Juicy Rebound (IceCats 1)

“I have been a mess these four years. When you were in Philly, I wanted to go up there and steal you back. When you left Drew, I wanted to search for you, but everyone said to give you space.”

I don’t know what I would have done if she had come for me at the beginning. I had been so in love with Drew; I really thought it would get better. I know if she’d come and had seen the bruises on my body, the bloody lip, and all the other injuries, she would have freaked. Would I have left him? I don’t know, but I’m glad she didn’t show up when I came here. I needed the space, and I needed to heal.

“I know you felt alone but, baby, I felt the same. I have been lost without you, and I hate that I hurt you. You’re my baby girl, and the guilt is all-consuming, knowing that I ruined that relationship.”

“You didn’t ruin it,” I whisper. As much as she hurt me, she is my mom and I love her. Four years of stubbornness on my part and hers doesn’t erase the nineteen years of love and guidance she gave me before. She is the best mom, and she loved me wholeheartedly. I know that now, but back then, I didn’t. “I’m still yours.”

When a sob leaves her mouth, I cover mine to keep my own in.

“I love you, Amelia.”

“I love you.”

Our sobs mingle together, and I wish she were here. I want my mom.

“Tell me everything, Amelia Grace. Fill me in on these last four years.”

My heart clenches in my chest. “You should come visit,” I say instead.

“I’ll leave now,” she says, and I laugh.

“Seriously, Mom.”

“I am serious. I can be on the first flight. You say the word.”

“Please?”

“Done. Let me see if I can steal Elli’s plane.”

I couldn’t be happier, I really couldn’t. But I’m certain what she wants to know, and I have to figure out what I’m going to tell her.

Because no one can ever find out that Drew laid a hand on me.

Chapter Seven

Chandler

I haven’t seen or heard from Amelia in three days, and if I’m honest, I’m yearning to see her. I’ve been at the coffee shop every morning and afternoon trying to see if she’s around. Finally, yesterday, I asked, and her manager said he didn’t know when she’d be back. That she has personal things going on. I have no clue what that means, and I’ve had to basically stay at Nico’s to keep myself from going over to her house to check on her.

I don’t know what she would say. Would it be weird? Would she think I’m crazy? I feel we truly connected the other day on the beach. We shared and talked about both our failed marriages, but then she went radio silent. It’s insane and more than a bit frustrating. I want to see her, I want to talk to her, and God, I want to touch her. Even if it’s only a simple brush of our hands or a hug, I crave it. Her. I crave her. I think I might have it bad for her. But then, I had it bad for her in college, so I don’t know why I’m surprised by my feelings now. They hit me pretty hard. I’m unsure if it’s lust, infatuation, or more, but in a way, I don’t care.

I just want her.

I really should be paying attention to what my dad is saying, but my thoughts are completely and utterly stolen by Amelia. Maybe I should text Ryan?

“I was convinced the shot was going in at that point.”

When my mom sets a glass of sweet tea in front of me, I smile up at her. “Thanks, Mom.” She cups my face, patting it lightly before I glance back at my dad. “I thought it would too, but Tampa’s goalie is a beast.”

“But you’re better,” he says with a wink before taking a long drink of his sweet tea. My dad has always been my biggest fan. While my mom is too, she wasn’t as hard on me and didn’t push me to work harder. She spoiled me, loved me, and always made Dad’s harsh words a little kinder. Good cop, bad cop is how they raised me, and I couldn’t be any more grateful.

“When’s the next game?” Mom asks as she leans back in her chair, laying her legs across my dad’s lap. Even after thirty years of marriage, my parents are completely in love. I want that so badly; I just have to find a girl who wants it too.

“Tuesday. Then we go on a road trip.”

“I told you that, Lizzy. We’re going on this one.”

Mom glances to Dad and then nods. “Oh yeah, West Coast?”

“Yup. You guys going to hit the beach?”