Chapter 19
He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and his usually perfect hair a mess – like he
hadn’t slept in days.
“Henry? What are you doing in New York?” Standing there in his Minnesota Gophers hockey jacket, he looked completely out of place among the classical music students hurrying to rehearsals with
instrument cases.
“Wanted to see your school. See how you’re doing out here.” His voice was rough, like he’d been practicing this moment but still wasn’t ready.
I kept my tone deliberately light, casual. “It’s amazing here! The music scene is incredible – there are these amazing chamber performances downtown. You should definitely check them out while you’re in town.”
He shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Can’t you… show me around? Just once? For old times‘ sake?”
Before I could figure out how to let him down gently, another voice cut in.
“Sorry, man, but she’s already got plans. You’ll have to get in line.” Jake appeared beside me, violin case in hand, positioning himself protectively between us, his conservatory–trained poise a stark contrast to Henry’s athletic intensity.
The tension crackled as they sized each other up – Marco with his elegant posture and refined mannerisms, Henry with his broad shoulders and hockey player’s stance. Classical musician meeting ice hockey enforcer.
“You came back to campus early for him?” Henry’s voice had an edge I couldn’t quite place. Jealousy? Hurt? After all these years of him taking me for granted, it was almost funny.
I saw no reason to explain myself anymore. That part of our story was over. “Sorry, Henry, but we’ve got reservations. Let’s go, Jake.”
I nudged Jake, who seemed reluctant to move, still locked in some unspoken guy–code standoff. “Come on, Tchaikovsky won’t play himself, and Professor Abramson will kill us if we’re late again.”
Jake finally let me pull him away, but not before shooting one last challenging look at Henry – the kind that clearly said “she’s moved on.”
16:11
Offside with My Step Brother: Hockey Star Refuses to Accept My Goodbye
16.8
Chapter 19
At the crosswalk, I couldn’t help glancing back. Henry stood alone at the gates, a shadow under the
palm trees, looking more lost than I’d ever seen him. The golden boy who’d always had everything
suddenly realizing some things couldn’t be won back with a charming smile.
For a moment, my heart twisted with an old, familiar ache. Then the sound of distant violins caught my attention, and I stepped forward into my new life, leaving the past where it belonged.
