moment, I considered turning around, retreating back to the safety of the cafe where Luna’s comforting presence would shield me.

But a quiet, insistent voice urged me forward.

It was as if an invisible force was pushing me, guiding me toward him.

So, cautiously, I took a deep breath and stepped off the curb, crossing the street toward my apartment where he was waiting.

As I walked, I kept my eyes fixed on the pavement, counting each step as if it could somehow ground me in the reality of the moment.

One, two, three . . .

The sounds of the city faded into the background, replaced by the pounding of my pulse in my ears. I focused on the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground, trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach.

When I finally looked up, I was standing right in front of him, and the proximity practically had my breath stalling in my lungs.

He slowly pulled off his sunglasses, revealing eyes that were so familiar yet so different.

His beautiful blue eyes, once clouded with pain and weariness, now shone brightly, full of life.

The dark, swollen redness that used to linger within them was gone, replaced by a healthy, vibrant glow.

He looked... good. No, he looked better than good—he looked like the person I always hoped he could be.

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. A thousand things I wanted to say raced through my mind, but all I could manage was a whispered “Hi.”