When Our Worlds Stand Still (Our Worlds #3)(71)

“That’s all Kennedy.” I hold up my hands in front of me, giving her full credit.

“You didn’t know about the book?”

“Not until I saw it.” I shake my head.

“I mentioned to Kennedy that she’d be a good candidate for foster care. If she’s ever ready to do something like that. It can be hard, but it’s a fulfilling process.” She glances up from the file. “Same goes for you. Food for thought, Graham.”

“I wouldn’t know how to be a dad, Betty.” I stare at the floor and fight my own memories. “Will you tell Ben I had to leave early, but I’ll make sure to come by tomorrow?”

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Betty apologizes. Her eyes grow sympathetic. “Graham.”

The walls are closing in on me. I wave off her apology as if it’s no big deal, but inside, my lungs heave. It takes every ounce of strength I have not to run outside.

When the fresh spring air hits my face, I find some relief. I understand what Betty is saying. I even know why she’s saying it. What she doesn’t understand is the idea of me being a father figure to anyone feels foreign. The thought has never crossed my mind.

*****

The next morning when I wake up, Betty’s words are still thick in my mind. The house is quiet when I slink down to grab a quick breakfast. Unlike me, the rest of them don’t have a class before ten in the morning. My first class is at eight. Not exactly the smartest decision.

I drive to campus, and when I park, I shoot Kennedy a quick good morning text. Tucking my phone into my pocket, I walk through campus to the building where my psych class is held. Ashlee sits on the brick steps outside the building. Her sheepish expression is reserved for me.

“I don’t have time this morning, Ashlee.” I walk past her.

“Hear me out,” she begs, rushing to block my way.

“You tried to jeopardize my relationship. We have nothing to say to each other.” I storm past her into the building.

Before practice, I head to the gym. After yesterday and my run in with Ashlee this morning, a hard, cleansing sweat is needed. So what if she feels bad? She put me in a position where I could’ve lost Kennedy, and I have no desire to listen to a word she has to say.

A long run on the treadmill and some heavy weights are exactly what I need to clear my mind for a productive practice. By the time I shower afterwards and drive home, I’ve missed two calls from Kennedy. She answers on the first ring.

“What’s up?” I say. “I was at the gym and practice.”

“Do you think you can come to the city next weekend?” she asks, a thread of excitement in her words.

“I’d love to, but I have games that weekend, babe, and I’m already coming this weekend for your performance.”

“Okay.” Disappointment floods her voice.

“What’s going on?

“Nothing, really. I have a thing for group session, but don’t worry about it. It’s not a big deal. There’ll be other opportunities,” she rambles without pausing for breath.

“Are you sure? If it’s important, I can try to swing it, depending on what time it is.”

“No, don’t worry about it.” Her deep sigh is filled with regret. “I’m heading into work now. Is it okay if I call you when I’m out?”

“Of course it is. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” And she hangs up.

Something different about her voice sets me on edge. She may have said it wasn’t important, but I know there’s a reason she wants me to come, but she won’t tell me. I pull up my contact list and push Violet’s name.

“Hel-looo?” she answers. She sounds so confused, I almost laugh.

“Are you with Kennedy?” I ask.

“No, she left for work almost twenty minutes ago.”

“Okay, good. Do you know about something happening with her group next weekend?”

“No, should I?” A guy speaks in the background. A guy who’s not Dan. She shushes him, but forgets to cover the receiver. “Is that all you needed?”

“Violet.” My voice lowers. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

“Is. That. All. You. Needed?” she barks.

“Yeah, but I’d be an asshole if I didn’t say anything. Dan’s one of my best friends. I understand if you’re going through something you can’t explain to anyone, but let me leave you with something.”

“I’m listening.” Her bored tone lets me know I need to make it quick before she hangs up on me.

“Two days, two months, two years from now, imagine you run into Dan. He’s with someone new. When you picture that day in your head, does your chest ache? If the answer is yes, tell whoever the fuck that is to leave. You’ll regret it. Trust me.”

“Mind your own business, Graham.”

“I’m just trying to be a good friend.”

“You don’t understand,” she whispers. The sadness in her voice is hard to hear.

“I don’t? Loving Kennedy is the scariest thing I’ve ever done. Nothing is guaranteed. She and I are the perfect example of the sentiment. Don’t do anything you can’t take back. That’s all I’m saying.”

I push end. I’m torn between a sense of guilt and relief. For once, Kennedy and I aren’t the ones struggling. With that thought, I reverse out the driveway. Since I don’t have class tomorrow, and practice isn’t until the afternoon, I make the trip to see someone who could use a friend right now.