What a lame excuse.
Aubrey knew it too.
“Brent,” she began, biting her lip like she always does when she’s upset or worried. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
That one caught me by surprise, and I blurted out, “Second thoughts about what? The wedding?”
“Yes.” She looked sad. “But also about marrying me in general?”
Is she fucking crazy?
“Are you kidding me?” I exclaimed.
Dejected, she murmured, “No.”
I took her in my arms, wrapping her up in the biggest, warmest hug I could muster, and told her, “Fuck no, Aubrey. I’m not having a single doubt about anything to do with you. You know I love you more than life itself. In fact, I wouldn’t want to live my life without you. So no, I’m not having second thoughts.”
I promised her then that I’d get my head sorted out.
That’s why I’m here and not out with her tasting cakes.
But still, it’s no good.
I’m no further along than I was before.
Frustrated, I take aim at the new line of pucks.
One, two, three, four, five…
Again, like last time, every last one of the rubber discs sails into the net.
I skate up the ice then.
And back down.
I even ice a few pucks along the way.
But in the end, the only thing feeling “iced” is me.
3
Chocolate Resolve
Aubrey
“Ooh, I love this one,” Lainey exclaims, licking her lips. “You have to try it, Aubrey.”
I stare blankly at my sister as she waves a forkful of red velvet cake in front of my face.
I’m off somewhere else in my head, fretting.
Shit, I’m turning into Brent.
The waving continues, the fork a blur, as Lainey sings, “Aubrey, earth to Aubrey.”
I shake my head, snapping to attention.
“Sorry, I was just—” Lainey shoves the cake into my mouth.