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The minute I open the bathroo than nize it as Hawke’s With one foot across the threshold of the bathroom and one foot still inside, I freeze…a momentary lapse in motion so I can contemplate what to do

I can jet into o on just as well in either place

Or I can go out there, because curiosity has the better ofHawke

I wince, duck h no one can see, and take a step into the hallway Despite everything I just promised Avery, and despite all the ways in which our history has fucked both of us up, I can’t help but want to see him

But I’ll play it cool

Act surprised to see him

Sit on the opposite end of the couch from him and pretend indifference as I paint my nails

I’ll reinforce to him that all we’ll ever share is apast that is just…well, in the past

Chapter 17

Hawke

I hear the bathroom door open behind me and can’t help the tension in my shoulders This is either a smart s as they are with Vale The last two days it’s been gnawing atI purposely visited Dave at the hospital early yesterdayto avoid a run-in with Vale It was cowardly, but until I could process as really happening inside a, still a little high off the win last night with a shorthanded goal compliments of yours truly, a clarity that was more crystal than a Waterford vase see I knehat needed to be done where Vale was concerned

I didn’t dwell on the implications, I didn’t hesitate in my actions In fact, I called Dave once he was home from the hospital and told him what my plan was Well…I told him part of what my plan was The other part a father doesn’t need to know about his daughter