The cheers were loud and seeing all the guys run up and down the court only made Luke feel sick. It was a sight he hated, a sight he explained to Scarlett. Something heâd hoped heâd never have to be forced to watch again. Nothing against the guys actually playing, he just remembered those jerks. Those guys who took what they wanted from who they wanted and walked on streets paved of gold. The ones who held their heads high. Who hurt the only friend he had before leaving Wyoming.
He ached, and at this point, when the crowd stood when their team made a basket, Luke just kept sitting, earning him a few off glances. He just needed to get out. He mutters to Scarlett as he pushes through the group. The cheering grew softer and softer as everything else was quiet. Barely anyone was in the actual building outside the arena. Luke found his way to the stairwell, where it was quiet, and he took a seat on the steps. Pulling out his phone, he flipped through his contacts.Â
The photos was years old at this point, but Marney looked vibrant and fun. She didnât look to have pain behind her eyes, which Lucas knew now that she had. He hadnât spoken to her in years. He didnât even know if she had the same number. No texts, no calls, not even Facebook. Nothing. It was like they never knew each other. Right now, though, he ached for her voice and he wanted her to hold his hand and tell him theyâd be alright. Like she did. That they were better than their fucking town and theyâd make it out. That theyâd be happy. Didnât matter if it was together or not, theyâd make it in their own ways. Luke just hated he never got to say the same things back to her. She needed it more than him.
He took the chance, he pressed the âcallâ button and held his cell to his ear, leaning his head against the wall, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. He broke though, hearing her voice. Firmer, clearly older. âLuke?â She said, clearly shocked.
So he was still in her phone, too. âHey, Mar.â He shakes, sniffing a little and rubbing his jaw.Â
There was silence, and he didnât know how she was reacting. If she was crying, too, or she was angry, or if she was happy. It was mutual. That they never talked again after he found out she was alive. Just barely. She left for treatment and he left for California before sheâd gotten out. He just couldnât take Wyoming without her. âWhy you calling?â It might have been some time but she still slurred her words.
âThis school... I got dragged to a basketball game. I canât fucking stand it, Marney, and no one gets it. I canât fucking watch them without wanting to yell. Iâm so sorry.â He breaks. âI wanted to do more for you. If Iâd known what they did to you I could have helped. I miss you so much. Iâm so sorry.â
Thereâs another pause, and he wonders if sheâs hung up. âI love you, Luke Stewart. I never stopped. Those fucking dicks on the court might have taken a part of me Iâll never get back but you got something far more important. You can be in Wyoming or fuckinâ Paris and in fifteen years you could suddenly call and youâd still have me. Donât hate yourself, kid.â He hears a sniff from her, and he gives the slightest hint of a smile. âI did a lot of things wrong. We both did.â
Running his hand over his cheeks, he sighed. âI wish you were here, Mar. Youâd love it. I mean, mostly I just want you back here for me, but still.â He laughs for himself. âMaybe we could have loved each other. Had it all been different.â
âWe live like that, ân youâre left bitter, Luke. More than you already are. Donât start thinkinâ like that. How is life... wherever you are?â She changed the subject, and he felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. It was so good just to hear her voice. To have her again. Like they were driving down the dark roads all over again.














